Hanoi vs San Francisco - Salaries, Cost of Living, Housing & Community Insights

-$259K (-95%) vs San Francisco

-$162K (-94%) vs San Francisco

Hanoi offers a high-contrast lifestyle for software engineers: it is incredibly affordable and culturally rich, but environmentally challenging. The city is a geo-arbitrage paradise for remote workers earning USD or EUR, who can live lavishly on a fraction of their income. However, the trade-off is significant: severe air pollution and chaotic infrastructure are daily realities. Unlike the commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi feels more traditional and political, with a quieter (though existing) tech scene. It is not a place to build a career in local corporate tech due to low wages ($13k median), but rather a base to work remotely while soaking in Vietnamese heritage.

Sentiment is deeply polarized: residents typically fall into a "love it or hate it" camp. Transplants love the vibrant energy, the food culture, and the ability to live a high-quality life for very little money (often calling it "golden handcuffs"). However, long-term residents frequently express guilt or anxiety about their health due to the pollution, with many discussing "exit plans" during the worst smog months. There is a consensus that while it's an amazing place to live for a few years, the environmental factors make it a hard sell for a permanent home.

72% cheaper than San Francisco

Extremely low cost of living (#4 of 124 cities) allows for high savings rates if earning foreign currency (geo-arbitrage).

Rich cultural depth and history compared to the more commercialized Ho Chi Minh City; residents describe it as having more "soul" and "authenticity."

Incredible food scene with affordable street food (pho, bun cha) available everywhere at a fraction of Western prices.

distinct seasons offer variety (cool winters, warm summers), which some transplants prefer over the eternal heat of the south.

Safety from violent crime is high (#38 safety index), making it feel secure for walking around at night.

Decent internet speeds and widely available Wi-Fi in cafes make it viable for remote work.

Severe air pollution (#121 of 124 cities) is a dominant complaint; residents often cite AQI levels that "take years off your life" and necessitate air purifiers.

Chaotic traffic and lack of pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalks used for parking) make walking difficult and dangerous.

Local tech salaries are significantly lower ($13k median) than Western standards, making it financially unattractive to work for local companies compared to remote work.

Visa uncertainty remains a hurdle; strictly speaking, there is no "digital nomad visa," forcing many to rely on frequent visa runs or gray-area tourist visas.

Noise pollution is constant from honking, construction, and street activity, which can be draining for those needing quiet to focus.

Smaller tech scene than Ho Chi Minh City; fewer meetups and startup events make professional networking harder for expats.

Remote workers and digital nomads who earn foreign currency and want to maximize savings while experiencing a deep, authentic Asian culture. It is ideal for adventurous singles or couples who thrive in high-energy, chaotic environments and appreciate distinct seasons (including a cool winter).

Asthmatics or anyone with respiratory health sensitivities, as the air quality is consistently poor. Families with young children may find the lack of clean air and walkable sidewalks stressful. Career-focused engineers looking to climb the corporate ladder within local companies will likely be disappointed by the low compensation and smaller tech ecosystem compared to HCMC or Singapore.

2.1/10TechCities weather score vs 8.7/10 in San Francisco

28°C(vs 19°C in San Francisco)

21°C(vs 12°C in San Francisco)

1,585h/yr-1477h/yr(-48%)

33°C(vs 22°C in San Francisco)

14°C(vs 8°C in San Francisco)

Hanoi community pulse

Hanoi has 0 Luma events listed.

100% fewer events than San Francisco.

17.6 years longer than San Francisco

249/yr+248/yr(+124200%)

57%(vs 34% in San Francisco)

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