Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of working hard but never quite getting ahead? For one 36-year-old American Air Force veteran, that feeling was all too familiar—until he took a leap that changed everything. After a life-altering trip to Vietnam, he traded the grind of U.S. life for a vibrant, affordable existence in Ho Chi Minh City. Now, living in a sleek two-bedroom apartment for just $850 a month, he’s found a sense of freedom and purpose that seemed out of reach back home. His story isn’t just about moving abroad; it’s about rediscovering what it means to live on your own terms.
From Military Life to a New Beginning
Leaving behind a structured military career is no small feat. For this veteran, the transition from a Wyoming Air Force base to the bustling streets of Vietnam was a bold move driven by a single, transformative trip. That first visit to Vietnam wasn’t just a vacation—it was a revelation. The vibrant culture, warm people, and affordable lifestyle left him feeling lighter, as if the weight of his daily struggles had lifted.
“It was like the depression I’d been carrying just vanished,” he recalls. “I knew I had to come back.”
After completing his service in 2019, he made the decision to relocate permanently. With a modest income from VA disability benefits, the GI Bill for his ongoing master’s degree, and side gigs like teaching English and voiceover work, he crafted a life that feels both sustainable and fulfilling. In my opinion, there’s something incredibly inspiring about someone who chases a fleeting moment of joy and turns it into a lifestyle.
Why Vietnam? The Appeal of a Simpler Life
What makes Vietnam so appealing to expats like him? For starters, the cost of living is a game-changer. With just $4,000 a month, he lives a comfortable, middle-class life in Ho Chi Minh City—a far cry from the financial pressures of the U.S. This isn’t just about stretching dollars further; it’s about shifting priorities from survival to fulfillment.
- Affordable housing: His two-bedroom apartment costs just $850/month, utilities included.
- Cultural richness: From street food to vibrant markets, Vietnam offers a sensory experience that feels alive.
- Community vibe: Expats and locals alike create a welcoming environment for newcomers.
But it’s not all rosy. The veteran faced challenges adjusting to noise pollution—think constant honking, street vendors, and late-night karaoke. “If you’re sensitive to noise, this might test your patience,” he admits. Yet, for him, the trade-offs are worth it. The ability to focus on personal growth rather than financial stress is a luxury he never experienced in the U.S.
Inside the $850 Apartment: A View to Die For
Picture this: you wake up in a modern two-bedroom apartment perched in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest residential towers. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a jaw-dropping view of the city skyline, with lights twinkling as far as the eye can see. For this veteran, the view is the heart of his home. “I’d never give this up unless they force me out,” he says with a laugh.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
| Rent | $850 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, housekeeping) | $130 |
| Total | $980 |
The apartment itself is modest but functional, with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It’s his fourth home since moving to Vietnam in 2019, a testament to his persistence in finding the perfect spot. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he took advantage of lower rental prices, moving around to escape noisy areas. Now, settled in this tower, he’s found a sanctuary that balances affordability with comfort.
A Day in the Life: Freedom Over Survival
Life in Vietnam has given this veteran something the U.S. never could: the ability to wake up each day with a to-do list of desires, not obligations. Back home, he felt trapped in a cycle of working hard yet barely scraping by. “No matter how much effort I put in, it felt like I was chasing an impossible standard,” he explains.
“Here, I’m not just surviving. I’m building a life I actually want.”
His days are a mix of studying for his master’s degree, teaching English, and exploring side hustles like day trading and voiceover work. These gigs not only supplement his income but also give him the flexibility to pursue his passions. Perhaps the most striking difference is the shift in mindset. In Vietnam, he’s not running on a hamster wheel; he’s carving out a path that feels authentic.
Overcoming Challenges: Health and Adaptation
Relocating to a new country isn’t without its hurdles. The veteran deals with health challenges from his military service, including spine arthritis, respiratory issues, and mental health struggles. These conditions require ongoing management, but Vietnam’s affordable healthcare and relaxed pace make it easier to cope.
- Noise sensitivity: Adjusting to the constant hum of city life took time and several moves.
- Cultural differences: Navigating a new language and customs required patience and openness.
- Health management: Access to affordable care has been a lifeline for ongoing medical needs.
Despite these challenges, he’s found a rhythm that works. The key, he says, is focusing on what brings joy rather than dwelling on the obstacles. In my experience, that’s a lesson we could all apply, whether we’re halfway across the globe or in our hometowns.
The Financial Picture: Making It Work
Let’s talk numbers. With a monthly budget of around $4,000, this veteran lives comfortably in a country where the cost of living is a fraction of that in the U.S. His income streams are diverse, which adds stability to his finances. Here’s a breakdown:
Monthly Income Sources: - VA Disability Benefits: Stable base income - GI Bill: Supports master’s degree studies - Teaching English: Flexible part-time work - Side Gigs: Voiceovers and day trading
This mix allows him to cover his $980 in housing costs (rent plus utilities) and still have plenty left for living expenses, travel, and savings. In Vietnam, $4,000 stretches far enough to feel like upper-middle-class living, a stark contrast to the U.S., where the same amount might barely cover the basics.
Why He’s Staying: A New Perspective on Happiness
So, what keeps him in Vietnam? It’s not just the low rent or the stunning view. It’s the sense of possibility. “In the U.S., I felt unmotivated, like I was always one step behind,” he shares. “Here, I’m focused on who I want to become.”
“Getting out of survival mode makes life feel more human.”
– The veteran on his new outlook
This shift in perspective is what makes his story so compelling. Vietnam has given him the space to prioritize personal growth over financial strain. He’s not planning to leave anytime soon—unless, as he jokes, “Vietnam kicks me out.”
Lessons for Aspiring Expats
Thinking about making a similar move? This veteran’s journey offers some valuable takeaways. First, do your research. Working with a local realtor helped him navigate the housing market and find a gem of an apartment. Second, embrace flexibility. His willingness to move multiple times shows the importance of adapting to challenges like noise or cultural differences.
- Test the waters: Take a trip to your desired destination before committing.
- Budget wisely: Understand the cost of living and how your income will stretch.
- Stay open: Be ready to adjust to new customs, sounds, and ways of life.
Perhaps the biggest lesson is to chase what makes you feel alive. For this veteran, Vietnam isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. His story reminds us that sometimes, the boldest moves lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Redefining Success
Moving to Vietnam wasn’t just a change of scenery for this Air Force veteran—it was a redefinition of what success looks like. In a world where financial pressures often dictate our choices, his story is a reminder that happiness doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. By embracing a simpler, more intentional life, he’s found a sense of freedom that’s hard to quantify.
Could you make a similar leap? Maybe not to Vietnam, but to a life that aligns with your values? This veteran’s journey shows that it’s possible to break free from the grind and build something meaningful. As he puts it, it’s about waking up each day with a list of things you want to do, not just what you have to do. And honestly, isn’t that what we’re all chasing?
