French media: Vietnam voted as world’s most affordable destination for travel, expat living
DNO - Vietnam has once again been voted as the world’s most affordable country for travel and expatriate living in 2026, securing the top spot for the fifth consecutive year, according to the French newswire Journal du Net (JDN).
The ranking draws on data from InterNations, a global platform evaluating expatriate living conditions.
Survey results reveal strong satisfaction among foreign residents, with 89% saying they are happy with the cost of living, while 87% report their income allows them to live very comfortably.
The report notes that prices for goods and services across Vietnam remain highly competitive, from dining and accommodation to transport and travel.
Fuel costs about 0.7 EUR (US$0.82) per liter, while an everyday meal can cost less than 1 EUR ($1.17), figures described as strikingly low compared to European price levels.
JDN adds that VND, which has a relatively low value against the euro, significantly boosts purchasing power for tourists and foreign workers. As many European families look for affordable destinations that still offer rich cultural experiences, Vietnam has emerged as a compelling option.
Besides, street food remains one of the country’s biggest draws. In the capital city of Ha Noi and other major urban centers, iconic dishes such as ‘pho’, ‘banh mi’, and ‘bun cha’ typically cost between 1 and 3 EUR - prices considered hard to find in many other well-known tourist destinations.
Accommodation options remain highly accessible. Dorm beds in budget hostels start at around 5 EUR per night, while mid-range hotels and traditional guesthouses generally range from 8 - 20 EUR.
Domestic transportation is also deemed budget-friendly, with monthly public transit passes averaging about 7 EUR, taxi fares under 0.50 EUR per km, and petrol at roughly 0.70 EUR per litre, well below those in much of Europe.
Beyond daily expenses, sightseeing activities are also reasonably priced. A two-day cruise in Ha Long Bay typically runs around 100 EUR, inclusive of an onboard cabin, meals, kayaking, and cave entry fees.
In Sa Pa, a two-day guided trek through terraced rice fields costs about 60 EUR, covering a guide, meals, and an overnight stay in a local homestay.