Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – For Markeiz Ryan, 36, a new chapter began far from his Maryland roots.A challenging financial change during the 2008 economic downturn shaped his path, ultimately leading him to a life of greater financial independence and well-being in Southeast Asia.

A Military Career and a Turning Point

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Ryan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2010, serving in various international locations, including Korea, Germany, and Africa. A disciplinary issue in Korea in 2016, resulting in a demotion and loss of pay, proved to be a pivotal moment. It prompted introspection and a reevaluation of his life’s direction.

During his restriction to base, Ryan planned a trip to Vietnam to visit a friend.He discovered a sense of peace and happiness that he hadn’t experienced before, the beginning of a new life plan.

Embracing a New Life in vietnam

After completing his service at a Wyoming base and receiving an honorable discharge in 2019, Ryan relocated to Vietnam. He currently sustains himself on approximately $4,000 per month, a lifestyle made possible by a lower cost of living and diverse income streams.

Ryan receives financial support from several sources. These include roughly $1,500 in Veteran’s Affairs disability benefits, $1,000 from the GI Bill while pursuing a master’s degree, and $900 to $1,300 from teaching english.Additional income from voiceover work (ranging from $200 to $600 monthly) and day trading (averaging $300 per month) supplements his earnings.

“This may not seem substantial in the United States, but it provides a comfortable middle-class or even above-middle-class lifestyle in Vietnam,” Ryan states.

The Cost of Living and Quality of Life

Ryan resides in Ho Chi Minh City, in a two-bedroom apartment within one of the city’s tallest residential buildings. His monthly expenses are notably lower than they would be in the U.S. Rent costs $850 per month,and utilities total around $130,encompassing electricity,water,and housekeeping. He also allocates $1,000 annually for health insurance and a minimal $3 per week for motorcycle fuel.

Vietnam, he says, offers a level of safety and tranquility he hadn’t found elsewhere. Though, he acknowledges the noise pollution as a drawback, a common experience for residents in bustling Vietnamese cities.

Expense Monthly cost (USD)
Rent $850
Utilities $130
Health Insurance (Annual/Monthly Average) $83.33
Motorcycle Fuel $12
Groceries $100 – $400

Did you Know? According to Numbeo’s 2024 Cost of Living data, Ho chi Minh City is approximately 45% cheaper than New York City.

A Sense of Purpose and Community

Ryan is currently learning Vietnamese, and while not yet fluent, he believes he is progressing better than most expats. He’s lived in Vietnam for six years and has no immediate plans to return to the United States, citing a newfound sense of purpose and financial freedom.

“In America, I felt constantly pressured to chase a standard I could never reach. Here in Vietnam, monetary pressure is lessened, and I can focus on personal growth and happiness,” he explains. “Every day brings a list of things I *want* to do, not just things I *need* to do.”