Vietnam Insider

Over nine years ago, when Sarah Hamilton accepted a three-month work assignment in Vietnam, she had no idea it would lead her entire family to leave the United States for good.

A New Home in Vietnam

In 2015, Sarah, then 39, and her husband moved from Boston to Vietnam to source materials for a U.S.-based company. Initially planning to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for just three months, they soon fell in love with the people, culture, and dynamic lifestyle, extending their stay to 18 months.

When their work contract ended, the couple returned to the U.S., but their hearts remained in Vietnam. They found themselves drawn back, splitting their time between Boston and Ho Chi Minh City before ultimately deciding to settle in Vietnam permanently. “Ho Chi Minh City offers an excellent quality of life at an affordable cost, making it an ideal place for families,” Sarah explains.

They rented an apartment in the vibrant Thao Dien neighborhood, home to a large international community. Over the years, their four children (two sets of twins) were born in Ho Chi Minh City, further cementing their decision to stay. “The cost of childcare, hiring a nanny, and healthcare in Vietnam is only about one-third of what we would pay in the U.S.,” she adds.

Back in Boston, the couple spent at least $800 per month per person on car-related expenses, including insurance and gas. In Vietnam, they traded cars for motorbikes, spending just $450 per month for two.

Beyond affordability, Sarah appreciates the strong sense of community and family values deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture. The city’s strategic location also allows them to take advantage of budget-friendly flights across Southeast Asia. Weekly routines include ballet, tennis, and soccer lessons for their children.

However, there are trade-offs. “International school tuition and housing costs are comparable to those in the U.S.,” she admits.

The first five years were a period of adjustment. The couple learned to ride motorbikes, took Vietnamese language lessons, and experimented with local cooking. Their children faced health challenges due to the tropical climate, prompting Sarah to educate herself on common concerns like dengue fever and water pollution. Over time, these issues faded as they became fully accustomed to their new home.

“We’ve embraced local traditions, celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year just like the Vietnamese,” she says. “The work-life balance here is one of the best things about living in Vietnam. We have the flexibility to work remotely, travel, and spend quality time as a family.”

Vietnam: A Top Choice for Expats

Sarah’s family is part of a growing trend of international families relocating to Vietnam, a country consistently ranked as one of the most affordable places to live. According to the 2024 Expat Insider Report, 86% of expats rated Vietnam’s cost of living positively—more than double the global average.

Moreover, 65% of expats reported financial satisfaction, citing high income levels and low expenses. Notably, 19% earn an annual income of $150,000 or more—well above the 10% global average.

A 2024 survey by MoveToAsia, a company specializing in investment and relocation services, revealed an 18% increase in expats seeking assistance to move to Vietnam. Guillaume Laurent, the company’s director, notes a rising trend of families with one or two young children choosing to settle in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

This shift aligns with Vietnam’s surge in foreign direct investment (FDI), which jumped by 48.6% in January 2024 alone. As businesses expand, more skilled professionals and entrepreneurs are choosing to build their futures here.

Guillaume highlights another factor: Vietnam’s increasingly open visa policies, making long-term residency more accessible.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

For some families, the move initially presents hurdles. Take Mark Wilson, a 43-year-old teacher from Australia. In 2017, he relocated his family to Ho Chi Minh City for work, despite resistance from his two children, then aged 8 and 10, who struggled to leave their friends and school behind.

“We only had a month to prepare,” Mark recalls. He began learning Vietnamese through an app but quickly realized he had picked up a northern dialect, requiring him to start over upon arrival in the south.

Navigating Vietnam’s infamous traffic was another challenge. His children had to adapt to a world dominated by motorbikes and learn how to cross the streets safely. With help from colleagues, they found an apartment and settled in within a week.

After two years, Mark’s work contract ended—but the family had no desire to leave. They officially decided to make Vietnam their permanent home. When visiting Australia in late 2024, his children repeatedly asked, “When are we going back home?”—referring to Vietnam.

“The energy in Vietnam’s major cities is vibrant, but life isn’t as stressful or fast-paced as it is in many Western countries,” he says. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Why More Families Are Choosing Vietnam

Guillaume identifies four key factors that keep expat families in Vietnam:

• High quality of life – Access to excellent healthcare, international schools, and modern infrastructure.
• Career opportunities – Expanding industries and foreign investment create job prospects for professionals.
• Affordable living costs – Housing, food, and transportation remain significantly cheaper than in Western countries.
• World-class education – Many international schools provide top-tier education at 20% lower tuition fees than in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in expats enrolling their children in French international schools here, recognizing that Vietnam offers education on par with leading Asian cities but at a more competitive cost,” Guillaume notes.

With its welcoming culture, economic growth, and affordability, Vietnam is emerging as an ideal destination for families looking for a fresh start.

“Vietnam isn’t just where we live,” Sarah concludes. “It’s where we’ve built our home.”