Colombo vs Hanoi: cost of living for digital nomads
Colombo, Sri Lanka and Hanoi, 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
- Colombo and Hanoi cost about the same per month ($1,050).
- Hanoi scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Hanoi: 90 Mbps typical against 40 Mbps.
- Colombo is tropical; Hanoi is temperate.
Colombo wins 0 of the measured lines; Hanoi wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Colombo or Hanoi?
Colombo and Hanoi cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,050.
Which city is safer, Colombo or Hanoi?
Hanoi scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Colombo.
Which has faster internet, Colombo or Hanoi?
Hanoi has faster typical internet: 90 Mbps against 40 Mbps in Colombo.
| Line | Colombo | Hanoi |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Rent | $450 | $450 |
| Food | $300 | $300 |
| Transport | $40 | $40 |
| Coworking | $90 | $90 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 40 | 90 |
| Climate | tropical | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
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): Colombo November 6, 2026, Hanoi November 9, 2026.