Cost of Living in Vietnam: An Insider’s Guide
Are you thinking about moving to Vietnam? You might wonder how much it costs to live there. Vietnam is cheap compared to other places. It has many places to live, food that’s easy on your wallet, and cheap ways to get around. This makes it a great spot to live and work, with costs around $1,110.12.
Living in Vietnam is way cheaper than in the UK or the US. It’s over 40% cheaper than the UK and over 60% cheaper than the US as of 2022.
When you move, you’ll want to know about costs. Rent for a private room costs between $300 and $551. Food costs about $100. Over 100,000 expats live in Vietnam as of 2022. You can live well in Vietnam if you earn enough, like over 90% of expats do.
Knowing the cost of living in Vietnam is key to enjoying your stay. With the right info, you can find great deals, from a shared room in Hanoi for $265 to luxury villas. Vietnam is a great place to live, with costs much lower than in the UK or the US as of 2022.
Understanding the Basics of Living Costs
When thinking about living costs in Vietnam, knowing the basics is key. The local money is the Vietnamese dong. Exchange rates can change a lot. For example, $1000 is like 23,178,500 VND, and £1000 is like 30,225,900 VND. This info helps when comparing costs with other places.
Comparing costs in UK cities to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh shows big differences. A 1-bedroom flat in the city centre costs about £436.40 in Ho Chi Minh and £268.39 in Hanoi. Also, eating out for two at a mid-range place costs around £16.54 in Ho Chi Minh and £13.23 in Hanoi. These prices show Vietnam is cheaper than many places.
Here’s a quick look at monthly living costs in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi:
| City | 1 person, per month | 4 person family, per month |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh | £355.87 | £1,263.55 |
| Hanoi | £342.69 | £1,214.45 |
Living in Vietnam is about 42.8% cheaper than in the UK and 63.5% cheaper than in the US. This makes Vietnam a great choice for expats and those thinking of moving. Knowing about money and comparing costs helps you decide if Vietnam is right for you.
Housing and Accommodation Options
Thinking about moving to Vietnam? The cost of where you live is very important. Housing prices in Vietnam change a lot based on where you are. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cost more than smaller places.
But, there are many cheap options. You can find shared apartments or homestays.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $300 to $400 a month. A shared apartment in a busy area might be $150 to $200 a month. Don’t forget to think about utility costs. They average $70 a month for basic needs.
Popular places to live include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Each has its own culture, fun, and cost of accommodation options. When picking a place, think about how close it is to work, schools, and fun spots. Also, think about the cost of living there.
To find cheap housing in Vietnam, research and compare prices. Look at location, size, and what’s included. This way, you can find a cozy and affordable home. And you can enjoy everything Vietnam has to offer.
Utilities and Internet Expenses
When thinking about living costs in Vietnam, remember utilities and internet. Electricity and water prices change with use. But, you’ll likely pay about 18 to 25 yen for every 4,000 VND of electricity. Water bills depend on how many people live with you, at 100,000 VND per person.
Internet and mobile plans are cheap too. Basic internet starts at about 150,000 ₫ a month.
To understand better, here are some monthly costs for utilities and internet in Vietnam:
- Electricity: 18 yen to 25 yen per 4,000 VND
- Water: 100,000 VND multiplied by the number of people
- Internet: 150,000 ₫ per month
- Mobile plan: around 300,000 VND monthly
Keep in mind, these prices can change based on where you live and how much you use. But, utilities and internet in Vietnam are generally cheaper than in other places. For more on living costs in Vietnam, check out this website.
Knowing these costs helps you plan your budget better. Don’t forget to think about other expenses like food, travel, and fun. This will give you a full picture of living costs in Vietnam.
Food and Dining Costs
Food in Vietnam is cheap. You can eat out for $3. Or buy groceries for $20-30 a week.
Eating out is big in Vietnam. You can find street food and restaurants everywhere. A meal at a mid-range place costs 320,000.00 ₫ to 1,100,000.00 ₫. If you cook at home, rice costs 6,803.89 ₫ to 15,422.16 ₫ per pound.
