What’s the Cheapest City in Vietnam to Stay in or Live Like a Local?

For decades, Vietnam has drawn travelers with its sweeping coastlines, buzzing cities, mouthwatering cuisine, and famously low cost of living. Backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term expatriates often ask the same question: what’s the cheapest city in Vietnam to stay in or even live like a local?

The answer isn’t just about finding bargain accommodation—it’s about balancing cost, lifestyle, and overall quality of life. While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have their charms, they are larger metropolises where the pace of life (and sometimes the prices) can feel overwhelming. In contrast, Da Nang has consistently emerged as one of the most affordable and livable cities in Vietnam. With its relaxed vibe, vibrant expat community, beautiful beaches, and wallet-friendly daily expenses, Da Nang offers the sweet spot between affordability and comfort.

Let’s dive into why Da Nang often ranks as the best—and cheapest—city to stay in Vietnam if you want to live like a local.

Why Da Nang?

Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang is the country’s fourth-largest city yet feels far more relaxed than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Nestled between verdant mountains and the turquoise waters of the East Sea, Da Nang is known for its clean streets, modern infrastructure, and easygoing lifestyle.

Unlike Hanoi’s centuries-old hustle or Saigon’s non-stop buzz, Da Nang blends modern conveniences with a more balanced pace of life. It’s a city where you can start your day with a steaming bowl of mì Quảng for less than $1.50, hop on a rented scooter for under $50 a month, spend the afternoon working in a riverside café for the price of a $2 iced coffee, and then end the evening with fresh seafood on the beach for under $10.

This combination of affordability and quality of life makes Da Nang especially appealing for budget travelers, digital nomads, and retirees alike.

The Cost of Living in Da Nang

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect if you stay or settle down in Da Nang:

1. Accommodation

• Budget hostels: $5–10 per night.
• Mid-range hotels: $15–25 per night.
• Monthly rentals (apartments or studio): $200–400 for a furnished space with Wi-Fi, often within walking distance to the beach.
• Shared houses: As low as $100–150 per month if you’re open to living like a student or sharing with others.

Compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang’s rental market is still less inflated, especially outside peak summer tourist season.

2. Food & Drinks

Vietnamese cuisine is famously inexpensive, and Da Nang is no exception.

• Street food: A hearty bánh mì sandwich for about $1, a steaming bowl of phở or mì Quảng for $1.50–2.
• Local restaurants: $3–5 for a satisfying meal.
• Seafood dinner on the beach: $6–10 per person.
• Western restaurants & cafes: $5–8 per dish, still far cheaper than most global destinations.
• Coffee culture: A Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) for just $1–2, with trendy cafes offering Wi-Fi and laptop-friendly vibes.

Eating like a local can keep your food budget well under $10 per day.

3. Transportation

The scooter is king in Da Nang, and it’s shockingly affordable:

• Monthly scooter rental: ~$45–50.
• Fuel: Around $1.20 per liter, with a full tank lasting a week.
• Grab (ride-hailing app): $1–2 for short trips.

For those who prefer walking, many neighborhoods near My Khe Beach or the Han River are compact and pedestrian-friendly.

4. Utilities & Internet

• Electricity & water: $40–60 per month for an average apartment.
• Internet & phone: High-speed fiber internet costs about $10–15 per month, and local SIM cards with generous data packages are under $5.

5. Leisure & Lifestyle

• Gym memberships: $20–30 per month.
• Movie tickets: $3–4.
• Day trips (e.g., Marble Mountains or Hoi An): $10–20, including transportation.
• Weekend getaways: Cheap domestic flights connect Da Nang with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, often under $50 round-trip if booked in advance.

Overall, a modest but comfortable lifestyle in Da Nang costs $600–800 per month for an individual. Couples often live on $1,000–1,200 while enjoying extras like frequent dining out and weekend adventures.

How Da Nang Compares to Other Cities

Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital is packed with history and culture, but daily life can feel chaotic. Accommodation in the Old Quarter or Tay Ho (expat district) is more expensive than Da Nang, with monthly rents often ranging $300–600. Food is similarly cheap, but traffic congestion and pollution add non-monetary “costs.”

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon is Vietnam’s economic hub and offers endless opportunities for work and entertainment. However, the cost of living here is higher—rents average $400–700 for apartments in popular expat districts like District 1 or District 7. While nightlife is unrivaled, traffic, noise, and higher daily expenses make Saigon less ideal for those seeking budget living.

Hoi An

Just 30 km south of Da Nang, Hoi An is another favorite among long-term expats. It’s smaller, quieter, and incredibly charming with its lantern-lit streets. However, because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, rents and prices for Western conveniences can be slightly inflated compared to Da Nang.

Hue

Hue is Vietnam’s historic imperial city and offers very low living costs, sometimes even cheaper than Da Nang. But its slower pace and limited job opportunities make it better for retirees or those seeking a deeply local immersion rather than a balanced expat lifestyle.

The Expat Appeal of Da Nang

Da Nang isn’t just cheap—it’s comfortable. The city has:

• A growing international airport with direct flights to major Asian hubs.
• A strong expat community, with meetups, coworking spaces, and English-speaking locals.
• Clean, swimmable beaches like My Khe and Non Nuoc.
• Easy access to nearby destinations: Hoi An (30 minutes), Ba Na Hills (45 minutes), and Hue (2 hours).

This combination of modern amenities and affordability makes Da Nang ideal not just for short-term travelers but also for digital nomads and long-term residents looking for a base in Southeast Asia.

Tips to Live Like a Local in Da Nang

1. Eat street food daily – Skip Western chains and enjoy local gems. Not only is it cheaper, but it also connects you to Vietnamese culture.
2. Rent long-term – Negotiate with landlords for monthly rates instead of paying nightly hotel prices.
3. Use local markets – Fresh produce, seafood, and meat are far cheaper than supermarkets, and the quality is excellent.
4. Learn basic Vietnamese – Even simple phrases can help you get “local prices” and enrich your experience.
5. Get around by scooter – It’s the most economical and flexible way to navigate the city.

Conclusion: The Best City for Budget Living

So, what’s the cheapest city in Vietnam to stay live like a local? While places like Hue or smaller towns may technically edge out Da Nang on certain costs, Da Nang strikes the best balance between affordability, lifestyle, and opportunities.

With daily meals for under $5, scooter rentals at just $45 a month, and monthly rent as low as $200, Da Nang allows travelers and expats to live comfortably without breaking the bank. Add in the beachside location, strong community, and scenic beauty, and it’s easy to see why so many budget-minded travelers call Da Nang the perfect base in Vietnam.

If you’re dreaming of Southeast Asia but worried about costs, Da Nang proves you don’t need to spend much to live well.