5 years of living in Vietnam compared to my American life: How life was so much better

Motor scooters dominate Vietnam streets

I lived in Vietnam from 2018-2023, staying one year in Danang, the beach-side city along the coast and then spent the next four years living in the southern metropolis of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Overall, Vietnam is very livable, entertaining, and offers an affordable, high quality of life. 

Most travelers and long-time residents tout the cheap cost of living and first-rate amenities.

A $500/month fully-furnished apartment might include a rooftop bar, workout gym, and room service. 

Street food and mom and pop restaurants are equally affordable, costing no more than $2-3 US dollars per meal---and no tip!

After spending a half decade in Vietnam, here are some of the major observances I’ve made after coming back to America.

Baclony view from one of my trips to the coast

Convenience vs. comfort

I would say life in Vietnam is easier whereas American life can be summed up as comfortable. 

Because daily living expenses and services in Vietnam are so affordable, one doesn’t have to make a lot of money in order to enjoy it.  

For example, one can pretty much show up at a major apartment complex or hire a real estate agent to search for your housing needs.

Generally, you just need to handover your passport, make a down payment, and sign a few papers, and then you’re given the keys to your new kingdom. 

In America, renting an apartment is much more inconvenient, where  prospects generally need three references, work pay stubs, substantial work history, and must go through a credit score and security background check. 

Generally speaking, the first and last month’s deposit---upwards $5,000 in a lot of cases--- are required up front, before you can even get a foot in the door. 

Renting in America, compared to Vietnam, is quite a hassle. 

Likewise, when it comes to eating out, it’s common for Vietnamese to walk down their alley where they have access to $1-2 cheap street food consisting of noodles, banh mi sandwiches, rice porridge, BBQ rice plates, coffee, orange and sugar cane juice. 

Most don't even think about prices when getting a quick bite.

Beef steak and eggs served on a hot plate with French baguette

One perk I loved about living there was the ability to get coffee, juices, bubble teas and takeout delivered in ten minutes by motorbike for literally .50 cents. 

Anytime I had a craving for any food or drink, I would whip out my phone and order using the Grab app to quench my desires. 

Grab food delivery making his way through traffic

In contrast, in America a vehicle is required to drive typically 15-20 minutes, fight traffic, and find parking in a typical strip mall, just to grab a simple meal.

Unlike Vietnam, America does not offer convenient and cheap street food options. 

In contrast, America can be more comfortable than Vietnam. Americans tend to have larger, more comfortable vehicles such as trucks, vans, and SUVs compared to Vietnam’s motorbikes

When it comes to living quarters, Americans live in large, multi-level single family homes with all the amenities. Family rooms are decorated with enormous flat screen TVs and plush sofas and appliances. 

Enclosed patios and outdoor decks might have BBQ grills, loungers, ottoman chairs and entertainment centers, making leaving the home almost unnecessary or even desired. 

Do-it-yourself (DIY) vs. don’t do it at all

America has a do-it-yourself (DIY) culture carried out in everyday living.

TV commercials, billboards, and magazines all hype DIY projects from gardening, home improvement, and automotive repair. 

The Home Depot and Lowe’s are large shopping outlets that promote the DIY philosophy of individuality and independence.

In fact, there’s even U-Haul and tool rental services so you can complete your weekend projects in time. 

Contrary, during my time in Vietnam I don’t ever recall anyone promoting a DIY product or service---nearly everything is outsourced from home moving services, home repair to appliances and furniture installed and assembled onsite at your apartment. 

One reason is because Vietnam living space is much more limited compared to America’s sprawling suburbs and wide-open spaces. 

In Vietnam blue collar work is best left up to those who do it best: blue collar workers.

Blatant homelessness vs. hardly any at all

Saigon is a major metropolis with a polulation of 10 million inhabitants

A trip to any large American city, especially downtown, one will encounter in-your-face homelessness. From Honolulu, San Francisco, and Chicago, I have seen “tent-city” encampments and encountered enough street beggars I can care for. 

In contrast, during my 5 years living in Vietnam homelessness wasn’t an eyesore and wasn’t as visible compared to America. 

Only occasionally, on the way back from a late night from the city-center to my apartment did I witness a few homeless people camped out in store fronts. But this phenomenon was very rare---perhaps less than 5 people. 

Of course Vietnam does struggle with poverty and many families similar to America are living pay-check-to-pay-check but, by and large, drug-infested homeless encampments just didn’t exist. 

Conclusion

Being vastly different from one another, America compared to Vietnam has a lot of discrepancies, good and bad, between the two.   

No country is perfect and one must take into account its unique history, government, and culture. 

I am grateful that I have experienced both countries because I possess a unique introspection in a way that I am more aware, insightful, understanding and appreciative of my current state and surroundings.