Da Nang Cost of Living: Complete 2025 Guide for Digital Nomads

Cost of Living Breakdown in Da Nang

Da Nang strikes a perfect balance between beach-town relaxation and modern city convenience. It's small enough to navigate easily (most things are within a 15-minute scooter ride) yet developed enough to have everything a digital nomad needs — reliable internet, comfortable housing, diverse dining, and dedicated coworking spaces.

Apartment Pricing

Rent in Da Nang is remarkably affordable, especially compared to Western cities. A modern one-bedroom apartment near the beach in the popular An Thuong area costs 7–12 million VND ($280–$480 USD) per month. Apartments further from the coast — in Hai Chau or Thanh Khe districts — start from 4–6 million VND ($160–$240). Many buildings are new, well-maintained, and come fully furnished with air conditioning, kitchen, and hot water.

For those seeking luxury, beachfront serviced apartments with ocean views run 15–25 million VND ($600–$1,000). Short-term Airbnb prices are typically 40-70% higher than direct monthly leases. The best approach is to book an Airbnb for your first week, then apartment-hunt in person using Facebook groups and local real estate agents.

Electricity Costs

Electricity is the wildcard in Vietnamese living costs. Vietnam uses a tiered pricing system where the rate per kWh increases with consumption. Heavy air conditioning use during the hot months (May–September) can push monthly bills to 1–2 million VND ($40–$80). During cooler months (November–February), bills may drop to 300,000–600,000 VND ($12–$24). Water is inexpensive at around 100,000 VND/month ($4).

Food Pricing

Vietnamese food is legendary for both its quality and affordability. Local restaurants (quán cơm) serve rice plates with multiple dishes for 25,000–40,000 VND ($1–$1.60). A bowl of phở or bún bò costs 30,000–50,000 VND ($1.20–$2). Bánh mì sandwiches are just 15,000– 25,000 VND ($0.60–$1). Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá) at local cafes runs 15,000–30,000 VND ($0.60–$1.20).

Western food and specialty coffee are more expensive but still affordable: espresso-based drinks at nomad cafes cost 45,000–70,000 VND ($1.80–$2.80), and Western meals run 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–$8). Most nomads spend 4–7 million VND ($160–$280) per month on food, mixing local meals with occasional cafe visits.

Nomad Hotspots

The An Thuong neighborhood has organically become Da Nang's nomad quarter. Within a few walkable blocks, you'll find dozens of work-friendly cafes, international restaurants, rooftop bars, and a strong sense of community. The area is just steps from My Khe Beach, making it easy to combine work with beach walks and surfing sessions.

For dedicated coworking, Enouvo Space has multiple locations with professional facilities. Toong offers a hip, design-forward environment. Monthly coworking memberships range from 1.5–3 million VND ($60–$120), which includes fast internet, meeting rooms, and regular community events.

Comparison: Da Nang vs Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) offers more nightlife, a larger expat community, and a faster pace of life. However, it's approximately 20-30% more expensive, particularly for rent and entertainment. HCMC also contends with significant traffic congestion and noise. Da Nang, by contrast, offers a beach lifestyle with clean air, manageable traffic, and a more relaxed atmosphere — making it the preferred choice for nomads who prioritize work-life balance and nature access.

Frequently Asked Questions