Cost of Living: Hoi An vs Rotterdam (2026)

Vietnam vs Netherlands — relocation comparison

TL;DRRotterdam is safer — homicide rate 0.7 vs 1.5 per 100k. Rotterdam scores 9.0 vs 2.6 on democracy. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
52
Livability Score
🇻🇳 Hoi An
Vietnam
Full profile
75
Livability Score
🇳🇱 Rotterdam
Netherlands
Full profile
Rotterdam scores 75 to Hoi An's 52 on livability — the gap is real. Hoi An has its charms, but the numbers favor Rotterdam.
🔒
Safety
Rotterdam
0.7 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Rotterdam
9.0/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
34°C vs 21°C summers
🗣️
English
Rotterdam
higher proficiency score
Hoi An
Metric
Rotterdam
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1805/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$888/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$7,746
1.5 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
26 / 100
34°C
☀️
Summer high
21°C
20°C
❄️
Winter low
1°C
Internet speed
141 Mbps
2.6 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.0 / 10
Moderate (52/100)
🗣️
English ease
Very High (99/100)
$16k
💼
GDP per capita
$86k
3.6%
📈
Inflation
3.3%
52 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
75 / 100
Grid reliability
94/100 — Reliable
🗽
Freedom House
97/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

For the Kids

Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll

468
PISA
country avg
480
13
Intl schools
2
Public school
Yes (Dutch)
Pediatric care
Full pediatric coverage in basic insurance package
Specialist wait
3–6 weeks
Childcare
full-day
$2700/mo

Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems

Settler Essentials

declining
Democracy trend
stable
Industries
logisticspetrochemicalsmaritimecleantech
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
94/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Easy
Spouse works
Your partner can also work

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Summers are dramatically warmer in Hoi An (34°C vs 21°C).
  • Rotterdam is safer by homicide rate (0.7 vs 1.5 per 100k).
  • Rotterdam scores higher on democracy (9.0 vs 2.6 / 10 EIU).
  • English is easier to get by in Rotterdam (99/100 vs 52/100 English proficiency).

Hoi An vs Rotterdam — Common Questions

Which is safer, Hoi An or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Hoi An has a rate of 1.53 per 100,000 and Rotterdam has 0.73 per 100,000.

Should I move to Hoi An or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam scores 75 to Hoi An's 52 on livability — the gap is real. Hoi An has its charms, but the numbers favor Rotterdam. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Hoi An or Rotterdam?

Hoi An: no specific remote work visa. Rotterdam: Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (complex process, Up to 5 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Hoi An or Rotterdam?

Hoi An is warmer in summer (34°C vs 21°C). Rotterdam has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Hoi An or Rotterdam without speaking the local language?

English is easier to get by in Rotterdam (EF EPI score: 99/100) than in Hoi An (52/100). In Rotterdam, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Hoi An, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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