Discover the True Cost of Living in Vietnam
Thinking about moving to Vietnam? You might wonder about the cost of living there. In Vietnam, most things cost less than half of what you’d pay in the West. This makes it a great choice for expats.
The cost of living in Vietnam is much lower than in the UK and the US. It’s 42.8% lower than in the UK and 63.5% lower than in the US. This is why many people choose to live here. The cost of living varies based on your lifestyle and where you live. But overall, Vietnam is an affordable place to call home.
So, what does living in Vietnam cost, and how can you stretch your dollar? As you plan your move, think about housing, food, transportation, and fun. This way, you can enjoy Vietnam without spending too much.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Vietnam
Thinking about moving to Vietnam? It’s good to know how much things cost there. The cost of food in Vietnam is low, which is great for expats and travelers. A basic lunch in the city costs about 83,822 ₫. A fast food combo meal is around 95,967 ₫.
Compared to other countries, Vietnam is cheaper. It’s 42.8% cheaper than the UK and 63.5% cheaper than the US. This makes Vietnam a great place to move or retire.
Overview of Expenses
Expenses in Vietnam change based on where you live. Cities like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh cost more than small towns. An expat’s monthly costs can be $900 to $1,400. This includes rent, utilities, food, and more.
Currency and Exchange Rates
Exchange rates matter when living in Vietnam. Keeping up with exchange rates helps you save money. The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency. Knowing exchange rates is key to managing your expenses.
Housing Costs in Major Cities
Looking at the cost of rent in Vietnam, major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are key. The cost of living, including housing, ranges from ₹37,500 to ₹75,000 per month. In these cities, one-bedroom apartments in the city center cost between ₹30,000 and ₹60,000 per month. This makes Vietnam a great choice for affordable living.
A couple can live a comfortable, middle-class life for less than $1,300 per month in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and more. For one person, the average cost of living in Vietnam is $624. This shows how affordable Vietnam is, making it a good choice for those looking to save money.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated monthly costs in Vietnam:
- Rent: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000
- Utilities: ₹3,750 – ₹7,500
- Food: ₹7,500 – ₹15,000
- Transportation: ₹450 – ₹900
This breakdown shows the low cost of rent in Vietnam. It also shows how affordable living in the country is.
Food and Dining Expenses
Food costs are a big part of living in Vietnam. Eating out is cheap, with meals at local places costing $2 to $5. If you cook at home, buying groceries is also not expensive. A couple’s weekly grocery bill is about £20 to £30.
Here are some typical food costs:
- Street food: £1.50 for a bowl of pho to £10 for a Western-style meal
- Groceries: average weekly bill for a couple is £20 to £30
- Dining out: $2 to $5 for a meal at a local eatery
Living in Vietnam is affordable because food is cheap. This makes it a great place for expats and travelers. You can enjoy many tasty meals without spending a lot.
Transportation Costs
When thinking about transportation costs in Vietnam, there are many options. You can use public transport, own a vehicle, or take a taxi. The cost changes a lot based on how you travel and where you are. For example, a monthly ticket for local transport costs 8,000.00 ₫. But, a new car like a Volkswagen Golf costs 930,000,000.00 ₫. You can learn more about living costs in Vietnam on the cost of living in Vietnam website.
Public transport like buses and trains is cheap. A monthly pass is about 200,000.00 ₫. But, owning a car costs more, with gas at 87,978.46 ₫ per gallon. Taxis also have different prices, from 17,000.00 ₫ for starting to 82,523.26 ₫ for waiting an hour.
Here’s a look at the costs of different ways to get around in Vietnam:
| Transportation Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Transport (one-way) | 8,000.00 ₫ |
| Public Transport (monthly pass) | 200,000.00 ₫ |
| Taxi (start fee) | 17,000.00 ₫ |
| Gasoline (per gallon) | 87,978.46 ₫ |
Healthcare and Insurance
Understanding Vietnam’s public healthcare and private insurance is key. You can buy medicines in Vietnam that need a prescription in the West. They are much cheaper. This makes Vietnam a great choice for expats.
Healthcare in Vietnam is cheaper than in many places. A visit to a private doctor costs between 900,000 and 1.6 million VND. In 2014, Vietnam spent $390 per person on health.
