United Kingdom vs Vietnam for Expats (2026)
Vietnam scores higher overall for expats based on cost of living (index 67.8 vs 26.4), visa accessibility, salary potential, and expat satisfaction rankings.
Data last verified: 2026
Key Stats
| Metric | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 67.8 | 26.4 | Vietnam |
| Visa Accessibility | 7 pathways | 4 pathways | United Kingdom |
| Salary Potential | €41,000 | €3,800 | United Kingdom |
| Path to PR | 5 years | 3 years | Vietnam |
| Path to Citizenship | 6 years | 5 years | Vietnam |
| Language Requirement | B1 English | N/A | Vietnam |
| Expat Satisfaction | #41/53 | #13/53 | Vietnam |
| Visa Processing Speed | 7 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 | United Kingdom | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 67.8 | 26.4 |
| Rent | 32.1 | 9.9 |
Based on aggregated cost-of-living data from multiple public sources, 2026.
Language Requirements
United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Is United Kingdom or Vietnam cheaper to live in?
Vietnam has a cost of living index of 26.4 compared to United Kingdom's 67.8, making Vietnam roughly 61% more affordable for everyday expenses including rent.
Which has easier immigration, United Kingdom or Vietnam?
United Kingdom offers 7 non-tourist visa pathways while Vietnam offers 4. Average processing time is 7 weeks for United Kingdom and 2 weeks for Vietnam.
Do I need to speak the local language to get residency in United Kingdom or Vietnam?
United Kingdom requires B1 English 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 United Kingdom vs Vietnam?
United Kingdom requires 5 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 United Kingdom compared to Vietnam?
The median skilled worker salary is €41,000 per year in United Kingdom and €3,800 per year in Vietnam. Cost of living differences mean purchasing power varies significantly.
Can I work remotely in United Kingdom or Vietnam?
United Kingdom 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.