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Complete side-by-side comparison of Malaysia and Vietnam for digital nomads and remote workers.
Malaysia is 7% more affordable than Vietnam, with a cost of living index of 9 compared to 10 (NYC = 100). Vietnam scores higher on safety (60 vs 52/100). Malaysia has stronger healthcare infrastructure (index 71 vs 62).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
Malaysia is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 9 versus 10 for Vietnam (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 7% 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 23. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $3.80 in Malaysia versus $1.93 in Vietnam. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
Vietnam ranks higher for safety with an index of 60/100, compared to 52/100 for Malaysia. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in Malaysia scores 71/100 versus 62/100 in Vietnam. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Malaysia with a pollution index of 61 versus 84. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Malaysia has a higher GDP per capita at $12,091 versus $4,649 in Vietnam. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 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 Malaysia 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 168. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Malaysia is 7% more affordable than Vietnam. The cost of living index is 9 vs 10 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Vietnam has a higher safety index of 60/100 compared to 52/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Malaysia ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 71/100 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 Malaysia. 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.