After spending 90 days at a time in Da Nang twice a year for the past three years, we’ve learned what it really costs to live in one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable beach cities. This Da Nang cost of living guide is based on our actual expenses as a couple in 2026—not estimates copied from other websites. We’ll break down exactly what we spend on rent, groceries, restaurants, transportation, healthcare, internet, and everyday living, plus share both our monthly budget and the estimated cost of a full 90-day stay to help you plan your own trip or move with confidence.
Da Nang Cost of Living Guide
We spend about $1,950/month as a couple, while a solo traveler can expect roughly $1,475–$1,900/month depending on lifestyle.
Our Couple Total
$1,950
Per Month (2 People)
Estimated Solo Total
$1,475
Per Month (1 Person)
Our 90-Day Couple Stay
$5,900
Total with 2 Visas
Da Nang Monthly Cost Comparison
| Expense | Our Monthly (Couple) | Estimated (Solo) |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Accommodation Beach area Airbnb w/ washer (Fixed cost) | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 🍜 Restaurants Eating out ~75% of the time (Half of couple) | $261 | $131 |
| 🏄 Activities Going out & tours (Half of couple) | $167 | $84 |
| 🛒 Groceries Light meals & home snacks (Half of couple) | $202 | $101 |
| 🏥 Travel Insurance Genki Insurance plans (Half of couple) | $160 | $80 |
| ☕ Coffee Daily cafe visits (Half of couple) | $60 | $30 |
| 💪 Gym Pass Local open-air (30k/visit). Modern AC is $50/mo. | $20 | $10 |
| 🚗 Transportation Short Grab rides (Fixed cost / necessary) | $15 | $15 |
| 📱 Cell Phone Local SIM cards & data (Half of couple) | $16 | $8 |
| 🛍️ Shopping Beach gear & essentials (Half of couple) | $10 | $5 |
| 👕 Laundry Occasional outside washes (Half of couple) | $5 | $3 |
| 📦 Miscellaneous Unexpected costs & buffer (Half of couple) | $34 | $18 |
| Monthly Total | $1,950 | $1,475 |
| Visa (one-time) 90-day e-visa cost ($25 per person) | $50 | $25 |
Actual costs vs. exact split budget (fixed room & transport, local open-air gym split, half everything else).
Full 90-Day Trip Budget
| Expense | 90 Days (Couple) | 90 Days (Solo) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Restaurants | $783 | $393 |
| Activities | $500 | $252 |
| Groceries | $606 | $303 |
| Travel Insurance | $480 | $240 |
| Coffee | $180 | $90 |
| Gym Pass | $60 | $30 |
| Transportation | $45 | $45 |
| Cell Phone | $48 | $24 |
| Shopping | $30 | $15 |
| Laundry | $15 | $9 |
| Miscellaneous | $103 | $54 |
| Visa (one-time cost) | $50 | $25 |
| 90-Day Total | $5,900 | $4,460 |
Full 90-day comparison using the updated math (fixed housing/transport, shared open-air gym pacing, half for variable bills).
Where to Stay — Best Area
After staying in all three main areas, here’s the honest ranking:
- My Khe Beach Area — Our favorite area. You can walk to the beach in under 5 minutes. Restaurants and cafes within walking distance. The main reason our transport bill was only $15 in 30+ days.
- Han River / Riverside — Good second option. Nice views, walkable food scene, easy access to the city. Slightly removed from beach life.
- City Center — We didn’t love it. More traffic, less character, farther from the beach. Better suited if you’re here for work rather than lifestyle.
Airbnb vs Hotel for a 90-Day Stay
We’ve stayed in both Airbnbs and hotels during our time in Da Nang, and each has its advantages. For longer stays, an Airbnb often provides more living space, a kitchen, and a washing machine, making day-to-day life more convenient. Hotels, however, offer daily housekeeping, comfortable amenities, and many include breakfast, making them a hassle-free option if you prefer not to worry about cleaning or cooking.
Budget apartments in Da Nang can be found for around $400–$500 per month, but they usually require more work. You’ll typically need to inspect the apartment in person before signing a lease, checking for issues like mold, whether the unit has proper windows and natural light, and any signs of pests. Most landlords also require a security deposit, and you’ll usually be responsible for paying your own electricity and water bills.
