Cost of living in Da Nang for expats
Da Nang is the fastest-growing expat destination in Vietnam, and cost is a big part of the appeal. It combines a long city beach, modern infrastructure, an international airport and a calmer pace than the big cities, for noticeably less than Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Here is what everyday life costs.
Where expats live
Most expats live near the beach in An Thuong and My An, or on the quieter Son Tra peninsula. Hai Chau, across the river, is the more local city centre. Where you live has the biggest effect on your budget, because rent is typically the largest expense.
Rent
A one-bedroom apartment near An Thuong and My Khe beach typically rents for $380–$550 a month. For comparison, a one-bedroom costs $600–$1,500 in Thao Dien, District 1 or Binh Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City, and $700–$1,300 in Tay Ho in Hanoi.
The cost of living calculator in Navigator uses planning estimates of around $480 a month for a mid-range one-bedroom near the beach and around $400 in the city centre. These are estimates, not quotes.
Budget for upfront costs too. Landlords usually ask for a deposit of one or two months and rent paid one to three months in advance, and many buildings charge a monthly management fee. Rents are negotiable, especially on longer leases.
Utilities and internet
The figures below are for Vietnam as a whole, not Da Nang specifically:
- Electricity: $40–$60 a month in cooler months, and $60–$100+ in the hot season with regular air conditioning
- Water: usually under $10 a month
- Fibre internet: around VND 190,000–310,000 ($7–$12) a month
- Mobile plans with data: around VND 60,000–200,000 ($2–$8) a month
Many landlords charge a flat rate for electricity of around VND 3,500–4,000 per kWh, higher than the official EVN tariff, so check your lease.
Getting around
Our sample Da Nang budget assumes two rented motorbikes. Long-term motorbike rental costs around $60–$80 a month. Ride-hailing is cheap too: a short Grab motorbike ride is usually VND 15,000–35,000 ($0.60–$1.40), and a short Grab car ride VND 90,000–140,000 ($3.50–$5.50). Owning a car is expensive because of high import taxes and registration fees.
Food and coffee
Food is great value as long as you eat locally. Again, these are national figures:
- Groceries: around $120–$220 per person a month for local produce, more if you buy imported products
- Street food such as phở or cơm tấm: VND 40,000–60,000 ($1.50–$2.50) a meal
- Mid-range restaurant main course: $7–$12
- Coffee: VND 15,000–25,000 from a street stall, or VND 50,000–80,000 in a speciality café
Western restaurants, imported wine and cheese cost about the same as at home, or more.
Health insurance
Most expats rely on private health insurance. A good regional plan often costs $50–$120 per person a month, depending on age and cover.
Sample monthly budget for two
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| Rent, 2-bed apartment near the beach | $750 |
| Utilities (electricity and water) | $80 |
| Internet and phone | $20 |
| Transport (two rented motorbikes and fuel) | $170 |
| Groceries | $350 |
| Eating out and entertainment | $350 |
| Gym membership for two | $80 |
| Private health insurance for two | $250 |
| Miscellaneous (shopping, beauty and so on) | $120 |
| Total | $2,170 |
This example is directional. Your actual costs will vary with housing, lifestyle and exchange rates. The closer you live to how locals live, the cheaper Vietnam becomes, and in Da Nang a comfortable lifestyle can cost well under $2,000 a month for a couple.
Other things to factor in
- Imported goods and premium apartments are where budgets grow quickly.
- Schools: Da Nang has a smaller number of international schools than Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
- Weather: the central coast has a rainy season from about September to December, when typhoons and flooding can occur.
How XploreVietnam can help
We can help you plan your move to Da Nang. Read our cost of living guide to compare cities and our destinations guide for more on Da Nang and the central coast. To build your own budget, use the cost of living calculator in Navigator, our free planning portal, which also has visa checklists and a pre-arrival checklist.