COST OF LIVING IN DA NANG AS A CROSSFIT ATHLETE:
Sharing from Coach Ben
Hi, I’m Ben, a CrossFit athlete and Level 1 CrossFit trainer at CrossFit Lotus Da Nang, where our goal is to help people live stronger, happier, and more balanced lives.
Moving from the Gold Coast in Australia to Da Nang, Vietnam was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. It showed me that you can live well without overworking, and that health, community, and purpose can all fit within an affordable lifestyle.
If you are an expat, an athlete, or a digital nomad wondering what the cost of living in Da Nang really feels like, this is my story.
Where is Da Nang city?
Before we talk about the lifestyle and cost, it helps to know what makes Da Nang special.
Da Nang sits on Vietnam’s central coast, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a clean, friendly city known for its beaches, mountain views, and calm rhythm of life. Many expats describe it as “the perfect balance” - modern enough for convenience, but still relaxed and authentic.
You can start your morning with a beach run, spend the afternoon working in a café, and finish your day training hard at CrossFit Lotus in Da Nang. The city has become a favourite among expats who value health, connection, and freedom.
The expat life in Da Nang is simple, social, and affordable, which is why Vietnam continues to be ranked among the best countries for expats around the world.
Why I Moved – Life is to Experience, Not Just to Survive
My story began with a sports injury that completely changed my direction in life.
I grew up passionate about sports. By the age of ten, I had tried tennis, swimming, and gymnastics before finding my real obsession: goalkeeping in soccer. I loved the pressure and the discipline it demanded, but repeated injuries eventually forced me to stop. Losing that identity left me unmotivated and out of shape.
Living on the Gold Coast surrounded by fit people made me realize how much I missed training. I decided to give CrossFit a try and quickly fell in love with it. It brought back the structure, intensity, and community I had been missing.
Later, I studied Remedial Massage Therapy because I wanted to stay connected to sports while helping others recover and perform better. It was the perfect blend of movement, people, and purpose, and it shaped my path toward becoming a CrossFit coach.
Why Vietnam and Why Da Nang
The move to Vietnam was never part of my original plan. I had visited the country twice - once in the South and once in the North, and fell in love with the warmth of the people and the freshness of the food. Everything felt alive here.
When my parents decided to open CrossFit Lotus Da Nang, I watched them build not only a gym but a community. Seeing their happiness and growth inspired me to follow. My father, Matt, has always been my training partner and motivator. Watching him succeed in a completely new country showed me that fulfillment doesn’t depend on where you are, but on what you choose to build.
That belief made the decision easy.
Five reasons Why Da Nang is One of the Best Countries for Expats
Living here has taught me why Da Nang, and Vietnam in general, is such a magnet for expats. Below are five reasons that make this city stand out for those seeking a healthy and affordable life abroad.
1. Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Da Nang is one of the lowest among coastal cities in Asia, but what you get in return is incredible. You can rent a bright, modern apartment close to the beach for under $500 a month, eat out daily on healthy, freshly cooked meals, and still save more than you could back home.
What makes this powerful isn’t just the savings; it’s what those savings give you. You can afford to train regularly, take care of your health, spend more time with family, and actually enjoy the life you’re building.
For many expats I’ve met at the gym, this financial freedom is life-changing. Back home, they were chasing paychecks. Here, they’re chasing personal bests.
2. A Strong Expat and Fitness Community
Da Nang isn’t just affordable; it’s full of people who share the same energy. The expat community here is made up of remote workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, and athletes - people who care about health, connection, and living with purpose.
At CrossFit Lotus, we see this every day. Classes mix locals and foreigners who push each other to improve, celebrate milestones, and check in beyond the gym. Many friendships, even businesses, have started right here on our training floor.
Explore our Halloween moments here!
3. Balanced Lifestyle and Nature
Imagine finishing your morning CrossFit session and cooling off in the ocean ten minutes later. That’s daily life in Da Nang.
The city is framed by beautiful contrasts: mountains behind you, beaches in front, and a peaceful city in between. You can hike in the Son Tra Nature Reserve on Saturday, surf on Sunday, and still have time to prepare healthy meals for the week.
For digital nomads and fitness lovers, this balance is gold. You’re surrounded by natural beauty that constantly invites you outdoors, and that makes staying active effortless.
