Cost of living in Vietnam? How much to live comfortably in Vietnam?

Cost of living in Vietnam? Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country, has long been a popular destination for tourists and expatriates due to its relatively low cost of living compared to neighboring countries. If you’re considering living in Vietnam, here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of living for an individual or a family.

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Cost of living in Vietnam?

Vietnam is an ideal destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse cuisine, good safety, and friendly people. But is living in Vietnam really as affordable as it seems? Let’s delve into the cost of living in Vietnam to provide a comprehensive overview for foreigners considering

1. Housing Costs

Renting in Vietnam varies depending on the city and the type of accommodation. Here’s an estimate of rental costs:

– One-bedroom apartment

In major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang: $250 – $625 per month
In suburban or rural areas: $150 – $300 per month

– Houses or Villas

In city centers: From $1,000 per month and up
In suburban areas: $400 – $825 per month

– Rooms or Shared Apartments

City center: $150 – $250 per month
Suburban or lower-cost areas: $100 – $170 per month

Housing costs are generally much lower than in other Southeast Asian countries, though prices can vary depending on location, quality, and amenities.

*Cost of living in Vietnam for single person*

2. Food and Dining Costs

Vietnam is renowned for its diverse and affordable cuisine. Here’s what you can expect to spend on meals and groceries:

– Eating out at restaurants

Local Eatery: $2 – $5 per meal
Mid-Range Restaurant: $8 – $28 per meal
Fine Dining Restaurant: From $50 and up

– Grocery Costs for Home Cooking

Monthly grocery expenses for one person: $100 – $200.
For a family of 2 – 4: $200 – $350 per month (depending on family needs and shopping habits).

– Beverages and coffee

Local coffee: $1 – $2 per cup
International chains (like Starbucks): $3 – $5 per cup
Fresh juices or smoothies: $1.15 – $2.50 per glass

Food costs in Vietnam are highly affordable, especially if you enjoy street food or local restaurants, which offer great value for money.

3. Utilities and Internet Costs

Utility and internet expenses are quite reasonable, with the following average costs:

– Electricity

Small apartment (1-2 people with minimal air conditioner use): $20 – $35 per month
Larger apartments (3-4 people with frequent air conditioner use): $45 – $80 per month
High usage (including washing machines, large refrigerators): $80 – $100 per month or more

– Water

Small apartment (1-2 people): $5 – $11 per month
Larger apartment (3-4 people): $12 – $15 per month

– Internet

Standard internet (80 Mbps): $8 – $12 per month
High-speed internet (150-300 Mbps): $12 – $22 per month

The total monthly cost for electricity, water, and internet in Vietnam ranges from approximately $35 – $120. Additionally, internet access is very affordable in Vietnam, with free Wi-Fi commonly available

4. Transportation Costs

Getting around in Vietnam is budget-friendly, with several transportation options available:

– Motorbike costs

Fuel (for average use): $20 – $45 per month
Maintenance (oil changes, minor repairs): $5 – $10 per month
Buying a new motorbike: $1,000 – $1,200 (depending on the model)

– Taxis and ride-hailing (Grab)

Short trips (3-5 km): $2 – $5 per ride
Long trips (10-15 km): $10 – $20 per ride
Monthly cost for frequent use: $100 – $250

– Public transportation (bus or metro)

Bus fare per trip: $0.30 – $0.50
Monthly bus pass: $6 – $8
Metro fare per trip: $0.50 – $1
Monthly metro pass: $12 – $20

– Intercity travel (train or coach)

Interprovincial coach (200-300 km): $7 – $16 per trip
Train (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City): $30 – $60 per trip
Train (Hanoi to Da Nang): $30 – $50 per trip

– Air travel

Domestic flights (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City):

Economy: $60 – $120 one-way
Business class: $200 – $400 one-way

Domestic flights (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang):

Economy: $40 – $70 one-way
Business class: $150 – $250 one-way

Transportation in Vietnam is highly flexible, with costs varying based on the mode of transport chosen.

>> Related: Is Vietnam safe to live in? Is Vietnam good to live?

5. Entertainment and Personal Expenses

Entertainment and personal expenses can vary widely depending on lifestyle:

– Entertainment

Movie tickets (2D): $4 – $6
VIP or 3D movie tickets: $10 – $16
Amusement parks: $3 – $12
Bars and clubs: $3 – $5 per drink, $10 – $15 for premium cocktails
Karaoke: $10 – $15 per hour (depending on the room type)

– Personal care

Spa or massage: $10 – $30 per session
Gym membership: $12 – $35 per month (depending on the gym’s quality)
Haircuts: $3 – $15 (based on the salon and services)
Clothes shopping: $10 – $40 per item (depending on the brand and quality)

– Other activities

Short tours (1-2 days): $30 – $80 per person
Personal or skills classes (cooking, yoga, language): $20 – $100 per month

6. Overall Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Vietnam depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Here’s a rough estimate:

Frugal lifestyle: $500 – $825 per month
Comfortable lifestyle: $1,000 – $2,500 per month

7. Tips for Expats Living in Vietnam

Choose your accommodation wisely: If you are on a budget, consider living in suburban areas to save on rent.
Research local service providers: Vietnam offers various options for electricity, water, and internet services. Comparing and choosing the best service that fits your budget is important.
Embrace street food: Vietnam’s street food is not only affordable but also safe and delicious, making it a great alternative to dining at upscale restaurants.

