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Ho Chi Minh City vs Shenzhen – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Shenzhen, China? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Ho Chi Minh City has a monthly cost of $2,020, which is 39.2% lower than Shenzhen's $3,320.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Ho Chi Minh City offers 30 Mbps, while Shenzhen provides 150 Mbps making Shenzhen's connection 400.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is currently 34°C 🌧️, while Shenzhen is experiencing 30°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Ho Chi Minh City has a safety score of 73.0 , while Shenzhen scores 76.0 .

Costs
$2,020
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
34° 🌧️
High today
Costs
$3,320
per month
Internet
150
Mbps
Weather
30° 🌤️
High today
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Overall Ho Chi Minh City wins

74.0
Overall Score
58.0

Ho Chi Minh City is 16% better

Quality of Life

73.0
Safety
76.0
70.0
Healthcare
65.0

Ho Chi Minh City is 5% better

Cost Ho Chi Minh City wins

87.0
Cost of Living
41.0

Ho Chi Minh City is 46% better

Climate Ho Chi Minh City wins

38.0
Air Quality
30.0

Ho Chi Minh City is 8% better

Infrastructure Shenzhen wins

78.0
Internet Speed
87.0

Shenzhen is 9% better

Social Ho Chi Minh City wins

89.0
Nightlife
61.0

Ho Chi Minh City is 28% better

88.0
Culture
73.0

Ho Chi Minh City is 15% better

95.0
Food Scene
75.0

Ho Chi Minh City is 20% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Ho Chi Minh City Shenzhen Difference
Monthly Total $2,020 $3,320 -39.2%
Daily Average $67 $111 per day

Housing

Item Ho Chi Minh City Shenzhen Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $450.00 per month $650.00 per month -30.8%

Daily Life

Item Ho Chi Minh City Shenzhen Difference
Coffee $1.50 per cup $2.50 per cup -40.0%

Transportation

Item Ho Chi Minh City Shenzhen Difference

Utilities

Item Ho Chi Minh City Shenzhen Difference
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Final Verdict: Ho Chi Minh City vs Shenzhen

Ho Chi Minh City ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 16.0% higher than Shenzhen overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $2,020 vs $3,320
  • Daily Expenses: $67 vs $111
  • Ho Chi Minh City is 39.2% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Shenzhen leads with 80% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Shenzhen has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Ho Chi Minh City Wins In:
  • Overall Score (16% better)
  • Healthcare (5% better)
  • Cost of Living (46% better)
  • Air Quality (8% better)
  • Nightlife (28% better)
  • Culture (15% better)
  • Food Scene (20% better)
Shenzhen Wins In:
  • Internet Speed (9% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Ho Chi Minh City if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Overall Score. However, Shenzhen might be preferable if Overall Score is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

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