Chiang Mai vs Ho Chi Minh City: cost of living for digital nomads
Chiang Mai, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Chiang Mai is about 4% cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City for a month of nomad living ($1,100 vs $1,150).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $400 in Chiang Mai against $500 in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Chiang Mai: 210 Mbps typical against 90 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Chiang Mai wins 5 of the measured lines; Ho Chi Minh City wins 0.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Ho Chi Minh City?
Chiang Mai is cheaper: about $1,100/month against $1,150/month in Ho Chi Minh City, roughly 4% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Chiang Mai or Ho Chi Minh City?
Chiang Mai and Ho Chi Minh City score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Chiang Mai or Ho Chi Minh City?
Chiang Mai has faster typical internet: 210 Mbps against 90 Mbps in Ho Chi Minh City.
| Line | Chiang Mai | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,100 | $1,150 |
| Rent | $400 | $500 |
| Food | $320 | $320 |
| Transport | $40 | $40 |
| Coworking | $100 | $110 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 210 | 90 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | inland | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Chiang Mai November 6, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City November 6, 2026.