Have you ever felt stuck in a rut, wondering if there’s a place out there where life feels lighter, freer, and just… better? For one 36-year-old American Air Force veteran, that place turned out to be Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After a tough chapter in the military, he took a leap across the globe, trading the grind of the U.S. for a vibrant, affordable, and surprisingly serene life abroad. His story isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about rediscovering joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging in a city that hums with possibility.
From Military Blues to a Vietnamese Adventure
Imagine hitting rock bottom in a high-pressure career, only to stumble upon a destination that flips your entire perspective. That’s exactly what happened to this vet. After a disciplinary setback in the Air Force—think docked pay and a demotion—he found himself grappling with depression. A spontaneous trip to Vietnam changed everything. The energy of the streets, the warmth of the people, and the sheer affordability of life there sparked something new. It wasn’t just a vacation; it was a revelation.
By 2019, after an honorable discharge, he packed his bags and made Ho Chi Minh City his home. Now, he’s living on roughly $1,031 a month, a figure that covers rent, utilities, groceries, and even a fancy gym membership. In the U.S., that kind of budget might barely cover a week’s worth of expenses, but in Vietnam? It’s the key to a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Let’s break down how he makes it work—and why he’s never felt safer or happier.
Breaking Down the Cost of Living
Living abroad sounds dreamy, but the numbers have to add up. For this veteran, they do—and then some. His monthly expenses paint a picture of affordability that’s hard to ignore. Here’s how it shakes out:
- Rent: $850 for a two-bedroom apartment in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest residential towers.
- Utilities: $130, covering electricity, water, and other essentials.
- Cellphone: $8.50 for reliable service.
- Gas: $15 to fuel his motorcycle, his go-to mode of transport.
- Gym Membership: $27 for a VIP pass to a local fitness center.
- Internet: $96 annually, or about $8 a month.
- Health Insurance: $1,000 a year, roughly $83 monthly.
- Groceries: $100–$400, depending on whether he cooks or dines out.
What’s striking here is the balance. He’s not skimping on quality—his apartment boasts a killer view, and that gym membership? It’s the kind of perk you’d expect to cost triple in the States. Yet, his total monthly spend stays under $1,100. In my experience, that kind of financial breathing room is rare, especially in a bustling urban hub.
“This might not sound like much in America, but trust me, it’s more than enough to be middle or even above middle class in Vietnam.”
– American expat in Vietnam
A Diverse Income Stream
So, how does he fund this life? It’s not just one job but a clever mix of income sources that add up to about $4,000 a month. That’s a solid figure anywhere, but in Vietnam, it’s practically a fortune. Here’s the breakdown:
| Income Source | Monthly Earnings |
| VA Disability | $1,500 |
| GI Bill (Master’s Program) | $1,000 |
| Teaching English | $900–$1,300 |
| Voiceover Work | $200–$600 |
| Day Trading | $300 (average) |
Teaching English as a second language (ESL) is his passion. He describes it as “fun and rewarding,” a gig he’s wanted to do since high school. The flexibility of ESL teaching allows him to connect with locals, share his knowledge, and feel genuinely fulfilled. The side hustles—like voiceovers and day trading—add a nice cushion, letting him invest in both U.S. and Vietnamese stock markets. He’s also careful to set aside cash for medical bills and visa runs, showing a practical side to his free-spirited life.
Why Vietnam Feels Like Home
Beyond the numbers, what keeps him in Vietnam is the vibe. He calls it the “safest place” he’s ever lived, a bold claim for a city of nearly 9 million. Unlike the hustle of American cities, where you’re always looking over your shoulder, Ho Chi Minh City offers a surprising calm. People here, he notes, focus on their daily lives rather than getting caught up in political noise. It’s a refreshing change, one that lets him breathe easier.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this move has shifted his mindset. In the U.S., he felt trapped in a cycle of working hard but never getting ahead. Vietnam, by contrast, takes the financial pressure off. He can focus on what makes him happy—like teaching, learning Vietnamese (he’s not fluent but getting there), and exploring the city on his motorcycle. It’s the kind of freedom most of us only dream about.
“Here in Vietnam, it takes a lot of the monetary pressure out of your day-to-day. You focus on what makes you happy, who you want to become, and how you’re going to get there.”
Navigating Cultural Immersion
Moving to a new country isn’t all sunshine and cheap rent. There’s a learning curve, especially when it comes to culture and language. Our vet has made an effort to pick up Vietnamese, admitting he’s “better than most” of his expat peers but still has a ways to go. This humility is key—it shows a willingness to integrate rather than just coasting as an outsider.
He’s also embraced the local lifestyle, zipping around on a motorcycle he bought when he first arrived. It’s not just practical; it’s a symbol of his new freedom. From bustling markets to quiet cafes serving phở and Vietnamese coffee, he’s leaned into the rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City. That said, he’s realistic about the challenges. Visa runs and navigating bureaucracy aren’t exactly fun, but they’re a small price to pay for this life.
Lessons for Aspiring Expats
What can we take away from this story? For one, it’s a reminder that sometimes a change of scenery can change your life. But it’s not about running away—it’s about running toward something better. Here are a few tips inspired by his journey:
- Research Costs Thoroughly: Understand the cost of living in your target country. Vietnam’s affordability is a draw, but every destination has its quirks.
- Diversify Income: Multiple streams, like teaching and side hustles, provide stability and flexibility.
- Embrace the Culture: Learning the language and customs shows respect and enriches your experience.
- Plan for Logistics: Budget for visas, insurance, and unexpected expenses to avoid stress.
- Follow Your Passion: Whether it’s teaching or trading, do what lights you up. It makes the transition worth it.
I’ve found that stories like this resonate because they show what’s possible when you take a chance. Sure, moving abroad isn’t for everyone, but the idea of designing a life that aligns with your values? That’s universal.
Is Vietnam the Ultimate Expat Destination?
So, why Vietnam? It’s not just the low cost of living or the tropical climate. It’s the sense of community, the slower pace, and the chance to live well without breaking the bank. For this veteran, Ho Chi Minh City has become more than a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. He’s not chasing an unattainable standard anymore. Instead, he’s building a life that feels authentic.
Could you do the same? Maybe not in Vietnam, but somewhere out there, a new chapter might be waiting. The key is to start small—take a trip, crunch the numbers, and see if the expat life calls to you. For this Air Force vet, it was a gamble that paid off in ways he never imagined.
His story leaves me wondering: what’s stopping us from chasing a life that feels this good? Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s comfort. But if a guy who hit rock bottom can find his groove halfway across the world, there’s hope for the rest of us.
