Da Nang isn’t just Vietnam’s third-largest city — it’s a sweet spot between rapid development and relaxed coastal living. Imagine modern cafés, wide boulevards, clean beaches, and mountain views — all wrapped in a warm, affordable, and welcoming vibe. It’s no wonder digital nomads, young families, and remote workers are making this their long-term base.
Key Facts About Da Nang (Vietnam)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~1.1 million |
| Language | Vietnamese (basic English in tourist/expat zones) |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Average Rent | 6–12 million VND/month (~$240–500 USD) |
| Average Local Salary | 7–12 million VND (~$280–480 USD) |
| Digital Nomad Budget | $1,000–2,500/month |
| Health Insurance | Private (~$30–60/month) |
| Safety Level | Very high – peaceful city |
| Public Transport | Motorbike/scooter, Grab, taxis, few buses |
| Climate | Tropical monsoon – hot, rainy season Oct–Dec |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Business, education, family, TRC, investor, or eVisa |
| Education | Private/international schools, English centers |
| Grocery Prices | Very low – local markets, mini-marts, big supermarkets |
| Access to Nature | Long beaches, Monkey Mountain, waterfalls, jungle nearby |
| City Atmosphere | Chill, fast-growing, modern with beach-town vibe |
Renting in Da Nang: Spacious, Simple, and Affordable
Da Nang’s real estate market is still in the sweet zone — modern buildings, sea views, and Western-style apartments, but without the Saigon-level prices. Most long-term rentals come fully furnished and flexible on contract length.
Average monthly rent in 2025:
- Studio near My Khe Beach: $250–400 USD
- 1-bedroom in An Thuong or Son Tra: $400–600 USD
- 2-bedroom with sea view: $600–900 USD
- Utilities: $50–80 USD/month
- Internet: ~$15–20 USD/month
- Deposit: 1–2 months
Check out current options on long-term rentals in Da Nang via XMetr.
Visas and Residency: Workarounds Still Common
Vietnam doesn’t (yet) offer a digital nomad visa, but many expats stay long-term via:
- Tourist visas – 30 or 90 days, renewable
- Business visas – sponsored by local companies or agents
- Investor or property-related visas – possible with some capital
- TEFL/Teaching contracts – provide legitimate longer stays
- Visa runs – still used, but increasingly restricted
The legal landscape is evolving, so keep current and consider an immigration agent if staying long-term.
Language and Local Life
English is spoken in tourist areas and among younger locals, especially near the beach — but basic Vietnamese makes life easier. Locals are famously friendly, and the expat scene is tight-knit and helpful.
Expect morning markets, seafood feasts, scooters everywhere, and a strong café culture. Life flows slowly — unless you’re on a motorbike.
Where to Live in Da Nang
- An Thuong – expat-friendly, close to My Khe Beach, full of cafes
- My Khe / Phuoc My – oceanfront, walkable, quiet
- Hai Chau – city center, more local life, banks, hospitals
- Son Tra Peninsula – nature, views, more isolation
- Ngu Hanh Son – up-and-coming, spacious and green
Being near the beach means better air and lifestyle, but central Da Nang has more services and local flavor.
Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Da Nang for Long-Term Living
| Neighborhood | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. My An | Beachside, full of expats, cafés, coworking spaces – heart of nomad life. |
| 2. An Thuong | Lively, walkable, international restaurants, bars, yoga. |
| 3. Hai Chau | Central district – banks, offices, schools, city life. |
| 4. Son Tra | Nature-oriented, quiet, near beaches and mountains. |
| 5. Hoa Xuan | Affordable, spacious homes, peaceful, great for long-term stay. |
Cost of Living in Da Nang
This is where Da Nang shines — you can live comfortably for under $1,500/month.
- Rent: $300–700 USD/month
- Utilities: $70/month
- Local groceries: $150–200/month
- Dining out:
- Pho or banh mi: $1–2 USD
- Western brunch: $6–10 USD
- Dinner for two: $20–30 USD
- Coworking: $50–100/month
- Private health insurance: $40–80/month
A mid-range lifestyle (nice condo, dining out, transport, beach) is $1,200–1,800/month.
Work and Income
Most long-term expats are:
- Remote workers (software, content, marketing)
- Freelancers and creatives
- Online teachers / consultants
- English teachers in schools or online
- Entrepreneurs running tourism, F&B, or wellness services
Fiber internet is widespread and coworking spaces are expanding, especially in An Thuong.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer (local) | €900 |
| IT Project Manager (local) | €1,100 |
| UX/UI Designer | €800 |
| Architect | €750 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €850 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €1,500 |
| Nurse | €600 |
| High School Teacher | €700 |
| Marketing Specialist | €800 |
| Accountant | €750 |
Healthcare: Basic but Improving
Da Nang has public hospitals and a growing number of private clinics. For major procedures, expats often go to Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Doctor visit (private): $10–25 USD
- Dental cleaning: ~$20 USD
- Emergency care: limited, but available
- Private insurance: ~$50–80/month
For peace of mind, international health insurance is recommended.
Final Thoughts: Is Da Nang Right for You?
Da Nang is laid-back but not sleepy, modern but not crowded. It’s ideal if you want a mix of beach, city, and affordability — without sacrificing Wi-Fi or lifestyle. Plus, you get sunsets over the sea and mountains before breakfast.
If Bangkok feels too chaotic and Chiang Mai too quiet — Da Nang might be just right.
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