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Complete side-by-side comparison of Japan and Vietnam for digital nomads and remote workers.
Vietnam is 33% more affordable than Japan, with a cost of living index of 10 compared to 15 (NYC = 100). Japan scores higher on safety (78 vs 60/100). Japan has stronger healthcare infrastructure (index 80 vs 62).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
Vietnam is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 10 versus 15 for Japan (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 33% difference that adds up significantly over months of living abroad.
Rent is often the biggest expense: Vietnam has a rent index of 19 compared to 33. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $6.37 in Japan versus $1.93 in Vietnam. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
Japan ranks higher for safety with an index of 78/100, compared to 60/100 for Vietnam. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in Japan scores 80/100 versus 62/100 in Vietnam. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Japan with a pollution index of 37 versus 84. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Japan has a higher GDP per capita at $33,810 versus $4,649 in Vietnam. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY) while Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Both countries have widely available ATMs and increasing digital payment adoption in urban areas.
Vietnam has a more established digital nomad scene with 3 popular nomad cities, while Japan offers 2 cities. Top picks in Vietnam include Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around is easier in Vietnam with a traffic index of 108 compared to 140. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Vietnam is 33% more affordable than Japan. The cost of living index is 10 vs 15 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Japan has a higher safety index of 78/100 compared to 60/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Japan ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 80/100 versus 62/100. Modern hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available in major cities of both countries. International health insurance is recommended.
Vietnam has a more established digital nomad scene with 3 popular nomad cities compared to 2 in Japan. The best choice depends on your priorities: cost, weather, visa terms, and community size.
Check the dedicated visa guide pages for each country to see current DN visa availability, duration, cost, and requirements. Visa policies can change, so always verify with official sources before traveling.