🌏✨Southeast Asia shines in expat affordability ranks 🏡💸
Five SEA countries 🇻🇳 🇹🇭 🇮🇩 🇵🇭 🇲🇾 dominate as affordable expat hotspots
The Main Takeaway
Vietnam 🇻🇳 has been crowned the world’s most affordable country for expats for the 5th straight year, according to the 2025 Expat Insider study by InterNations 🌐👥.
Southeast Asia shines 🌟 with five countries in the global top 10: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Asian countries dominated the list when it comes to personal finances for expats, with five out of the top 10 countries being from Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. (CNBC)
Why It’s on Our Radar
With rising costs worldwide 🌍📈, SEA stands out as a wallet-friendly region:
🇻🇳 Vietnam: 89% of expats happy with cost of living 💵✨
🇹🇭 Thailand: low daily costs & vibrant expat hubs 🌴
🇮🇩 Indonesia: mix of culture & affordability 🏖️
🇵🇭 Philippines: English-speaking & budget-friendly 🏝️
🇲🇾 Malaysia: new in top 10, rising fast 🚀
What’s at Stake
🌐 Global talent migration: SEA may draw more nomads, retirees, and professionals
⚖️ Policy race: Countries could offer better visas, tax perks & healthcare
💡 Local economies: More expats = growth for housing, SMEs & services
The Big Picture
📊 Expat Insider 2025 surveyed 10,000+ expats from 172 nationalities.
Top 10 affordable: 🇻🇳 Vietnam (#1), 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇭 Thailand (#5), 🇮🇩 Indonesia (#6), 🇵🇭 Philippines (#7), 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇲🇾 Malaysia (#9), 🇧🇷 Brazil
Least affordable: 🇨🇦 Canada (#46), 🇬🇧 UK, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇹🇷 Türkiye, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇴 Norway
SEA proves it’s where value meets lifestyle 🌞🍜.
Survey participants for the personal finance index were asked to rate their satisfaction with their financial situation, general cost of living, and whether their disposable household income was enough to lead a comfortable life in their country of residence. (CNBC)
Why This Hits Home
For Southeast Asians, this is more than numbers. It’s proof that the region is a rising global hub 🌏, offering affordability, culture, and opportunity.
Expats stay longer 🕰️: 54% in Vietnam live 5+ years, 30% want to stay forever
Malaysia’s debut shows new competition in SEA’s expat game 🏆
The results show that Vietnam tops the list, with 1% of respondents satisfied with the cost of living and 89% saying their income after expenses is sufficient or more than they need, compared to the global average of 87% and 40% respectively. This is the reason why expatriates choose to settle in Vietnam long-term, with over 69% staying for more than five years and 54% planning to stay indefinitely. (Money & Banking)
Beyond the Headlines
🏠 Long stays: Expats in Vietnam often settle for life
📈 Malaysia climbed into the list from #11 last year
💸 Singapore, despite its global status, ranks among the least affordable
Need More Angles?
CNBC These are the 10 most and least affordable countries in the world in 2025, according to expats
Money & Banking Thailand ranks 5th among countries with the lowest cost of living for foreigners in 68. Vietnam holds the title for 5 consecutive years
Kompas.com Vietnam Jadi Negara Paling Terjangkau bagi Ekspatriat, Indonesia Masuk Top 10
(ELS/QOB)