Hanoi vs Penang for Digital Nomads
🇻🇳 Hanoi vs 🇲🇾 Penang · updated 2026-07
Verdict
Cheaper: Hanoi · Faster internet: Penang · Higher Nomad Score: Penang.
Head-to-head
| 🇻🇳 Hanoi | 🇲🇾 Penang | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable / month | $990 ★ | $1,050 |
| 1-bed rent | $450 ★ | $480 |
| Food | $240 ★ | $270 |
| Coworking | $85 ★ | $95 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 90 | 110 ★ |
| Affordability | 93 ★ | 91 |
| Weather | 72 | 80 ★ |
| Community | 80 ★ | 78 |
| Nomad Score | 82 | 84 ★ |
| Climate | Humid subtropical, cool winters | Tropical, warm & humid |
★ = better on that row. Figures are aggregated estimates.
FAQ
Is Hanoi or Penang cheaper for digital nomads?
Hanoi is cheaper — about $990/month vs $1,050/month for a comfortable solo setup.
Which has faster internet, Hanoi or Penang?
Penang has faster average broadband (110 Mbps vs 90 Mbps).
Which has the higher Nomad Score?
Penang scores 84 vs 82 on our composite of affordability, connectivity, weather and community.