Durban vs Ho Chi Minh City: cost of living for digital nomads
Durban, South Africa 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
- Ho Chi Minh City is about 4% cheaper than Durban for a month of nomad living ($1,150 vs $1,200).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $480 in Durban against $500 in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ho Chi Minh City scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 5/10).
- Internet is faster in Durban: 110 Mbps typical against 90 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Durban wins 3 of the measured lines; Ho Chi Minh City wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Durban or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is cheaper: about $1,150/month against $1,200/month in Durban, roughly 4% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Durban or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 5/10 for Durban.
Which has faster internet, Durban or Ho Chi Minh City?
Durban has faster typical internet: 110 Mbps against 90 Mbps in Ho Chi Minh City.
| Line | Durban | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,200 | $1,150 |
| Rent | $480 | $500 |
| Food | $320 | $320 |
| Transport | $40 | $40 |
| Coworking | $95 | $110 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 110 | 90 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 6/10 | 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): Durban September 11, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City November 6, 2026.