He Couldn't Afford America—Now He Lives Comfortably in Vietnam on $600 a Month.

#usa He was barely surviving in America. Today, he's living in Vietnam on around $600 a month—and says he's never felt more free. In this episode of Relocated, we meet El Hector, an artist, animator, and entrepreneur from East Cleveland, Ohio, who made the life-changing decision to leave the United States and start over in Da Nang, Vietnam. After years of financial pressure, personal loss, and constant stress, he reached a breaking point. Instead of accepting that life had to stay that way, he packed up and moved halfway around the world in search of something money couldn't buy: peace of mind. In this interview, he shares: Why he decided to leave America How he lives comfortably in Vietnam on about $600 a month A full tour of his apartment in Da Nang His monthly budget and cost of living How he earns money as an animator, musician, and creative entrepreneur Why Vietnam has transformed his mental health and creativity The biggest misconceptions Americans have about living abroad Advice for anyone thinking about moving overseas Chapters: 00:00 Why He Left America for Vietnam 00:56 Living Comfortably on $600 a Month 02:04 Apartment Tour in Da Nang 04:28 His Monthly Budget Explained 06:37 How He Makes Money in Vietnam 09:05 Why America Stopped Working for Him 12:18 Losing Friends & Searching for Peace 15:36 The Scam That Changed His Life 18:42 Why Vietnam Feels Like Home 21:15 A Typical Day Living in Da Nang 23:47 Building His Dream as an Artist 26:18 What Americans Get Wrong About Vietnam 28:40 Advice for Anyone Thinking About Moving Abroad 30:05 Final Thoughts on Finding Peace Abroad Executive Producer & Co-Director: Jordy “Comes Alive” Trachtenberg Director : Captain Hayford Production: 1Circle Production Cinematography :Thuong Nguyen Color Grading : Relocated Special Thanks to : Hector Subscribe to Relocated :    / @relocatedd   About Relocated Relocated is a documentary series that follows the emotional, financial, and cultural journeys of people who leave their home countries to build new lives abroad. Each episode explores why they left, where they went, how they adapted, and what life really looks like after the move—from housing and cost of living to identity, safety, family, and personal freedom. Through real apartment tours, day-in-the-life storytelling, and honest conversations, Relocated goes beyond the highlight reel to show the truth behind starting over in a new country. The series documents expats, creatives, families, and solo movers navigating unfamiliar systems, new cultures, and the trade-offs that come with choosing a different life. Relocated isn’t about escaping—it’s about redefining success, regaining control, and discovering what “home” means when you choose it for yourself. #relocated #usa #livingabroad #costofliving #vietnam #motivation #inspiration #life #retirement #us #costofliving #Vietnam #CostOfLiving #FamilyOfSix #LivingAbroad #ExpatLife #Relocated #webnationafrica