For us, that process is more time-consuming than it’s worth. We prefer booking an Airbnb with a credit card, where utilities are included and we don’t have to worry about recovering a security deposit at the end of our stay. If it’s your first visit to Da Nang, we also recommend spending a few nights in a hotel while you explore the different neighborhoods before deciding where you’d like to stay for the rest of your trip.
Pro tip: The further you get from the tourist area, the cheaper the apartments. A 5-minute Grab ride can cut your rent by $200–$300/month. If budget matters more than convenience, explore neighborhoods inland from My Khe.
If you’re collecting hotel rewards, Da Nang has several excellent options. You can earn and redeem hotel rewards points at IHG properties like Crowne Plaza or Voco, while Hyatt members can stay at Wink Hotels and earn World of Hyatt points and elite night credits. These hotels are especially worth considering for your first few nights in Da Nang—or even your entire stay if you value the convenience, service, and rewards. Pair your booking with the right travel credit card to earn even more points on your stay.
Food and Restaurants
$250/month for two people eating out every night is exceptional value. Da Nang’s food scene punches above its weight—the local cuisine here is distinct from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and genuinely great. The city also has an excellent coffee culture, with everything from traditional Vietnamese coffee shops to modern cafés overlooking the beach. You can still find outstanding Vietnamese coffee for around $1–$2, while specialty cafés typically charge $2–$4, making it easy to enjoy a daily coffee without adding much to your budget.
| Where You Eat | Cost Per Meal | What You’re Getting |
|---|---|---|
| Street food / local stalls | $1–$2 | Bánh mì, bún bò Huế, cơm tấm |
| Local restaurant | $3–$6 | Full meal with rice and a drink |
| Mid-range near beach | $6–$15 | Seafood, Western options, cocktails |
| Upscale / rooftop | $15–$30+ | Special nights out |
Da Nang restaurant costs 2026
Our $200/month grocery spend wasn’t all groceries — it was drinks, snacks, and toiletries from LOTTE Mart and the local convenience stores.
Activities and Things to Do
$250/month on activities for two people is solid without being excessive. We even budgeted for Vietnamese language classes. Da Nang has a good mix of free and paid things to do, especially if you’re based at the beach.
Free or Nearly Free
- My Khe Beach — walking distance, free, great for morning swims
- Han River bridge and riverside walk
- Dragon Bridge (fire show on weekend nights)
- Marble Mountains — small entry fee (~$2)
- Night Markets
Day Trips Worth the Spend
- Watersports — Surfing lessons, paddle boarding, and jet ski rentals are all available on My Khe Beach at reasonable prices.
- Hoi An — 30 minutes south, $8–$14 Grab each way. Budget $25–$40/day for tickets, food, and drinks in the Old Town.
- Ba Na Hills / Golden Bridge — Cable car and tickets run about $35–$40/person. Worth doing once.
- Hai Van Pass — Rent a motorbike ($8/day) and do it yourself. One of the best drives in Vietnam.
Getting Around Da Nang
Our transportation bill was under $15 USD for more than 30 days—and that’s not a typo. We used ride-sharing just four times: once from the airport, once for a hospital visit, and twice for trips to LOTTE Mart. Every other trip was on foot.
One of the biggest ways to save money in Da Nang is by staying in a walkable neighborhood near the beach, where restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores are all within easy walking distance. When everything you need is close by, transportation costs become almost nonexistent.
Da Nang has several ride-sharing apps. Grab is the best-known and widely available, but we often found InDrive to offer lower fares. Both are easy to use and are excellent options when you need a ride across the city.
| Transport Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grab (car) Airport to beach area |
~150,000 VND ($6) | Standard airport run |
| Grab (car) City trips |
30,000–70,000 VND ($1.20–$2.80) | Most in-city rides |
| Grab (motorbike) | 15,000–30,000 VND ($0.60–$1.20) | Cheaper, good for solo travelers |
| Motorbike rental | 150,000–200,000 VND/day ($6–$8) | Best for day trips or tackling the Hai Van Pass |
| Day trip to Hoi An (Grab) | 200,000–350,000 VND ($8–$14) | Cost is each way; alternatively, join a tour for a similar price |
Travel Insurance
Don’t travel to Vietnam without travel insurance. During our stay in Da Nang, we visited Vinmec International Hospital and found it modern, clean, efficient, and staffed with English-speaking doctors. Healthcare is affordable compared to many Western countries, but costs can still add up quickly without coverage.