Vietnam is an ideal destination for those seeking a high quality of life at an affordable cost. Whether you’re here to work, study, or travel, understanding the cost of living will help you plan effectively and enjoy your time in this vibrant country.

How much to live comfortably in Vietnam?

Vietnam is known for its affordable cost of living compared to many developed countries. However, how much you need to live comfortably in Vietnam depends on factors like your location, lifestyle, shopping habits, and entertainment preferences. Here’s an estimate of the amount required to live comfortably in Vietnam:

For a comfortable lifestyle in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, you may need between $1,500 and $2,500 per month.
In smaller cities or rural areas, the cost of living can be significantly lower, ranging from $900 to $1,500 per month.

Cost of Living in Vietnam vs Philippines

Comparing the cost of living in Vietnam and the Philippines is an interesting topic, as both countries are in Southeast Asia and are developing nations. However, there are notable differences in expenses between the two. Here’s a general overview:

1. Housing Costs

– Vietnam

One-bedroom apartment in the city center (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City): $300 – $615/month
Outside the city center: $150 – $250/month

– Philippines

One-bedroom apartment in the city center (Manila, Cebu): $320 – $650/month
Outside the city center: $150 – $300/month

2. Food Expenses

– Vietnam

Street food/Local meal: $2 – $5 per meal
Mid-range restaurant: $8 – $15 per meal

– Philippines

Street food/Local meal: $2 – $5 per meal
Mid-range restaurant: $10 – $25 per meal

3. Utilities and Internet

– Vietnam

Electricity and water for a small apartment: $30 – $50/month
High-speed internet: $8 – $20/month

– Philippines

Electricity and water for a small apartment: $50 – $70/month
High-speed internet: $20 – $40/month

4. Transportation Costs

– Vietnam

Motorbike fuel: $20 – $45/month
Taxi/Grab: $100 – $170/month
Bus pass: $6 – $10/month

– Philippines

Motorbike fuel: $30 – $50/month
Taxi/Grab: $110 – $230/month
Bus/Jeepney pass: $8 – $12/month

5. Entertainment and Personal Spending

– Vietnam

Movie ticket: $4 – $6
Gym membership: $12 – $30/month

– Philippines

Movie ticket: $6 – $8
Gym membership: $16 – $50/month

6. Overall Monthly Costs

– Vietnam

For a modest lifestyle: $400 – $625/month
For a comfortable lifestyle: $900 – $1,500/month

– Philippines

For a modest lifestyle: $530 – $710/month
For a comfortable lifestyle: $930 – $1,800/month

Cost of Living in Vietnam vs Thailand

The cost of living in Vietnam and Thailand varies significantly depending on the city and lifestyle choices. Below is a comparison:

1. Housing

– Vietnam

In large cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, renting a mid-range apartment costs $315 – $615/month.
In smaller cities or suburban areas, rent is much lower, around $150 – $250/month.

– Thailand

In Bangkok, housing is more expensive, with rent ranging from $400 – $1,000/month.
In smaller cities like Chiang Mai or Phuket, rent is more affordable at $300 – $500/month.

2. Food

– Vietnam

Local restaurants are affordable, with meals costing $2 – $5.
High-end restaurants can cost around $14 – $20 per meal.

– Thailand

Street food is cheap at around $2 – $5.
A meal in a mid-range restaurant in Bangkok is typically around $15 – $25.

3. Transportation

– Vietnam

Fuel, buses, and the metro are inexpensive, with gas costing around $0.80 – $1.20 per liter, and bus or metro tickets costing $0.3 – $0.5 per ride.

– Thailand

In Bangkok, transportation costs are similar, with BTS or MRT tickets ranging from $0.5 – $1.5 per ride, and bus tickets costing around $0.3 – $0.6 per ride.

4. Entertainment and Other Services

– Vietnam

Movie tickets are affordable at around $3 – $5 per ticket, while services like haircuts or massages can cost $5 – $25.

– Thailand

In Bangkok, movie tickets cost around $5 – $8, and massages or skincare treatments typically cost between $10 – $20.

