With a Cost of Living Index of 26.2 (NYC=100), Vietnam is very affordable. Groceries (31.9) and restaurant prices (15.7) are notably low.

The property price to income ratio is very high at 32.7 years, indicating an expensive market for property ownership. However, the Rent Index is 9.3, suggesting rentals are very affordable compared to NYC.

The Purchasing Power Index is 45.9 (NYC=100), indicating relatively low buying power. This suggests that while living costs are low, average incomes are also modest.

Vietnam has a progressive personal income tax for residents (5-35%) and a flat 20% for non-residents on Vietnam-sourced income. The standard VAT is 10%, but a temporary 8% rate is in effect for many goods and services until December 2026. There is no annual residential property tax, but a 2% property transfer tax applies.

Vietnam's startup ecosystem is growing, ranking #55 globally in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. It features approximately 3,800 active startups, with government support for innovation. Challenges include regulatory clarity and access to early-stage capital.

Vietnam operates a compulsory social insurance system covering pensions, sick leave, maternity, and unemployment benefits for formal sector employees. Expats typically use private healthcare due to public system limitations, though foreign employees are increasingly included in social insurance.

Deposits are protected by the Deposit Insurance of Vietnam (DIV) up to VND 125 million (approx. USD 4,800) per depositor per institution. The banking sector is strengthening with ongoing Basel III implementation. However, Vietnam is on the FATF grey list for AML deficiencies, despite active efforts to address them.