Retire in India vs Vietnam: The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

Long-term capital gains on listed equities are taxed at 12.5% for gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh per year.

Generally, no, but OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders can buy residential and commercial property, excluding agricultural land.

Safety varies significantly; major tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad are generally safer than some northern urban centers.

World-class private care in India is exceptionally affordable, typically costing 10-20% of US prices for major procedures.

A life-long visa for people of Indian origin, allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely with most rights of a citizen.

In Tier-1 cities, high-speed fiber (up to 1Gbps) is very affordable and widely available.

Major cities like Delhi face severe pollution in winter; southern and coastal cities generally have much better air quality.

Yes, in many cities, $1,000 provides a very comfortable middle-class lifestyle including rent and domestic help.

If you spend 182 days or more in India during a financial year, you are considered a tax resident.

Yes, English is the primary language for business, law, and higher education, and is widely understood in urban areas.

Foreigners can buy apartments/condos on a 50-year leasehold, but cannot own land outright.

The 90-day E-visa is common, but those with businesses or investments can apply for longer DT (Investor) visas.

Yes, a single person can live a basic lifestyle for $800 or a luxury lifestyle for $2,000 in cities like Da Nang.

Public hospitals are basic; expats typically use private international clinics like Vinmec or Family Medical Practice.

Vietnam is extremely safe regarding violent crime, though petty theft and traffic accidents are more common concerns.

You need a Vietnamese license or a valid IDP (1968 convention). Riding a motorbike without a license is illegal and common.

Vietnam has excellent fiber connectivity in cities, though international speeds can dip during occasional undersea cable repairs.

For individuals, there is a 0.1% tax on the total sales price of shares or a 20% tax on profits for real estate.

Ho Chi Minh City for business, Da Nang for lifestyle/beach, and Hanoi for culture.

No, it is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water.