Side-by-side city decision # Hoi An vs Vientiane. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Hoi AnVietnam5/6 VS VientianeLaos1/6 $845Hoi An monthly budget $835Vientiane monthly budget 85 MbpsHoi An internet 45 MbpsVientiane internet Decision summary Hoi An Hoi An leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Vientiane Speed Fastest internet Hoi An Vibe Best nomad vibe Hoi An Safety Highest safety Hoi An Air Cleanest air Hoi An Walk Most walkable Hoi An Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Hoi An](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/vietnam/hoi-an.md) Vietnam 5/6 Budget$845 Internet85 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Vientiane](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/laos/vientiane.md) Laos 1/6 Budget$835 Internet45 Mbps Vibe6/10 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 MetricHoi AnVientiane Total estimated budget $845 $835 1-bed center rent $420 $420 Coworking desk $95 $95 Local meal $2.3 $2.5 Cappuccino $2.2 $2.4 Gym membership $28 $35 Transport budget $55 $65 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricHoi AnVientiane Internet speed 85 Mbps 45 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 6/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricHoi AnVientiane Safety index 78/100 68/100 Air quality 68/100 58/100 Walkability 7/10 5/10 Female safety 8/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 5/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricHoi AnVientiane Healthcare quality Good Average English proficiency Average Basic Climate type Tropical monsoon Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Feb - Apr Nov - Feb 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. [Hoi An](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/vietnam/hoi-an.md) Vietnam → ### Strengths * Low everyday costs compared with major regional hubs * Charming UNESCO-listed old town and riverside setting * Strong café culture and reliable fiber internet * Easy access to beaches, rice fields, and Da Nang * Relaxed pace with relatively light traffic * Excellent Vietnamese food and international dining ### Trade-offs * Heavy rain and occasional flooding during wet season * Limited specialist healthcare compared with Da Nang * Tourist crowds can overwhelm the Old Town * Scooter use is often needed beyond the center * Power and internet can be disrupted in major storms * Nightlife is quieter than in larger Vietnamese cities ### Common visa routes * Vietnam e-Visa * Visa exemption for eligible nationalities * Business or work visa with employer sponsorship [Vientiane](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/laos/vientiane.md) Laos → ### Strengths * Low everyday costs compared with major Southeast Asian capitals * Relaxed riverside lifestyle and slow pace * Friendly local culture and low violent-crime risk * Affordable Lao and regional food * Easy access to Thailand via the Nong Khai border * Compact central districts with attractive cafes ### Trade-offs * Internet reliability and speeds can vary by building * Limited coworking, nightlife, and professional networking options * Hot season and wet-season flooding can be uncomfortable * Cash is still essential for many purchases * Healthcare is limited for complex medical needs * Sidewalks, public transit, and pedestrian infrastructure are weak ### Common visa routes * Tourist eVisa or visa on arrival, generally up to 30 days * Tourist visa extension through immigration, subject to current rules * Business visa with employer or sponsor support for longer stays 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.