Da Nang vs Phnom Penh for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Da Nang Da Nang | Phnom Penh Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $350Better | $350 |
| Median home price | — | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10%Better | 10% |
| Monthly utilities | $45Better | $60 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | — | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $168 | $150Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 55 / 100Better | 52 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 34 | 30Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
More to invest
Phnom Penh stretches your retirement savings ~10% further
Lower COL means more of your nest egg stays invested. Compare brokerage and IRA accounts.
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Da Nang or Phnom Penh?
Da Nang and Phnom Penh are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Da Nang or Phnom Penh?
Neither Da Nang nor Phnom Penh has a state income tax, which is excellent for retirees relying on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Your retirement income is only subject to federal taxes.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Da Nang vs Phnom Penh?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $168 in Da Nang and $150 in Phnom Penh. That's a difference of ~$18/month, or ~$216/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Da Nang on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Da Nang, rent alone would consume approximately 8% of your budget (1BR rent ~$350/mo) and healthcare another ~4%. That leaves roughly 88% (~$3,667/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Da Nang has a higher walk score (55 vs 52 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Da Nang offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Da Nang has the same purchasing power as $45K/year in Phnom Penh
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026