Here are some average medical costs in Vietnam:
- Consultation with a private GP: 900,000 – 1.6 million VND
- Consultation with a private specialist: 1 million – 1.7 million VND
- 24-hour stay at a private hospital: 20-24 million VND
Having private health insurance is important for unexpected medical costs. For more info, visit expat resources. The cost of healthcare in Vietnam is a big part of your budget.
Education Expenses
When looking at the cost of education in Vietnam, remember to think about tuition, living costs, and more. The price can change a lot based on the school and study level. says international students pay between VND 3,500,000 to VND 9,000,000 for a place to live each month. Food and shopping costs are between VND 2,500,000 and VND 4,000,000 monthly.
Tuition fees vary a lot. For undergrad studies, it’s VND 24,650,031 to VND 986,001,247 yearly. Postgraduate studies cost the same, VND 24,650,031 to VND 986,001,247 yearly. It’s important to look at different schools and programs to find one that fits your budget and goals.
Here’s a quick look at monthly costs for international students in Vietnam:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (VND) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 3,500,000 – 9,000,000 |
| Food and Groceries | 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 |
| Transportation | 180,000 – 400,000 |
| Utilities | 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 |
Knowing the cost of education in Vietnam helps you make smart choices. By looking at these costs and researching schools, you can find a good and affordable education in Vietnam.
Entertainment and Leisure Activities
Living affordably in Vietnam means you get to enjoy many fun activities. You can see historical sites or go out at night. Prices for these places are low, from 20,000 VND to 150,000 VND (about $1 to $7 USD) per person.
At night, a beer costs between 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND ($2 to $9 USD). Club entry fees can be 100,000 VND to 500,000 VND ($4 to $22 USD) or more. Outdoor fun like trekking in Sapa costs $20 to $30 USD per person. Day trips to Ha Long Bay are $30 to $100 USD or more.
Some fun things to do in Vietnam include:
- Visiting historical sites and attractions
- Exploring the nightlife in major cities
- Taking guided trekking tours or day trips to nearby destinations
Living affordably in Vietnam means you can have fun without spending a lot. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and lively cities, Vietnam is perfect for an affordable and exciting life.
Utilities and Internet Services
When thinking about living costs in Vietnam, remember utilities and internet. Living costs here are low, with bills for these services being cheap. For example, a cell phone plan with unlimited data costs just $3 a month. High-speed internet is about $11 a month.
Utility bills in Vietnam are not too high. Here’s what you might pay each month: Electricity: $30 to $50, Water: $10 to $20, Garbage: $8 to $15. Gas and fuel costs are $8 to $12 and $15 to $30, respectively. Internet and mobile phone services cost $8 to $15 and $5 to $10. These prices help make Vietnam a great place for expats and tourists.
Average Utility Bills
Rental prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi vary. But, utility costs stay about the same. For an 85m2 apartment, you’ll pay between 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND a month. This includes electricity, water, and garbage.
Internet and Mobile Plans
Internet and mobile plans in Vietnam are also cheap. Unlimited high-speed internet costs between VND 180,000 to VND 350,000 a month. A pre-paid cell phone plan with unlimited data is just $3 a month. This is a great deal for those who want affordable mobile services.
| Service | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $30-$50 |
| Water | $10-$20 |
| Internet | $8-$15 |
| Mobile phone service | $5-$10 |
Cost of Living vs. Salary in Vietnam
Thinking about moving to Vietnam? It’s key to know how average cost of living Vietnam and salaries tie together. The cost of living in Vietnam changes a lot based on your lifestyle and where you live. says the average expat salary is about US$78,000/£55,000, which can help you live well.
Teachers living an average life in Vietnam might spend $750 to $1,000 a month. This includes food, a place to live, and how to get around.
Here’s what you might pay for:
- Food and drink: $200-$300
- Accommodation: $350-$500
- Transportation: $75-$100
Thanks to the average cost of living Vietnam being low, many expats can live well and save money. The trick is to enjoy the local culture and keep your spending in check.
Tips for Managing Your Budget in Vietnam
Managing your budget in Vietnam is key. Buying local groceries and goods can cut your costs by 25%. Look for discounts at markets and shops to save more.
Using local resources is also smart. A local bank account can save you money on fees. Services like Wise and PayPal are cheaper for expats.
With these tips, you can enjoy Vietnam on a budget. Planning and being smart with money lets you dive into the culture and fun here.
