Cost of Living for Foreigners in Da Nang: A Comprehensive Guide

Da Nang, Vietnam’s rapidly growing coastal city, has become a popular destination for expats and digital nomads in recent years. With its beautiful beaches, modern infrastructure, friendly locals, and affordable lifestyle, Da Nang offers an attractive option for foreigners looking to relocate or stay long-term in Southeast Asia. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of living for foreigners in Da Nang, including housing, food, transportation, and other essentials.

Accommodation Costs in Da Nang

Accommodation is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost of living in Da Nang, and options range from budget apartments to luxurious beachfront villas. The price of housing largely depends on the location, type of property, and length of the rental agreement.

Types of Accommodation

• Studio Apartments: For a single person or couple, studio apartments in the city center or near the beach are a popular and affordable option. Prices for a small, fully furnished studio typically range from $300 to $500 USD per month.
• One- to Two-Bedroom Apartments: A modern one-bedroom apartment in a central location or near My Khe Beach will usually cost between $400 and $800 USD per month. Larger, two-bedroom apartments can range from $600 to $1,200 USD per month, depending on the amenities and proximity to popular areas.
• Luxury Apartments & Villas: For those seeking a more luxurious lifestyle, high-end condos or villas with ocean views can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD per month. These properties often come with amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and 24/7 security.

Additional Costs

• Utilities: Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, typically add an additional $50 to $100 USD per month, depending on usage.
• Cleaning Services: Many expats choose to hire a cleaner for around $20 to $30 USD per week.

Food and Dining in Da Nang

One of the greatest benefits of living in Da Nang is the variety and affordability of food. Whether you prefer local Vietnamese cuisine or international dishes, Da Nang offers something for every taste and budget.

Eating Out

• Local Vietnamese Food: Street food and small local restaurants offer incredibly affordable options. A meal at a local restaurant or street vendor typically costs between $1 to $3 USD. Popular dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) or banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) can be found at these prices.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: A meal at a casual sit-down restaurant offering Vietnamese or Asian cuisine will cost around $4 to $8 USD per person. Western food at mid-range restaurants tends to be slightly more expensive, around $6 to $12 USD per meal.
• Fine Dining: For upscale dining, expect to pay $20 to $50 USD for a full meal, especially at restaurants offering international cuisine, such as Italian, French, or Japanese.

Groceries

For those who prefer to cook at home, grocery prices in Da Nang are affordable, especially when shopping at local markets. Imported goods and Western products, however, can be more expensive.

• Local Markets: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats at local markets are inexpensive. A week’s worth of groceries from a market typically costs around $20 to $40 USD.
• Supermarkets: For international products, supermarkets like Big C or Lotte Mart offer a wider variety. Expect to pay $50 to $100 USD per week for groceries if purchasing imported goods.

Transportation Costs in Da Nang

Getting around Da Nang is affordable and convenient. While the city doesn’t have a metro system, there are plenty of options for short-term and long-term transportation.

Motorbike Rental and Purchase

• Rental: Many expats and tourists choose to rent motorbikes to navigate the city. Motorbike rental costs around $50 to $70 USD per month, while daily rentals are approximately $5 to $10 USD.
• Purchase: If you’re planning to stay long-term, buying a motorbike might be a cost-effective option. A second-hand motorbike costs around $300 to $600 USD, depending on the brand and condition.
• Fuel: Gasoline is inexpensive, costing around $2 to $4 USD per week, depending on usage.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps

• Taxis: Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced, with fares starting at $1.50 USD and additional charges based on distance. A 10-minute ride typically costs around $2 to $4 USD.
• Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber): Grab is a popular option for getting around Da Nang. A Grab motorbike ride starts at around $1 USD, while a Grab car for a short ride costs approximately $2 to $5 USD.

Public Transportation

Public buses are also available, though they are less commonly used by expats due to their limited routes and schedules. A bus ride costs around $0.50 to $1 USD.

Entertainment and Leisure

Da Nang offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer exploring nature or enjoying the city’s nightlife, here’s a breakdown of typical costs.

• Beaches: Da Nang is home to some of Vietnam’s best beaches, and access is free. My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, and Son Tra Peninsula are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Gyms and Fitness: Gym memberships in Da Nang are affordable, ranging from $20 to $50 USD per month, depending on the facilities. Many upscale apartment complexes also include gym access.
• Cafes and Coffee: Da Nang’s cafe culture is thriving, and enjoying a cup of coffee or smoothie is inexpensive. A typical coffee at a local cafe costs around $1.50 to $3 USD.
• Bars and Nightlife: Da Nang’s nightlife is growing, and drinks at a bar or nightclub are reasonably priced. Expect to pay $2 to $5 USD for a local beer and $4 to $8 USD for a cocktail.

Healthcare Costs

Da Nang has a variety of healthcare options, ranging from local clinics to international hospitals. Medical care in Da Nang is generally affordable and accessible for foreigners.

• Local Clinics: For minor health concerns, local clinics charge $10 to $20 USD for a consultation.
• Private Hospitals: Da Nang has several private and international-standard hospitals where consultation fees range from $30 to $100 USD, depending on the specialty and type of treatment.
• Health Insurance: Many expats choose to purchase private health insurance, which costs between $500 and $1,500 USD per year, depending on the level of coverage and provider.

Miscellaneous Expenses

• Mobile Phone and Internet: Mobile phone plans in Vietnam are cheap. A basic plan with data and calls costs around $5 to $10 USD per month. High-speed home internet is also affordable, typically costing around $10 to $20 USD per month.
• Visa Fees: For long-term stays, expats must factor in visa fees. The cost of a tourist visa ranges from $25 to $50 USD for a single-entry visa, while long-term visas or business visas are more expensive and vary depending on duration and sponsorship.

Overall Monthly Budget

The cost of living in Da Nang for foreigners varies depending on lifestyle choices, but here’s a rough estimate for a monthly budget:

• Budget Lifestyle: $700 to $1,000 USD per month (modest apartment, local food, motorbike rental)
• Mid-Range Lifestyle: $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month (comfortable apartment, dining out, fitness memberships)
• Luxury Lifestyle: $1,500 to $3,000+ USD per month (luxury condo, fine dining, private transport)

Conclusion on living costs in da nang

Da Nang offers an affordable and comfortable lifestyle for foreigners, whether you’re a retiree, digital nomad, or long-term expat. With its low cost of living, beautiful surroundings, and friendly atmosphere, Da Nang continues to attract people from all over the world. Whether you’re seeking a beachside condo or a budget apartment, the city provides a range of options that suit various lifestyles and budgets, making it an ideal destination for expats and travelers alike.