Overall, living in Vietnam tends to be more affordable compared to Thailand, especially in smaller cities. Even in large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the cost of living is generally lower than in Bangkok.

Cost of Living in Vietnam vs Australia

The cost of living between Vietnam and Australia differs significantly due to Australia’s status as a developed nation with a higher standard of living. Below is a general comparison of living expenses between Vietnam and Australia.

1. Housing

– Vietnam

In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the rent for an average apartment is about $315 – $615 USD/month. In suburban areas, the cost is lower, around $150 – $250 USD/month.

– Australia

In cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, the rent for an average apartment ranges from $950 – $1,900 USD/month. In the suburbs, rental prices are lower, around $500 – $950 USD/month.

2. Food

– Vietnam

Street food and local restaurants cost around $2 – $5 USD/meal. High-end restaurants charge between $10 – $25 USD per meal.

– Australia

A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs between $10 – $20 USD, while a meal at a fine-dining restaurant can range from $32 – $64 USD. A meal at McDonald’s is roughly $6 USD.

3. Transportation

– Vietnam

Transportation costs are quite low in Vietnam. Gasoline prices range from $0.8 – $1.2 USD/liter, bus fares range from $0.3 – $0.5 USD per ride, and metro rides cost $0.5 – $1 USD. Taxi or ride-hailing services like Grab cost around $0.6 – $1 USD/km.

– Australia

Public transport fares in cities like Sydney and Melbourne range from $2 – $3.5 USD per ride. Gasoline prices are about $1.3 USD/liter.

4. Entertainment and Other Services

– Vietnam

Movie tickets cost between $3 – $5 USD, while services like haircuts and massages range from $5 – $25 USD per session.

– Australia

Movie tickets are more expensive, costing around $10 – $13 USD. Haircuts, massages, and other personal services range from $26 – $50 USD.

5. Education and Healthcare

– Vietnam

Public school fees are relatively low, ranging from $600 – $1,200 USD/year. International schools are significantly more expensive, with tuition ranging from $5,000 – $20,000 USD/year. Healthcare costs in Vietnam are also affordable, often covered by insurance.

– Australia

Australia has a strong education system, but tuition fees are high. University tuition for international students is between $12,700 – $28,500 USD/year. Healthcare costs are also much higher than in Vietnam, but citizens benefit from Medicare, the public health insurance system.

Overall, living costs in Vietnam are significantly lower than in Australia. Expats in Vietnam can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with a limited budget, while in Australia, even a basic living standard requires substantial financial resources. Costs for food, transportation, and entertainment in Australia are generally 2-5 times higher than in Vietnam.

Cost of Living in Vietnam vs India

The cost of living in Vietnam and India is quite similar, though Vietnam tends to be slightly more expensive. The comparison largely depends on lifestyle and personal preferences.

1. Housing

– Vietnam

In suburban areas, rent ranges from $150 – $250 USD/month, while in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, rent for a mid-range apartment is around $315 – $615 USD/month.

– India

In major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, rent ranges from $300 – $600 USD/month. In smaller cities like Jaipur or Pune, rent is much cheaper, from $100 – $300 USD/month.

2. Food

– Vietnam

A meal at a street food stall or local eatery costs around $2 – $5 USD. A mid-range restaurant charges between $10 – $20 USD per meal.

– India

Food prices are similarly low, with street food costing about $1 – $3 USD per meal and mid-range restaurant meals ranging from $5 – $15 USD.

Food in Vietnam is highly regarded for its safety and cleanliness, with food preparation standards being very high. In contrast, food preparation in India often has more limitations and is not as highly rated.

3. Transportation

– Vietnam

Vietnam offers cheap public transportation. Bus fares range from $0.3 – $0.5 USD per ride, metro rides from $0.5 – $1 USD, and gas prices are around $0.8 – $1.2 USD/liter. Ride-hailing services like Grab cost about $0.8 – $1 USD/km.

– India

Public transport in India is also affordable, with bus and train fares costing $0.2 – $0.5 USD per ride. Gas prices are around $1 USD/liter, and ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber offer similar rates to Vietnam.

4. Entertainment and Other Services

– Vietnam

Movie tickets cost around $3 – $5 USD, and personal services like haircuts and massages range from $5 – $15 USD.

– India

In India, movie tickets are cheaper, costing $2 – $4 USD. Personal services such as haircuts and massages are also less expensive, from $3 – $10 USD.

5. Education and Healthcare

– Vietnam

Public school fees are low, between $300 – $800 USD/year. International school tuition ranges from $5,000 – $20,000 USD/year. Healthcare costs are affordable and often covered by insurance.

– India

Similarly, public school fees in India are low, while international school tuition ranges from $2,000 – $10,000 USD/year. Healthcare costs are comparable to Vietnam.

