Published 20 May 2026 · 8 min read · Category: Teaching Destinations
Vietnam is one of the highest-paying countries in Southeast Asia for English teachers relative to cost of living. In 2026, a newly qualified TEFL teacher can realistically earn $1,200–$1,600/month in Vung Tau, while experienced teachers in Ho Chi Minh City earn $1,600–$2,200/month. The cost of a comfortable expat lifestyle typically runs $500–$900/month — meaning most teachers save $400–$1,000/month.
| City | Monthly Salary (USD) | Cost of Living | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vung Tau | $1,200–$1,600 | $400–$600 | $600–$1,000 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | $1,400–$2,200 | $700–$1,100 | $600–$1,200 |
| Hanoi | $1,300–$1,900 | $600–$900 | $600–$1,100 |
| Da Nang | $1,100–$1,500 | $500–$700 | $500–$800 |
Private language centres (ILA, APAX, Wall Street English): $1,200–$2,000/month. International schools: $1,800–$2,500/month (require subject degree). Private tutoring supplement: $15–$30/hour.
For first-time teachers, Vung Tau offers a comfortable introduction. Salaries are slightly lower than HCMC, but costs are much lower and the expat community is tight-knit. Teachers who start in Vung Tau typically save the same amount per month as they would in HCMC — with significantly less stress.