Side-by-side city decision # Hanoi vs Colombo. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link HanoiVietnam5/6 VS ColomboSri Lanka1/6 $895Hanoi monthly budget $970Colombo monthly budget 145 MbpsHanoi internet 55 MbpsColombo internet Decision summary Hanoi Hanoi leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Hanoi Speed Fastest internet Hanoi Vibe Best nomad vibe Hanoi Safety Highest safety Hanoi Air Cleanest air Colombo Walk Most walkable Hanoi Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Hanoi](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/vietnam/hanoi.md) Vietnam 5/6 Budget$895 Internet145 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Colombo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/sri-lanka/colombo.md) Sri Lanka 1/6 Budget$970 Internet55 Mbps Vibe7/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricHanoiColombo Total estimated budget $895 $970 1-bed center rent $430 $500 Coworking desk $115 $120 Local meal $2.1 $2.5 Cappuccino $2.2 $2.9 Gym membership $32 $35 Transport budget $55 $60 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricHanoiColombo Internet speed 145 Mbps 55 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricHanoiColombo Safety index 72/100 58/100 Air quality 38/100 55/100 Walkability 6/10 5/10 Female safety 7/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 3/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricHanoiColombo Healthcare quality Good Good English proficiency Average Good Climate type Humid subtropical monsoon Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Oct - Apr Jan - Mar Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Hanoi](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/vietnam/hanoi.md) Vietnam → ### Strengths * Very affordable everyday living * Fast and widely available fiber internet * Outstanding street food and coffee culture * Large, active international community * Convenient access to northern Vietnam * Strong choice of serviced apartments ### Trade-offs * Winter air pollution can be severe * Traffic is intense and scooter-heavy * Tap water is not safe to drink * Summer heat and humidity are oppressive * Sidewalks are often blocked by parking and vendors * Long-stay visa options are limited ### Common visa routes * 90-day multiple-entry e-visa * Visa exemption for eligible nationalities * Business or sponsored work visa [Colombo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/sri-lanka/colombo.md) Sri Lanka → ### Strengths * Affordable daily costs compared with many Asian capitals * Warm tropical weather year-round * Good English use in business, hospitality, and services * Excellent access to Sri Lankan food and coastal escapes * Reliable mobile data and improving fiber coverage * Strong private healthcare options ### Trade-offs * Traffic congestion can make short journeys slow * Heat, humidity, and heavy rain can be draining * Sidewalks are inconsistent and pedestrian crossings can feel unsafe * No established digital nomad visa category * Air quality worsens near busy roads and during dry spells * Conservative social attitudes limit LGBTQ+ comfort ### Common visa routes * Tourist ETA: 30-day entry, generally extendable in Sri Lanka * Tourist visa extension: stays can be extended through immigration, subject to current limits * Business visa: suitable for meetings and business activities, not local employment Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.