Comparing 3 countries

Save $660/mo in Vietnam

$7,920 difference per year vs Spain

🇨🇴
Colombia49.6MLevel 3 advisory

Est. Monthly Cost

$748/moEst.Lean
Housing$284
Food$165
Transport$82
Utilities$60
Entertainment$60
🇪🇸
Spain46.7M

Est. Monthly Cost

$1,254/moEst.Lean
Housing$477
Food$276
Transport$138
Utilities$100
Entertainment$100
🇻🇳
Vietnam95.5M

Est. Monthly Cost

$594/moEst.Lean
Housing$226
Food$131
Transport$65
Utilities$48
Entertainment$48

Index Comparison

SafetyHealthcareQuality of LifeClimateClean AirAffordability
Colombia
Spain
Vietnam
Colombia
Spain
Vietnam

Monthly Costs

Monthly Cost
$748/mo
$1,254/mo
$594/moBest
Housing
$284/mo
$477/mo
$226/moBest
Food
$165/mo
$276/mo
$131/moBest
Transport
$82/mo
$138/mo
$65/moBest
Utilities
$60/mo
$100/mo
$48/moBest
Entertainment
$60/mo
$100/mo
$48/moBest

Quality Indices

Safety
46/100
85/100Best
85/100
Healthcare
66/100
78/100Best
59/100
Quality of Life
97
166Best
158
Pollution
28
19Best
42

Analysis

This comparison covers 3 countries: Colombia, Spain, Vietnam. Cost figures and index scores are Freedom Abroad estimates modeled from open and public sources. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, season, and lifestyle.

Vietnam is the most affordable at $594/month (modeled estimate). Spain is the most expensive at $1,254/month — 53% more than Vietnam. That gap of $660/month compounds to $7,920/year.

For personal safety, Spain leads with a score of 85/100 — strong by international standards. Spain ranks highest for healthcare quality at 78/100 — high quality. On overall quality of life, Spain scores 166 — exceptional. Spain is the cleanest of the group with a pollution score of 19.

Bottom line: budget-focused expats → Vietnam; safety-first → Spain; overall quality of life → Spain. Spain wins the most categories — it's the strongest overall choice for most expats considering this group. Spain commands a $660/month premium for its quality-of-life advantage.

Common Questions

What is the cost of living in Colombia?

The estimated cost of living in Colombia is $748/month for a single adult including rent. Housing costs approximately $284/month, food $165, and transport $82. This is an index-based estimate — actual costs vary.

What is the cost of living in Spain?

The estimated cost of living in Spain is $1,254/month for a single adult including rent. Housing costs approximately $477/month, food $276, and transport $138. This is an index-based estimate — actual costs vary.

What is the cost of living in Vietnam?

The estimated cost of living in Vietnam is $594/month for a single adult including rent. Housing costs approximately $226/month, food $131, and transport $65. This is an index-based estimate — actual costs vary.

Which of these destinations is the safest?

Spain has the highest safety score at 85/100, compared to 46/100 in Colombia. Scores above 70 indicate a strong safety environment; below 50 warrants caution.

Which destination has the best healthcare?

Spain scores highest for healthcare quality at 78/100. This indicates a high-quality healthcare system with good specialist access and modern facilities.

Is Vietnam good for digital nomads?

Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations in this comparison at $594/month. Its quality of life score of 158 reflects the overall livability for remote workers. Safety scores at 85/100. Verify the current visa situation for remote workers before committing.

How do Colombia, Spain, Vietnam compare for expats?

This comparison of Colombia, Spain, Vietnam shows significant variation across cost, safety, and quality of life. Vietnam is the most budget-friendly at $594/month, while Spain costs the most at $1,254/month. The right choice depends on your priorities — cost, safety, healthcare access, or overall quality of life.

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Cost of living, safety, school, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates or verified public records modeled from open sources. Data sources

Mexico vs Portugal vs Thailand: Cost of Living & Expat Comparison | Freedom Abroad | Freedom Abroad