More importantly, the pace of life here gives you time to breathe. People don’t rush. You’ll see locals having coffee at sunrise, friends chatting by the beach after training, and expats working remotely from cafés instead of crowded offices. It’s a rhythm that helps you stay grounded.
4. Healthy, Fresh Food
Food is a huge part of why I love living here. Vietnamese cuisine naturally fits a fitness lifestyle; it’s fresh, light, and packed with nutrients. Meals are built around rice, vegetables, lean meats, and seafood, often cooked with minimal oil.
You can eat clean without even trying. A typical post-workout meal - grilled chicken, rice, vegetables, and soup - costs about $3. Smoothies and fresh coconut water are everywhere. And because everything is sourced locally, it’s easy to fuel your body well while supporting local businesses.
5. Friendly Locals and Simple Visa Process
People here are genuinely kind and curious about foreigners. Combined with a visa process that supports long-term stays, Vietnam remains one of the best countries for expats to live, work, and train.
Locals in Da Nang are welcoming, curious, and respectful. They’ll smile at you on the street, help you with directions, or even offer you a seat at their dinner table. This genuine kindness is what makes moving here feel easy, even if you arrive alone.
English is widely spoken in the expat neighborhoods, and most gyms, cafés, and restaurants are bilingual. The visa process is straightforward, with many long-term expats renewing easily every few months or switching to business visas.
That simplicity gives you peace of mind - no red tape, no endless paperwork. You can focus on living, training, and growing.
What It Costs to Live and Train in Da Nang as a CrossFit Athlete
Many people ask what it actually costs to live here as an athlete. My answer is that the cost of living in Da Nang is not just cheaper, it’s better value. You get time, comfort, and quality that would be out of reach in most Western cities.
Here’s a practical breakdown based on my own experience. I have to remind you that it’s just my own experience. It means you can level up or down.
- Housing and utilities: A furnished apartment near My An Beach costs around $400 per month and usually includes Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
- Food and groceries: You can live comfortably on $250–400 a month, combining local meals and home cooking with fresh produce.
- Fitness and training: At CrossFit Lotus, memberships start around $135 per month. You’ll find world-class equipment, international coaching, and a supportive mix of expats and locals. Explore our plans here!
- Transport and lifestyle: Motorbike rental averages $50 per month, with minimal fuel costs. Massage therapy, recovery sessions, and weekend activities are all affordable, keeping your total expenses around $1,000 monthly at least.
In Australia, I worked harder and spent more just to stay afloat. Here, I work with purpose and live with balance.
CrossFit Community in Da Nang – Where We Live, Train, and Coach Together
Life in Da Nang isn’t just about affordability, it’s about connection.
At CrossFit Lotus, our community of locals and expats trains together daily. Every session is filled with energy, encouragement, and mutual respect. Coaches switch between English and Vietnamese, helping everyone feel included.
We believe that training together builds more than strength. It builds resilience, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
Our coach team of English-speaking personal trainers who have Crossfit certificates helps new members adjust quickly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, you’ll find expert guidance and a warm welcome.
For many expats, joining this gym has been the moment Da Nang started to feel like home.
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Da Nang
Once you understand what it costs to live and train in Da Nang, there are still ways to make life here even more affordable.
- Live like a local - Shop at markets, eat Vietnamese food, and use small cafés instead of Western chains.
- Choose the right neighborhood - My An and An Thuong are the most popular among expats, offering access to gyms, restaurants, and the beach within walking distance.
- Train consistently - Monthly CrossFit memberships save money compared to drop-ins and keep you committed to your goals.
- Join the community - Surround yourself with others who share your values. The support you get from this network is priceless.
These small habits make the expat life in Da Nang not only affordable but also meaningful.
Not Now, So When?
Moving to Vietnam transformed my life. It gave me space to focus on what truly matters - family, purpose, and growth.
Today, I live minutes from the ocean, coach athletes from around the world, and start every morning doing what I love. The cost of living in Da Nang gives me freedom that money can’t buy - time to train, rest, and connect.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining fitness, community, and financial freedom, come see Da Nang for yourself.
At CrossFit Lotus Da Nang, we welcome expats, travellers, and athletes who want to challenge themselves and belong to something real. Once you experience this community, you’ll understand why Vietnam continues to be one of the best countries for expats looking for a better life.
