For Vietnamese considering emigration in 2026, monthly living costs abroad range from EUR 730 in Malaysia to EUR 2,410 in Australia. Compared to Hanoi/HCMC's EUR 460/month baseline (rent + groceries + transport + utilities), Japan costs 2.9x more (EUR 1,315/mo) but salaries are 7.3x higher. Canada costs 4.9x more (EUR 2,240/mo) but salaries are 11x higher. South Korea offers a middle ground at EUR 1,000/month with salaries 7.3x above Vietnam. The best savings ratio for low-skilled workers is Japan (SSW), while skilled professionals benefit most from Canadian or Australian wages.
Monthly Cost of Living Comparison (EUR)
| Country | Rent (1BR) | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam (origin) | €320 | €80 | €15 | €45 | €460 |
| Japan | €850 | €280 | €65 | €120 | €1,315 |
| South Korea | €650 | €210 | €52 | €95 | €1,007 |
| Canada | €1,680 | €280 | €105 | €175 | €2,240 |
| Australia | €1,850 | €280 | €95 | €185 | €2,410 |
| Germany | €900 | €280 | €110 | €220 | €1,510 |
| Taiwan | €450 | €180 | €35 | €65 | €730 |
Annual Salary Comparison (EUR, Gross)
| Country | Average | IT Sector | Healthcare | Top Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | €38,500 | €42,000 | €35,000 | 15-33% |
| South Korea | €38,500 | €38,000 | €32,000 | 6-42% |
| Canada | €58,000 | €72,000 | €68,000 | 33% |
| Australia | €68,500 | €85,000 | €78,000 | 45% |
| Germany | €51,840 | €58,000 | €45,000 | 45% |
| Taiwan | €18,700 | €22,000 | €15,000 | 6-18% |
| Vietnam (origin) | €5,280 | — | — | — |
Get Your Free Verdict
See which countries match your budget, profession, and lifestyle priorities.
Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Japan as a Vietnamese worker?
Monthly expenses in Japan average EUR 1,315: rent EUR 850 (1BR), groceries EUR 280, transport EUR 65, utilities EUR 120. Many Vietnamese SSW and TITP workers share accommodation (EUR 300-400/person). Company dormitories are common, reducing housing to EUR 200-350/month including utilities.
Is South Korea cheaper than Japan for Vietnamese?
Yes. South Korea costs EUR 1,007/month vs Japan's EUR 1,315/month (23% cheaper). Rent is 24% lower (EUR 650 vs 850), groceries 25% lower. However, salaries are similar (EUR 38,500/yr both). South Korea's lower cost of living means slightly higher savings potential for EPS workers.
How much can Vietnamese save per month in Japan?
SSW workers earning JPY 250,000-350,000/month: after taxes (15-20%) and living costs (JPY 100,000-150,000 in shared housing), typical savings are JPY 80,000-150,000 ($550-1,000). TITP workers save less: $300-600/month. Engineers/IT: $800-1,500/month.
What is rent like compared to Vietnam?
HCMC/Hanoi 1BR: EUR 320. Tokyo: EUR 850 (2.7x). Seoul: EUR 650 (2x). Toronto: EUR 1,680 (5.3x). Sydney: EUR 1,850 (5.8x). Berlin: EUR 900 (2.8x). Taipei: EUR 450 (1.4x). Shared accommodation reduces these by 40-60%.
Do I need health insurance abroad?
Japan: mandatory National Health Insurance (NHI), 30% co-pay, deducted from salary. South Korea: mandatory NHIS, employer shares cost. Canada: free provincial healthcare (3-month wait). Germany: mandatory insurance (EUR 100-200/month). Taiwan: mandatory NHI (4.69% of salary). All are better coverage than Vietnam's voluntary system.
How much should I save before leaving Vietnam?
Japan via agency: VND 80-150M ($3,200-6,000). South Korea EPS: VND 30-50M ($1,200-2,000). Canada: VND 60-150M ($2,400-6,000). Taiwan: VND 40-75M ($1,600-3,000). Plus 2-3 months of destination living expenses as emergency funds.
What are typical remittance costs from these countries?
Japan to Vietnam: 2-5% (competitive corridor, services like SBI Remit). South Korea to Vietnam: 3-5% (many options via banks). Canada to Vietnam: 4-7%. Taiwan to Vietnam: 3-6%. The Japan-Vietnam corridor is most competitive due to high volume (520,000+ workers sending money regularly).
Cost of living data sourced from Numbeo, official statistics offices, and verified employer data. April 2026. Figures are monthly averages for a single person in the capital or largest city.