International Living experts have visited each country to find out how much a retiree needs to spend each month, down to every liter of milk, bottle of beer or movie ticket. Accordingly, Vietnam is highly appreciated for its quality of life at a very reasonable cost. In the Global Retirement Index 2022, Vietnam's top index is "Cost of Living" with a high score of 96/100 points, the highest in the world.
According to the organization, Vietnam has friendly locals, beautiful scenery, a unique culture and a high quality lifestyle at surprisingly low costs. An expat couple can live in a modern, fully furnished apartment in a good area, eat out regularly, enjoy plenty of travel and more on a budget that rarely exceeds $1,500 per month.
Foreign visitors experience Vietnamese culinary culture
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Entertainment services in Vietnam are considered by International Living to be a "bargain" for foreigners: "See the latest Hollywood blockbuster in the theater for $4, or visit a great museum for just $2 or $3. Fitness clubs also have many promotions if you buy by the year, averaging only about $25/month."
“I usually buy my fruits, vegetables and meat at the local wet market,” says Wendy Justice, Southeast Asia expert for International Living. “In the big supermarkets that are in every city in the country, the prices for these items will be a little higher.”
In addition, Vietnamese cuisine is considered the freshest and healthiest in the world, which is also a strong tourist attraction. “A bowl of famous Vietnamese pho or a banh mi with meat, eggs, pate, vegetables… costs only about 1.5 USD on average,” the expert added.
In December 2021, Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang, Vietnam) was also voted by International Living as one of the top 15 best islands in the world for retirement. "Phu Quoc Island is a great place for retirees and adventurers. Parks and reserves occupy most of the area here, with more than 20 beaches scattered throughout the island... Phu Quoc has everything a resort paradise needs; with the natural beauty of mountains, jungle trails, coral reefs and stunning beaches" - International Living described.
