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Complete side-by-side comparison of Philippines and Vietnam for digital nomads and remote workers.
Philippines is 21% more affordable than Vietnam, with a cost of living index of 8 compared to 10 (NYC = 100).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
Philippines is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 8 versus 10 for Vietnam (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 21% 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 20. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $4.10 in Philippines 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 57/100 for Philippines. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in Philippines scores 67/100 versus 62/100 in Vietnam. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Philippines with a pollution index of 72 versus 84. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Vietnam has a higher GDP per capita at $4,649 versus $3,906 in Philippines. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP) 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 Philippines 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 180. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Philippines is 21% more affordable than Vietnam. The cost of living index is 8 vs 10 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Vietnam has a higher safety index of 60/100 compared to 57/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Philippines ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 67/100 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 Philippines. 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.