Ho Chi Minh City

VietnamGMT+7

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

84.1/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

5,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,020/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

75Mbps

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a major hub for digital nomads and expats. Its appeal lies in its affordability, vibrant culture, and robust digital infrastructure. The city offers a low cost of living, with monthly expenses for a single person around $1,020 USD, including housing at $450 USD, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. From affordable housing to cheap street food, digital nomads can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

The city has a thriving expat community and a growing number of digital nomads, estimated at 5,000, providing a support network with numerous meetups and events where like-minded individuals can connect, collaborate, and share experiences. This community is supported by approximately 25 coworking spaces, offering high-speed internet and modern amenities, with median download speeds around 75 Mbps in public work spaces, ensuring reliability for remote work. Whether you prefer the structured environment of a coworking space or the flexibility of working from a cafe, you'll find plenty of options to suit your needs.

Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural melting pot, offering a rich tapestry of history, art, and cuisine. From exploring the bustling markets to enjoying the serene beauty of nearby natural attractions, there's always something new to discover. The tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 29°C year-round and significant rainfall from May to October, supports outdoor activities during the drier months, adding to the lifestyle benefits for nomads and expats.

In summary, Ho Chi Minh City provides an ideal blend of work and play, making it a top choice for those seeking to live and work abroad. Its combination of affordability, connectivity, and community engagement positions it as a leading destination for digital nomads and expats looking for a dynamic and welcoming environment.

Demographics

Population9,816,320
LanguagesVietnamese, English

Location

CountryVietnam
TimezoneGMT+7
Airport to City30 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Shared Minivan, Private Transfer

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa Cost$25
Digital Nomad VisaNot Available

Cost of Living

$1,020
/mo
42.6% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is $1,020, which is 42.6% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$450
44.1% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$70
6.9% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$200
19.6% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$50
4.9% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$150
14.7% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$100
9.8% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Ho Chi Minh City boasts a robust internet infrastructure, with median download speeds of around 75 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces like cafes and libraries, based on recent data from Speedtest by Ookla. Mobile networks support both 4G and 5G, provided by major players like Viettel, VNPT, and FPT. Wi-Fi is widely available in public areas, ensuring reliability for video calls and streaming, though some variability may occur in less central locations.

Ho Chi Minh City hosts an estimated 5,000 digital nomads, supported by a vibrant expat community and approximately 25 coworking spaces. Regular meetups and events foster networking and collaboration, creating a dynamic social scene for remote workers. The city's growing tech scene further enhances its appeal as a nomad hub.

75Mbps
5G
3providers
5,000
Nomads
25+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Tropical
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with warm temperatures averaging 26°C to 29°C year-round. The dry season from November to April offers minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities, while the wet season from May to October brings heavy rains, peaking at 310 mm in September. This consistent warmth and seasonal variation shape the lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.
Temperature Range
26°C - 29°C
Avg: 27°C
Annual Rainfall
1655mm
Monthly Avg: 138mm
Jan
01
26°C
☀️
15 mm
Feb
02
27°C
☀️
10 mm
Mar
03
28°C
☀️
30 mm
Apr
04
29°C
☀️
120 mm
💧
May
05
28°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Jun
06
28°C
☀️
250 mm
💧
Jul
07
27°C
☀️
250 mm
💧
Aug
08
27°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Sep
09
27°C
☀️
310 mm
💧
Oct
10
27°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Nov
11
27°C
☀️
50 mm
Dec
12
26°C
☀️
20 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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