Indonesia vs Vietnam: Which Is Cheaper?
Indonesia is the cheaper country overall — about 5% less than Vietnam, or roughly $736 versus $771 a month for a single person (population-weighted across 6 and 6 cities). A city-centre one-bedroom averages $332 in Indonesia against $534 in Vietnam. Vietnam rates higher on safety (69 vs 64/100). Internet is faster in Vietnam (269 vs 31 Mbps). Healthcare scores 60 vs 57/100, favouring Vietnam.
Indonesia vs Vietnam at a glance
| Metric | Indonesia | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living / mo | $736 | $771 |
| Rent (1BR, centre) / mo | $332 | $534 |
| Safety | 64/100 | 69/100 |
| Internet | 31 Mbps | 269 Mbps |
| Healthcare | 57/100 | 60/100 |
| Walkability | 35/100 | 58/100 |
| English spoken | 20% | 21% |
| Avg temperature | 87°F | 85°F |
| Digital nomad visa | Yes | No |
Figures are population-weighted averages across 6 cities in Indonesia and 6 in Vietnam.
Cost range by country
In Indonesia, monthly costs run from Yogyakarta at $671 up to Bali (Denpasar) at $1,311.
In Vietnam, monthly costs run from Dalat at $520 up to Ho Chi Minh City at $790.
Indonesia vs Vietnam FAQ
Is Indonesia or Vietnam cheaper to live in?
Indonesia is cheaper — about $736 a month for a single person versus $771 — roughly 5% less.
Is Indonesia or Vietnam safer?
Vietnam scores higher on safety: 69/100 versus 64/100.
Is Indonesia or Vietnam better for retirement?
It depends on priorities: Indonesia is cheaper ($736 vs $771/mo), while Vietnam scores higher on healthcare (60 vs 57/100).
Which is better for digital nomads, Indonesia or Vietnam?
Vietnam has faster internet (269 vs 31 Mbps), but Indonesia stretches a remote income further at $736/mo.
Is Indonesia or Vietnam better to visit?
Indonesia is the more budget-friendly trip at roughly $736 a month for day-to-day costs, while Vietnam edges it on safety (69/100). Both offer plenty of variety — 6 cities in Indonesia and 6 in Vietnam.
Which should you choose?
On balance, Vietnam comes out ahead — it leads on higher safety, faster internet, better healthcare, though Indonesia is cheaper at $736/mo if budget is your top priority.
Choose Indonesia for
- a lower cost of living
- cheaper rent
Choose Vietnam for
- higher safety
- faster internet
- better healthcare
- better walkability