TL;DR — Vietnam (CoL Index 26.4, Expat Value Score 1.66) and Georgia (CoL Index 33.1, Expat Value Score 1.26) are two of the most cost-effective expat destinations globally. Vietnam delivers the lowest absolute costs; Georgia delivers the best tax efficiency in Europe/Eurasia with a 1% freelancer tax and one-year visa-free access for most Western nationals.
Sources: World Bank Open Data — NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD (2024); Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2025 (NYC = 100).
Head-to-Head Data Table
| Indicator | Vietnam | Georgia | Winner | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GNI per capita (PPP) | $15,850 | $26,200 | Georgia | World Bank | 2024 |
| Cost of Living Index | 26.4 | 33.1 | Vietnam | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Rent Index | 9.9 | 12.7 | Vietnam | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Groceries Index | 19.1 | 24.0 | Vietnam | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Restaurant Index | 31.8 | 32.3 | Vietnam (marginal) | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Local Purchasing Power | 15.6 | 36.2 | Georgia | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Expat Value Score | 1.66 | 1.26 | Vietnam | Calculated | 2025 |
| Inflation | 3.20% | 1.11% | Georgia | World Bank | 2024 |
Housing
| City | 1-bed centre/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi (Tay Ho) | ~$450–700 | Main expat area |
| Ho Chi Minh City (Thao Dien) | ~$500–900 | Premium expat zone |
| Tbilisi (Vake) | ~$450–750 | Georgia’s main expat area |
| Tbilisi (Saburtalo) | ~$350–600 | More local, cheaper |
Verdict: Broadly comparable. Vietnam marginally cheaper.
Food
| Category | Vietnam | Georgia | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries Index | 19.1 | 24.0 | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Restaurant Index | 31.8 | 32.3 | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Street meal | ~$1.50–3.50 | ~$3–8 | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Monthly food budget (moderate) | ~$180–300 | ~$220–380 | Estimated | 2025 |
Verdict: Vietnam wins clearly on food costs.
Tax — Georgia’s Key Differentiator
| Tax Type | Vietnam | Georgia | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard income tax | 5–35% progressive | 20% flat | |
| Small Business / Freelancer | N/A | 1% of turnover | Georgia’s unique advantage |
| Foreign-source income | Taxed if resident | 0% (territorial) | Georgia wins |
Georgia’s 1% Small Business status (turnover < GEL 500,000/year ~$180,000) applies to most freelancers. Source: Georgian Revenue Service 2024.
Visa Access
| Country | Entry | Long-term |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 45-day e-visa | No formal nomad visa |
| Georgia | 1 year visa-free (most Western nationals) | Renewable annually |
Verdict: Georgia wins decisively on visa access.
Total Monthly Budget Estimates
| Budget Level | Vietnam | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | ~$600–900 | ~$700–1,000 |
| Moderate | ~$900–1,300 | ~$1,100–1,600 |
| Comfortable | ~$1,400–2,000 | ~$1,800–2,500 |
Verdict
| Criterion | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall cost | Vietnam |
| Rent | Vietnam |
| Food | Vietnam |
| Tax efficiency | Georgia |
| Visa access | Georgia |
| Inflation stability | Georgia |
| European proximity | Georgia |
Overall: Vietnam wins on cost. Georgia wins on tax, visa and European proximity. For European freelancers earning above ~$50,000/year, Georgia’s 1% tax advantage more than offsets the cost difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam or Georgia cheaper?
Vietnam (CoL Index 26.4) is cheaper than Georgia (33.1) across all categories. Monthly moderate budgets in Vietnam ($900–1,300) are 20–25% lower than Georgia ($1,100–1,600). Source: Numbeo 2025.
Which is better for digital nomads — Vietnam or Georgia?
European freelancers with income above ~$50,000/year benefit enormously from Georgia’s 1% Small Business tax. Budget-focused nomads from any background favour Vietnam. Both have growing coworking ecosystems.
Can I really pay 1% tax in Georgia?
Yes — Georgia’s Small Business status allows freelancers earning under GEL 500,000/year (~$180,000) to pay 1% of turnover as their total tax. Combined with the territorial tax system (foreign income not taxed), it is among the world’s most efficient freelancer regimes. Verify eligibility with a Georgian tax advisor. Source: Georgian Revenue Service 2024.
Does Vietnam have a digital nomad visa?
No formal digital nomad visa exists in Vietnam as of 2025. Most long-term expats use 45-day e-visa extensions, business visas or visa runs. Verify current status with local immigration authorities.
Is Tbilisi or Hanoi better to live in?
Tbilisi: European culture, wine, 1-year visa-free, 1% tax. Hanoi: lower costs, Southeast Asian culture, richer street food. Both are excellent — the choice is primarily cultural and financial.
Explore Further
Related Countries
- Cost of Living in Vietnam — Complete Data Guide
- Cost of Living in Tbilisi — Complete Data Guide
- Cost of Living in Indonesia — Complete Data Guide
Major Cities
- Cost of Living in Hanoi — Complete Data Guide
- Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh City — Complete Data Guide
Comparisons
- Thailand vs Vietnam Cost of Living — Full Comparison
- Vietnam vs Indonesia Cost of Living — Full Comparison
Rankings
- Cheapest Countries to Live In — Complete Guide
- Cost of Living in Southeast Asia — Complete Guide
- Cost of Living Index by Country — Complete Rankings
Last updated: 2025 | Sources: World Bank Open Data — NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD (2024); Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2025 (NYC = 100). General information only.