Living expenses in Vietnam will differ depending on an individual’s lifestyle. Many expats are able to enjoy a good life in Vietnam without spending a fortune. The largest dents in an expat's monthly budget will be in the areas of housing, schooling and Western foodstuffs. Travel, phone and internet costs remain low.
Like most countries, Vietnam has its fair share of temptations for an expat's wallet. Being in Asia, there are lots of electronic gadgets that expats can spend their hard-earned salary on. However, with a little financial shrewdness, it's easy to live comfortably and save at the same time.
Cost of accommodation in Vietnam
The majority of expats moving to Vietnam do so on a short-term basis and therefore opt to rent property rather than buy. The cost of rent will vary depending on the standard of housing a person requires, as well as the location of a property.
On the other hand, expats will find a great many modern apartment complexes in Vietnam’s bustling cities and, as a result, there are more luxury accommodation options available to them. These condominiums and apartments come equipped with a range of facilities such as gyms, laundries and swimming pools. Naturally, rental prices are higher.
As a rule of thumb, housing closer to the city centre comes at a premium while housing in outlying suburbs is more affordable.
Cost of transport in Vietnam
There are plenty of cost-effective ways to get around Vietnam. Expats can feel free to negotiate on taxi or motorcycle taxi fares.
Most expats don't drive in Vietnam due to the chaotic conditions on the city streets. Those that do wish to have a private vehicle should hire a driver with knowledge of the local roads.
Cost of food and eating out in Vietnam
Sticking to Western food and restaurants will burn a hole in one's wallet as many of the food items or ingredients are imported and the government levies high taxes on these goods. Eating Vietnamese food is cheap, tasty and definitely something to write home about.
Fruit and vegetables from supermarkets are also a lot more expensive than those bought in the marketplace.
Cost of living in Vietnam chart
Note that prices may vary depending on location and service provider and the table below is based on average prices for Ho Chi Minh City in February 2021.
|
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
VND 28,000,000 |
|
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
VND 18,000,000 |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
VND 13,000,000 |
|
One-bedroom apartment outside city centre |
VND 9,000,000 |
|
Groceries |
|
|
Milk (1 litre) |
VND 32,000 |
|
Dozen eggs |
VND 32,000 |
|
Loaf of white bread |
VND 18,500 |
|
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
VND 68,000 |
|
Pack of cigarettes |
VND 25,500 |
|
Eating out |
|
|
Big Mac Meal |
VND 100,000 |
|
Cappuccino |
VND 46,000 |
|
Local beer |
VND 20,000 |
|
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
VND 500,000 |
|
Utilities |
|
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
VND 2,000 |
|
Internet (uncapped – average per month) |
VND 270,000 |
|
Utilities (average per month for standard household) |
VND 1,500,000 |
|
Transport and driving |
|
|
City-centre bus fare |
VND 6,000 |
|
Taxi (rate per km) |
VND 14,000 |
|
Petrol (per litre) |
VND 21,000 |