Photo courtesy of VN Express Katie Smith, a 29-year-old from the UK, relocated to Da Nang, Vietnam, attracted by its affordability, scenic beaches, and inexpensive living costs. Once a teaching assistant in the UK, Smith now works as a remote TEFL teacher, living with her boyfriend Dan, 32. The couple spends around £20 a week on groceries and enjoys meals at local markets for as little as £2. Get today's headlines by email Vietnam ranks as the most affordable country according to the 2024 Expat Insider survey by InterNations, with 86% of expatriates finding the cost of living reasonable. After backpacking across Asia, Smith chose to settle in Vietnam last October, escaping the high expenses of the UK. Her previous UK salary was insufficient for sustainable living, prompting her move abroad. Smith enjoys the low cost of personal care in Vietnam, citing affordable prices for manicures and hair treatments compared to the UK. Local markets provide cost-effective alternatives to cooking at home, allowing frequent dining out. Transportation costs remain low, with motorbike rentals and ride-hailing services offering economical travel options. While Da Nang offers many advantages, the city’s regular construction activity poses a minor inconvenience for Smith. Despite this, she appreciates Da Nang's charm, a stark contrast to her brief experience in Hanoi, where pollution and traffic were challenging. Missing family remains difficult, but the lifestyle benefits in Vietnam overshadow the drawbacks. Smith aims to save money before eventually returning to the UK, noting the challenges of renting and homeownership there. Although she finds saving difficult due to low costs and spending habits, budgeting in Vietnam allows the possibility of saving around £800 to £900 monthly, reported VN Express. Join the discussion? Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 20 Mar 2026
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