Ho Chi Minh City vs Zanzibar City: cost of living for digital nomads
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Zanzibar City, Tanzania, 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 Zanzibar City for a month of nomad living ($1,150 vs $1,200).
- Ho Chi Minh City scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Ho Chi Minh City: 90 Mbps typical against 28 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Ho Chi Minh City wins 6 of the measured lines; Zanzibar City wins 1.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Zanzibar City?
Ho Chi Minh City is cheaper: about $1,150/month against $1,200/month in Zanzibar City, roughly 4% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Ho Chi Minh City or Zanzibar City?
Ho Chi Minh City scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Zanzibar City.
Which has faster internet, Ho Chi Minh City or Zanzibar City?
Ho Chi Minh City has faster typical internet: 90 Mbps against 28 Mbps in Zanzibar City.
| Line | Ho Chi Minh City | Zanzibar City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,150 | $1,200 |
| Rent | $500 | $500 |
| Food | $320 | $300 |
| Transport | $40 | $60 |
| Coworking | $110 | $120 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 90 | 28 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | inland | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Zanzibar City
Island nomad scene around Paje/Jambiani; relaxed and warm.
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): Ho Chi Minh City November 6, 2026, Zanzibar City November 3, 2026.