Before your trip, read my complete guide to the best travel insurance for Vietnam, where I compare providers—including Genki for long-term travelers and digital nomads—to help you choose the right plan.
Vietnam Visa for 90 Days
Many nationalities—including Americans—can apply for Vietnam’s 90-day e-visa online. Cost is $25 per person — a one-time cost for the whole trip.
- After 90 days, exit and reapply — most expats do this from Bangkok or Bali
- Apply online at Vietnam’s official e-visa portal
- Apply at least 14 days before travel — it can take a 4-5 business days to process
- You’ll need your passport details, a photo, and a card to pay the $25 fee
- Valid for a single entry, 90 days
Before You Fly to Da Nang
Most international flights to Da Nang connect through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, so a layover is common. If you have airport lounge access, these stops are much more comfortable with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quiet place to relax. I’ve also shared how I get lounge access for free in my guide.
Before you fly, use a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Over a 90-day stay, ATM and FX fees can add up quickly, while the right card helps you save money and earn points toward future flights and hotels. I cover my recommended cards in my travel credit card guide.
Is Da Nang Worth It in 2026?
Yes — with some caveats. Da Nang has gotten more popular and slightly more expensive than it was a few years ago. But compared to Bali, Chiang Mai, or any Western beach destination, it’s still exceptional value
| Budget Level | Monthly Cost | What That Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,100–$1,300 | Non-tourist area studio, mostly local food, minimal activities |
| Comfortable Solo | $1,475–$1,700 | Beach area Airbnb, mix of local and Western dining, activities included |
| Very Social | $1,800+ | Nice beach apartment, frequent dining out, nightlife, weekend trips, and dynamic socializing |
| Our Couple Setup | $1,950 (2 People) | Beach Airbnb, eating out ~75% of the time, insurance, coffee, phone, everything split for two |
Da Nang monthly budget tiers — 2026
After spending six months in Da Nang over multiple 90-day stays, we’d happily return again. It’s one of the few places where you can live steps from the beach, eat out regularly, keep transportation costs incredibly low, and still spend far less than in most Western cities. If you’re looking for an affordable base in Southeast Asia, Da Nang remains one of the best values in 2026.
If you’re seriously considering the move from the US, start with my Moving Abroad Checklist — it covers everything from banking and mail forwarding to what to do with your US health insurance before you leave.
How much does it cost to live in Da Nang in 2026?
Two people living comfortably in a beach-area Airbnb spent about $1,950 per month. A solo traveler can generally expect to spend $1,100–$1,300 on a budget, $1,475–$1,700 for a comfortable lifestyle, and $1,800+ if they’re very social and dine out frequently.
How much does it cost to live in Da Nang as a solo traveler?
A solo traveler can live comfortably in Da Nang for $1,475–$1,700 per month on a comfortable lifestyle plan. If you go bare-bones budget with local rooms, it can drop to $1,100–$1,300. If you enjoy frequent dining out, nightlife, coworking, and taking upscale weekend trips, expenses can easily cross $1,800.
Is Da Nang beach or riverside better for expats?
The beach area — specifically the My Khe Beach strip — is the best base for slow travelers and expats. It’s walkable to restaurants, cafes, and the beach itself, which kept our transport costs low. The riverside is a solid second.
How long can Americans stay in Vietnam?
US passport holders can get a 90-day e-visa for $25, applied online before travel. After 90 days you need to exit Vietnam and reapply. Most expats do this from Bangkok or Bali. For longer-term stays, a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is available through certain business routes.
Can You Live in Da Nang for $1,500 a Month?
Yes. A solo traveler can easily live a highly comfortable beach lifestyle for $1,475/month if they share a baseline structure similar to ours (split utilities/fixed costs) and use the local open-air gym infrastructure. A couple can also make $1,500 work by choosing an inland apartment instead of a premium beach zone.
