Why more expatriate families are choosing Vietnam as their home?

Goldstein, then 39, and her husband arrived in HCMC to source materials for a U.S. company. What was meant to be a short stay extended to 18 months as they fell in love with the people, culture and lifestyle. After returning home they found themselves longing for Vietnam. To stay connected they initially split their time between the two countries, but as Vietnam’s pull grew stronger, the family ultimately chose to make HCMC their permanent home.

"HCMC offers great quality of life at an affordable cost for families," Goldstein says.

They rented an apartment in Thao Dien, a neighborhood known for its large expatriate community. All four of their children were born in Vietnam, reinforcing their decision. "Childcare, housekeepers and healthcare here cost about one-third of what they do in the U.S.," she says.

In Boston the couple spent at least US$800 per person per month on car rentals, insurance and fuel. In Vietnam, two rented motorbikes cost them around $450 a month. She appreciates Vietnam’s strong sense of community and family-oriented culture. Living in HCMC gives her family easy access to affordable travel across Southeast Asia. Several times a week she takes her children to ballet, tennis and soccer lessons.

"But rent and international school tuition are the two expenses that match U.S. prices," she says.

The first five years were an adjustment. She and her husband learned to ride motorbikes, took Vietnamese language classes and adapted to local cuisine. Their children fell ill frequently due to the tropical climate. Over time they fully integrated into local culture, celebrating Vietnamese holidays such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and Tet (Lunar New Year).

"Work-life balance is one of the best aspects of living in Vietnam," she says. "We can work remotely, travel and spend quality time together."

Marissa Goldstein's family in Thao Dien, HCMC, December 2024. Photo courtersy of the family

Goldstein’s family is part of a growing number of expatriates settling in Vietnam, drawn by its affordability.

According to the 2024 Expat Insider report, 86% of expatriates rated Vietnam’s cost of living positively, more than double the global average. Some 65% expressed satisfaction with their financial situation, citing high incomes and low expenses. Around 19% reported annual earnings of above $150,000 compared to the global average of 10%.

Data from MovetoAsia, a consultancy specializing in foreign investment and relocation, shows an 18% increase in expatriates seeking assistance to move to Vietnam in 2024. Guillaume Rondan, director of MovetoAsia, notes that between 2023 and 2024 more families with young children have relocated, particularly to Hanoi and HCMC.

He attributes this trend to increased FDI in Vietnam. In January 2025 FDI inflows rose 48.6%, reflecting the country’s economic appeal to international businesses and skilled professionals. He also highlights Vietnam’s increasingly favorable visa policies, making it an attractive long-term destination for expatriates.

Adam Whiteman, 43, moved his family from Australia to HCMC in 2017 for work, despite resistance from his children, then eight and 10. They were reluctant to leave friends and school for an unfamiliar life in Asia. But he and his wife embraced the challenge, preparing for the move in just a month. He began learning Vietnamese via Duolingo but soon realized the app’s northern dialect made communication in the southern city difficult. He had to start over.

The family adapted to a city dominated by motorbikes, learning to navigate busy streets. With help from colleagues, they quickly found housing and settled in within a week. Vietnam’s affordability was another draw. Whiteman’s employer, an international school, provided placements for both children. On weekends his wife volunteered at an orphanage while he pursued his passion as a football referee.

As they integrated, the family celebrated Tet, attended Vietnamese weddings and embraced local traditions. By the end of his two-year contract none of them wanted to leave, and they decided to make Vietnam their permanent home. On a trip back to Australia in late 2024, his children repeatedly asked, "When are we going back home?"—referring to Vietnam.

"Life in Vietnam’s major cities is vibrant but not stressful or overwhelming," Whiteman says. "This experience has been invaluable."

Rondan believes four key factors—high quality of life, job opportunities, low living costs, and reputable international schools—keep expatriates in Vietnam.

His last five clients enrolled their children in French international schools in Vietnam. They found the education quality comparable to Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, but with tuitions 20% lower.

"Vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive option for expatriates considering long-term relocation."