Duc works in Hanoi but lives in Hung Yen, about 50 km away. He chose this life to avoid the very high rent and tiny apartments in the capital. The story shows how a daily commute can help people afford a bigger home.

Duc earns about VND7.7 million each month and spends VND1.5 million on rent in Hanoi. He said a small apartment in the city costs around VND2 billion, which he could not afford. Because of this, he decided to keep his city job and travel from his hometown instead.

Every day Duc rides a motorbike 50 km from Hung Yen to Hanoi, a trip that takes about 45 minutes each way. Over seven years he had two motorbike accidents. By living in the countryside he saved rent and city living costs, and in 2024 he built a spacious house that cost about VND2.5 billion – enough for a large home but not enough for a 70 sqm apartment in Hanoi. The new house also gives him more time with his family and a peaceful environment.

Duc’s experience shows that moving to a cheaper hometown and commuting can lower living expenses, allow a bigger house, and improve family life while keeping a city job. It is a practical way to deal with rising city housing prices.