Hoi An vs Bangkok: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Hoi An vs Bangkok: Hoi An runs about $755/mo all-in vs $1,380/mo in Bangkok — Hoi An is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate side…
Hoi An is the cheaper base — roughly $625/mo less all-in, both feel similarly safe, and Bangkok has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Hoi An is about $625/mo cheaper — $755/mo all-in vs $1,380/mo in Bangkok (one person).
- Rent: lower in Hoi An ($400/mo vs $700/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: closely matched (74/100 vs 74/100).
- Internet: Bangkok scores better for remote work (60/100 vs 82/100).
- Climate: Hoi An edges ahead (78/100 vs 60/100).
- Visa: easier to move to Bangkok — Hoi An's process is rated Moderate, Bangkok's Easy.
- Retirement/long-stay: Bangkok offers the Thailand Retirement O-A Visa; Hoi An has no comparable retirement visa.
- Expat community: larger and more established in Bangkok (76/100 vs 86/100).
- Families: Hoi An rates safer for family life (78/100 vs 72/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Bangkok (~$850/mo vs ~$400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Hoi An (92/100 vs 72/100).
- Sunshine: Bangkok logs about 280 sunny days a year vs 245 in Hoi An.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hoi An or Bangkok cheaper to live in?
Hoi An costs about $755/month all-in for one person; Bangkok costs about $1,380/month. That makes Hoi An roughly $625/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Hoi An than Bangkok?
About $625/month for a single person — $755/mo in Hoi An vs $1,380/mo in Bangkok, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Hoi An or Bangkok?
They're closely matched — 74/100 for Hoi An and 74/100 for Bangkok. Neighbourhood choice matters more than the city here.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Hoi An or Bangkok?
For connectivity, Bangkok rates higher (60/100 vs 82/100). On climate, Hoi An edges ahead (78/100 vs 60/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Hoi An or Bangkok?
Hoi An's visa process is rated Moderate (about 6 weeks); Bangkok's is rated Easy (about 4 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Hoi An and Bangkok for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.