Cost of Living in Vietnam: Your Complete Guide to Expenses, Housing, and Lifestyle

Vietnam has quickly emerged as a top destination for expats, remote workers, retirees, and international students. With its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, it offers far more than just affordability though that remains one of its biggest draws. Vietnam remains up to 60% cheaper than the United States and considerably less expensive than neighboring nations like Thailand or Malaysia, according to Numbeo.

This guide delivers a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to spend living in Vietnam whether you’re a solo traveler on a budget, a digital nomad, or relocating with a family. Backed by real-time data and expert sources, it will help you plan confidently and realistically.

Average Cost of Living in Vietnam

Living in Vietnam continues to be remarkably affordable, though costs vary by region and lifestyle. Here’s a monthly estimate for basic living expenses:

Profile	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Solo Expat (Budget)	$600 – $900
Solo Expat (Comfort)	$1,000 – $1,400
Couple	$1,200 – $2,000
Family (4 Members)	$2,000 – $3,500

These figures are drawn from recent data compiled by Expatistan and GoDigit. Location, housing type, and lifestyle preferences (local vs. Western living) significantly affect these numbers.

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Housing Costs in Vietnam

Housing is often the largest expense for expats in Vietnam. Costs differ widely between major cities:

Rental Price Ranges (Monthly):

Apartment Type	Ho Chi Minh City	Hanoi	Da Nang
Studio (City Center)	$400 – $650	$350 – $550	$300 – $500
1-Bedroom (Suburb)	$250 – $450	$200 – $400	$200 – $350
3-Bedroom (City Center)	$800 – $1,500	$700 – $1,200	$600 – $1,000

High-end apartments often include amenities like 24/7 security, a pool, and a gym. In contrast, more affordable units may lack elevators, have basic furnishings, or be located on upper floors of walk-ups.

Foreigners can rent freely, but buying property is more complicated due to ownership restrictions. Long-term leases are common alternatives for those planning extended stays.

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Food and Grocery Expenses

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the highlights of living here and it’s incredibly affordable.

Eating Out:

• Street food meal: $1 – $2 (banh mi, pho, bun cha)
• Mid-range local restaurant: $3 – $7 per meal
• Western-style meal: $8 – $15 per dish in tourist areas

Groceries (Monthly Averages):

• Staples like rice, eggs, and vegetables: ~$100/month
• Meat and seafood: ~$50 – $80/month
• Imported goods (cheese, cereals, wine): can double grocery costs

A single person shopping mostly at local markets might spend $120–$180/month, while couples or families relying on supermarkets and imported brands may spend $250–$500/month.

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Transportation and Utilities

Transportation Costs:

• Bus fare (one-way): $0.30 – $0.60
• Grab/motorbike taxi (5 km ride): ~$1 – $2
• Motorbike rental: $50 – $100/month
• Buying a used motorbike: ~$300 – $600
• Petrol: ~$1.10/liter

Driving a car is more expensive due to import taxes, making motorbikes the preferred option for most expats.

Utilities and Internet:

Service	Monthly Cost
Electricity	$40 – $80 (varies with A/C use)
Water	$5 – $10
Internet (Fiber)	$8 – $15
Mobile plan	$3 – $7

Most apartments are metered separately, and bills are paid monthly. Vietnam has widespread access to high-speed internet, making it a reliable base for remote work.

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Healthcare, Education, and Personal Expenses

Healthcare:

Vietnam offers both public and private healthcare options. Expats typically use private clinics or international hospitals for higher standards and English-speaking staff.

• Consultation at private clinic: $20 – $40
• Dental cleaning: $15 – $30
• Annual health insurance: $300 – $1,200 depending on coverage

For major procedures, many expats prefer facilities in Bangkok or Singapore, but for everyday care, Vietnam is both competent and affordable.

Education and Childcare:

• International school tuition: $5,000 – $20,000/year
• Daycare or preschool: $150 – $500/month

Families relocating long-term often budget heavily for schooling, particularly in cities like HCMC and Hanoi where international curricula are widely available.

Personal & Leisure:

• Gym membership: $15 – $50/month
• Movie ticket: $3 – $5
• Haircut (men): $2 – $5
• Massage (1 hour): $7 – $15

Vietnam’s lifestyle offerings are vast from yoga studios and golf clubs to rooftop lounges and beachside cafes.

Regional Cost Differences

While the average cost of living is low across Vietnam, there are notable differences:

Location	Average Cost Rating
Ho Chi Minh City	$$$ (Highest)
Hanoi	$$
Da Nang	$$ (more affordable)
Hoi An, Nha Trang	$–$$ (coastal)
Smaller towns	$ (Lowest)

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the most expensive overall, especially in District 1 and 7. Da Nang strikes a balance between modern amenities and lower costs, making it a favorite for digital nomads and families alike. Inland cities and rural areas offer even lower prices but come with fewer Western conveniences.

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Budgeting Tips for Living in Vietnam

1. Negotiate Rent: Always negotiate lease terms long-term deals usually get better rates.
2. Shop at Local Markets: Fresh produce is far cheaper here than in supermarkets.
3. Use Grab or Public Transit: It’s more cost-effective than owning a car.
4. Opt for Local Brands: Imported products drastically increase your grocery bill.
5. Split Bills: Shared housing lowers expenses significantly for singles and students.

Conclusion

In 2025, Vietnam remains one of the most cost-effective countries in Asia for expats, digital nomads, and families. Whether you’re living on a tight student budget or enjoying a comfortable retirement, Vietnam offers a lifestyle that blends affordability, cultural richness, and modern conveniences.

By planning ahead, understanding regional differences, and leveraging reliable cost-of-living data, you can design a lifestyle in Vietnam that suits your goals and your wallet.