Vietnam — For the fifth consecutive year, Vietnam has been ranked the most affordable country in the world for expatriates. According to the Expat Insider 2025 survey by InterNations, Vietnam topped the list of 46 destinations in terms of personal finance, reflecting its low cost of living and high satisfaction among foreign residents.
The survey, conducted annually since 2014, gathered insights from more than 10,000 expats representing 172 nationalities. Respondents were asked to evaluate their financial situation, overall cost of living, and whether their household income was sufficient for a comfortable life in their host country. In Vietnam, 89% of expats expressed satisfaction with the cost of living, while 87% said their disposable income was adequate or more than enough—well above the global averages of 40% and 69%.
The top 10 cheapest countries for expats in 2025 are:
- Vietnam
- Colombia
- Panama
- China
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Mexico
- Malaysia
- Brazil
Southeast Asia clearly dominates the ranking, with five countries—Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia—making the list. This reflects the region’s growing reputation as a hub for affordable living, digital nomadism, and long-term relocation. Many expats are drawn not only by low costs but also by cultural richness, warm climates, and expanding international communities.
On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive countries for expats in 2025 include Norway, Australia, Ireland, South Korea, Singapore, Qatar, Turkey, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In these destinations, more than 60% of expats reported dissatisfaction with the cost of living, far above the global average.
The findings highlight a widening gap between affordable and expensive destinations. While Southeast Asia and parts of Latin America continue to attract expats with low costs and high quality of life, advanced economies in Europe, North America, and East Asia face challenges in maintaining affordability. For many professionals and retirees, the 2025 rankings may serve as a guide to choosing destinations that balance lifestyle aspirations with financial sustainability.