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Complete side-by-side comparison of South Korea and Vietnam for digital nomads and remote workers.
Vietnam is 39% more affordable than South Korea, with a cost of living index of 10 compared to 16 (NYC = 100). South Korea scores higher on safety (71 vs 60/100). South Korea has stronger healthcare infrastructure (index 83 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 16 for South Korea (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 39% 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 41. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $6.84 in South Korea versus $1.93 in Vietnam. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
South Korea ranks higher for safety with an index of 71/100, 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 South Korea scores 83/100 versus 62/100 in Vietnam. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in South Korea with a pollution index of 57 versus 84. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Vietnam has a more established digital nomad scene with 3 popular nomad cities, while South Korea 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 143. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Vietnam is 39% more affordable than South Korea. The cost of living index is 10 vs 16 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
South Korea has a higher safety index of 71/100 compared to 60/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
South Korea ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 83/100 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 South Korea. 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.