Here are some food costs to help you plan:
- Groceries: $20-30 per week
- Dining out: $3-5 per meal
- Mid-range restaurant meal: 320,000.00 ₫ to 1,100,000.00 ₫
Food in Vietnam is cheap. This makes it great for saving money. Plan your meals and shopping to live well without spending too much.
| Food Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Rice (1 pound) | 6,803.89 ₫ to 15,422.16 ₫ |
| Milk (1 gallon) | 113,562.38 ₫ to 177,914.39 ₫ |
Transportation Costs
When thinking about living costs in Vietnam, remember to include transportation. Transportation costs are low, making Vietnam great for expats and tourists. A ride usually costs $5-10.
For cheaper travel, use buses. They cost $1-2 per ride. Or, you can buy or rent a vehicle. A used motorcycle is about $500-1000. Monthly passes for public transport are $20-30.
Public Transport: Buses and Trains
Public transport in Vietnam is easy and cheap. Buses and trains link cities and towns. A ride costs $1-2.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis and ride-hailing are common in Vietnam. A ride is about $5-10. Apps like Grab offer good prices and easy payments.
Buying or Renting a Vehicle
Want your own vehicle? You can buy or rent a motorcycle or car. A used motorcycle is $500-1000. Renting a car is $30-60 a day.
Healthcare and Insurance Expenses
When thinking about living costs in Vietnam, remember healthcare and insurance. Vietnam’s healthcare ranks 160th globally. Yet, 87.7% of people have public health insurance.
Healthcare costs vary. A doctor visit might cost $10-20. A hospital stay can be $100-500 daily. Insurance prices can add up, but many plans are affordable.
Some key stats: In 2014, Vietnam spent 390 international dollars per person on health. Health spending was 7.1% of GDP that year.
Out-of-pocket payments rose from 59% in 1989 to 80% in 1998. But, health insurance cuts these costs by 16% to 18%. Knowing your insurance options is key to managing costs in Vietnam.
Entertainment and Leisure Activities
In Vietnam, you can find lots of fun things to do without spending a lot. You can see museums or watch traditional water puppet shows. Many cultural events are free or very cheap.
Popular activities include visiting temples and going on hikes. A water puppet show costs about $5-10. A guided hike might cost $20-30. For cheap food, try street food, which is just $1-2 per meal.
Here are some average costs for entertainment and leisure activities in Vietnam:
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Museum ticket | $1-2 |
| Traditional water puppet show | $5-10 |
| Guided trekking tour | $20-30 |
| Street food meal | $1-2 |
Vietnam is a great place for fun activities that won’t cost a lot. It’s perfect for travelers and expats who want to have fun without spending too much.
Education and Childcare Expenses
When thinking about living costs in Vietnam, remember to include education and childcare. Education costs vary by school type but are generally low. For example, international schools cost $5,000-10,000 yearly. Local schools are cheaper, at $1,000-3,000 yearly.
Childcare options are also affordable. The average cost for preschool or kindergarten is about 5,702,353.41 ₫ monthly. Also, a single person in Vietnam spends about $456 monthly on things like food and fun, not counting where they live. Childcare can cost $200 to $400 monthly for a nanny or daycare.
Here is a summary of the estimated costs:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| International school tuition | $5,000-10,000 per year |
| Local school tuition | $1,000-3,000 per year |
| Preschool or kindergarten | 5,702,353.41 ₫ per month |
| Childcare expenses | $200-400 per month |
Visa and Residency Costs
When you plan to live in Vietnam, think about visa costs and living expenses. A single-entry visa costs about US$25. Multiple-entry visas can cost between US$50 to US$155. Temporary residence cards cost between US$145 to US$165.
The cost of living in Vietnam varies. It can be from $800 to $1,450 a month for mid-range expats. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are pricier. A one-bedroom apartment in central Ho Chi Minh City costs around VND 12,000,000 ($500) a month.
Other costs include utilities, transportation, and food. Utilities like electricity, water, and gas cost from VND 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 ($50-$100) a month. Transportation is affordable, with a monthly pass for buses and urban railways at VND 200,000 ($8.50).
- Rent: $450
- Utilities: $70
- Transportation: $60
- Food: $300
- Extras: $30
The cost of visa and living in Vietnam can change. But, with planning and research, you can get ready for these costs.
Tips for Budgeting and Saving in Vietnam
Follow these tips to budget and save money in Vietnam. Start by making a monthly budget to keep track of your spending. Look for discounts on places to stay, travel, and more to save money.
Also, try cooking at home and using public transport. With smart planning and spending, you can enjoy Vietnam without breaking the bank.
