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I agree (from semi-relevant experience). Also, any “poor” country that’s inexpensive enough to fit this requirements probably isn’t one you’d voluntarily live in.

Side note for the original commenter: It would be kinder and more accurate to state “lower cost of living countries” than “poor countries”. There are numerous lower COL countries that offer a higher quality of life a than that of the US but they aren’t “poor” (I moved to one).



And likely "suitable" countries are not the ones you want to do any investments or even transfer 100,000 to local bank.

I understand that side note wasnt for me, but yeah most of cheaper developing South East Asia countries are not "poor". Though there are ones you can call that, but again in a such countries you dont really want anyone to know you have $100,000 somewhere on a bank because its can get unsafe very fast. Its either "live just a little better than locals" or get in trouble.

PS: I talking of Myanmar, most of Laos and Cambodia.


I've lived in Vietnam on and off for several months at a time. One of the safest countries anywhere ( as long as you don't badmouth the government)

Easy to live on sub 700$ a month if you're happy with air conditioned studio, mostly asian food, scooter and not going to high end bars.

Get the 1 bedroom apartment, quite often takeaway/delivered western food sub 1500$ a month.

Go eat out western food everyday, live in a 3 bedroom in the nicest district go to fancy bars etc and yeah maybe you can reach your 5k a month...

People have no clue / are not willing to experience adjustment for 3 weeks... But easily possible to live here for budgets mentioned above...


If you okay to live like vietnamese person do yes you can live on $700 just fine. Especily if you single, healthy and love driving on motorbikes through rain and take a bit of risks.

Plus health insurance like Cigna for $100-200 unless you want to pay $10,000-20,000 in vinmec if you crash on a motorbike or get other serious sickness.

Plus border runs like $200-300 three times a year or often for cheaper depend on your paasport.

Problem that I doubt its how average SWE on HN imagine "comfortable" living.

Then if you have a partner who is not remote worker and kids there will be other surpeises for you.


The average vietnamese person in Saigon earns <400$ a month.

Why would you go to vinmec if you can use google translate / chatgpt to gwt better and cheaper service.

Border runs default are 4 times a year but only need to cost 140$ each or cheaper if you're willing to organize / drive yourself.

Comfortable is subjective and humans can change. Yay.

Well if you wanna move the posts and all... But even then with ai etc a degree becomes less relevant rather than your /their problem solving ability




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