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Complete side-by-side comparison of Thailand and Vietnam for digital nomads and remote workers.
Vietnam is 29% more affordable than Thailand, with a cost of living index of 10 compared to 14 (NYC = 100). Thailand has stronger healthcare infrastructure (index 78 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 14 for Thailand (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 29% 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 27. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $3.17 in Thailand versus $1.93 in Vietnam. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
Thailand ranks higher for safety with an index of 64/100, 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 Thailand scores 78/100 versus 62/100 in Vietnam. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Thailand with a pollution index of 74 versus 84. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Thailand has a higher GDP per capita at $7,527 versus $4,649 in Vietnam. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB) while Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Both countries have widely available ATMs and increasing digital payment adoption in urban areas.
Thailand has a more established digital nomad scene with 4 popular nomad cities, while Vietnam offers 3 cities. Top picks in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan.
Getting around is easier in Vietnam with a traffic index of 108 compared to 167. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Vietnam is 29% more affordable than Thailand. The cost of living index is 10 vs 14 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Thailand has a higher safety index of 64/100 compared to 60/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Thailand ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 78/100 versus 62/100. Modern hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available in major cities of both countries. International health insurance is recommended.
Thailand has a more established digital nomad scene with 4 popular nomad cities compared to 3 in Vietnam. 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.