Singapore vs Vietnam for Expats (2026)
Vietnam scores higher overall for expats based on cost of living (index 90.8 vs 26.9), visa accessibility, salary potential, and expat satisfaction rankings.
Data last verified: 2026
Key Stats
| Metric | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 90.8 | 26.9 | Vietnam |
| Visa Accessibility | 7 pathways | 4 pathways | Singapore |
| Salary Potential | €46,900 | €3,600 | Singapore |
| Path to PR | N/A | 3 years | Vietnam |
| Path to Citizenship | 2 years | 5 years | Singapore |
| Language Requirement | N/A | N/A | Too close to call |
| Expat Satisfaction | #32/53 | #5/53 | Vietnam |
| Visa Processing Speed | 8 weeks avg | 2 weeks avg | Vietnam |
Cost of Living Breakdown
Lower = cheaper. The number is roughly the share of New York City's everyday expenses you'd pay there (so 60 ≈ 60% of NYC). The gap between two columns is roughly how much cheaper one place is than the other.
| Category | Singapore | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 90.8 | 26.9 |
| Rent | 68.3 | 9.6 |
Based on aggregated cost-of-living data from multiple public sources, 2026.
Language Requirements
Singapore
Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore or Vietnam cheaper to live in?
Vietnam has a cost of living index of 26.9 compared to Singapore's 90.8, making Vietnam roughly 70% more affordable for everyday expenses including rent.
Which has easier immigration, Singapore or Vietnam?
Singapore offers 7 non-tourist visa pathways while Vietnam offers 4. Average processing time is 8 weeks for Singapore and 2 weeks for Vietnam.
Do I need to speak the local language to get residency in Singapore or Vietnam?
Singapore requires None required for permanent residency. Vietnam requires None required. Language proficiency can also affect your citizenship timeline.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Singapore vs Vietnam?
Singapore requires varies years of continuous residence for PR. Vietnam requires 3 years. Both timelines start from the date your first residence permit is issued.
What are salaries like in Singapore compared to Vietnam?
The median skilled worker salary is €46,900 per year in Singapore and €3,600 per year in Vietnam. Cost of living differences mean purchasing power varies significantly.
Can I work remotely in Singapore or Vietnam?
Singapore does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Vietnam does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa.
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How we compare countries
Rankings based on publicly available cost-of-living indices (NYC=100 baseline), government-published visa requirements, OECD salary statistics, and expat satisfaction survey results. All data sourced from official government agencies, international organizations, and public databases.