In general, the cost of living in Vietnam and India is affordable, though some goods and services are cheaper in India. In larger cities, living expenses in Vietnam may be slightly higher than in India.

Cost of Living in Vietnam vs the US

The cost of living in Vietnam differs significantly from that in the United States, with clear variations in standard of living, income, the prices of goods and services.

1. Housing

Vietnam: Renting a mid-range apartment in a major city costs around $315 – $615 USD/month.
US: In major US cities like New York or San Francisco, rent can range from $2,000 – $4,000 USD/month.

2. Food

Vietnam: Food is very affordable in Vietnam, especially local produce and meats. A meal at a local restaurant costs $2 – $5 USD.
US: In the US, a meal at a mid-range restaurant typically costs $10 – $20 USD.

3. Transportation

Vietnam: Public transportation and gasoline are also cheaper. Riding a bus, metro, or motorbike is a common and affordable mode of transportation.
US: In the US, car ownership is common, and the costs of fuel, maintenance, and public transport are significantly higher.

4. Services

Vietnam: Personal services like laundry, haircuts, and beauty care are inexpensive. For example, a haircut costs around $2 – $5 USD.
US: In the US, personal services are much more expensive, with haircuts ranging from $20 – $40 USD.

5. Entertainment and Travel

Vietnam entertainment and travel within Vietnam are budget-friendly. Domestic travel is relatively cheap, while in the US, hotels, flights, and other travel expenses are much higher.

Overall, living costs in Vietnam are far lower than in the US. Expats can live comfortably on a modest budget in Vietnam, whereas even basic living in the US requires substantial financial resources.

Cost of Living in Vietnam vs South Africa

The cost of living in Vietnam compared to South Africa varies depending on income, local prices, and individual needs. Here’s a general comparison between the two countries:

1. Housing

– Vietnam

Housing costs in Vietnam are quite reasonable. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, rent ranges from $315 to $615 per month for an average apartment.

– South Africa

In cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg, the average rental price is between $400 and $1,000 per month.

2. Food

– Vietnam

Domestic food products such as vegetables and meat are significantly cheaper than imported goods. Dining out at an average restaurant in Vietnam costs between $2 to $5 per meal.

– South Africa

In South Africa, supermarket food prices are relatively low, especially for locally produced goods like vegetables and beef. Dining out at a local restaurant costs between $5 to $15 per meal.

3. Transportation

– Vietnam

Transportation in Vietnam is quite affordable, with public transportation options such as buses, elevated trains, motorbikes, and ride-hailing services being widely used. Fuel costs are also relatively low.

– South Africa

In South Africa, most people rely on private cars, and public transportation is used less frequently. Fuel and maintenance costs can be slightly higher than in Vietnam.

4. Services

– Vietnam

Services such as healthcare, haircuts, massages, and entertainment are relatively inexpensive and widely accessible. For example, a haircut costs around $2 to $5, and other services are similarly priced.

– South Africa

Service costs in South Africa can be higher than in Vietnam, particularly for private healthcare, which can be expensive. However, public healthcare in South Africa is relatively affordable.

5. Entertainment and Tourism

– Vietnam

Domestic tourism is affordable, with low-cost accommodation and transportation options. Visiting attractions or watching a movie in Vietnam typically costs between $3 and $5 per ticket.

– South Africa

Like Vietnam, South Africa offers a variety of beautiful landscapes and popular tourist destinations. Domestic travel is reasonably priced, although international or luxury tourism can be more expensive.

6. Income and Purchasing Power

– Vietnam

The average income in Vietnam is lower than in South Africa, but the cost of living is also significantly cheaper, allowing residents to maintain a high quality of life with less income.

– South Africa

The average income in South Africa is higher than in Vietnam, but the wealth gap in South Africa is wide, and those with lower incomes may struggle more compared to higher earners.

Both Vietnam and South Africa have affordable living costs. However, the cost of living in South Africa can be slightly higher than in Vietnam. Overall, both countries offer a good standard of living for those with stable incomes.

Press coverage on Vietnam’s low cost of living

According to VNExpress, Vietnam’s leading online newspaper, it highlights the low cost of living in Vietnam, where street food, drinks, souvenirs, coffee, and even ride-hailing services can cost as little as $1. This low cost is surprising for many international tourists who visit the country.

Additionally, VNExpress notes that online travel platform Agoda has recognized Ho Chi Minh City as one of the top eight “slow travel” destinations in Asia. Thanks to the low cost of living, tourists can stay longer to enjoy the food, culture, and beautiful landscapes of Vietnam.

The Bottom Line

What is the cost of living in Vietnam? It depends on location, lifestyle, and individual needs, but overall, Vietnam has a lower cost of living compared to many other countries. If you’re considering living in Vietnam, it is an excellent option for a budget-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life.