Cost Comparison: Hiring Virtual Assistants Globally

Costs vary widely based on region, specialization, and whether you use an agency or freelance marketplace.

Typical hourly ranges (2025 estimates)

• Philippines / Southeast Asia: $4–12/hr — general admin, strong English for many VAs.
• India: $5–15/hr — wide skillset, strong technical VAs available.
• Eastern Europe: $12–30/hr — good for higher-skill work and time zone proximity to Europe.
• Latin America: $8–25/hr — good overlap with US timezones.
• US / Canada: $25–60+/hr — local hiring, specialized skills, and higher costs.

Factors that change cost

• Specialization: bookkeeping, PPC management, and web dev command higher rates.
• Platform fees: marketplaces and agencies add margins.
• Benefits and payroll: direct employees increase total cost.

Budgeting tips

• Start with a 20–40 hour trial month to set expectations.
• Factor in 10–20% management time for owner/manager review.
• Consider fixed-fee scopes for predictable monthly costs.

Conclusion

Choose the market that best balances budget, required skill level, and timezone needs. Always vet for fit rather than hiring purely on price.