Traveling or settling in Vietnam offers exceptional value for money in a dynamic, warm, and culturally rich country. Whether you're planning a few weeks' vacation or long-term expatriation, understanding the cost of living will help you budget wisely. Vietnam remains globally accessible, even in major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, though prices vary depending on your desired comfort level and location.

General overview of the cost of living

Vietnam ranks among the world's most economical destinations, with a cost of living 48 to 70% lower than in Western Europe, including approximately 52% less for housing and utilities. However, local purchasing power is 61 to 78% lower, meaning this advantage primarily benefits travelers and expatriates with foreign-sourced income.

Despite gradual price increases driven by the country's strong growth, Vietnam remains highly affordable: recent monthly inflation stood at 0.38%, with over 4% increases in transportation costs in Ho Chi Minh City. According to Numbeo, the country ranks 88th globally for cost of living.

To live in Vietnam, a local lifestyle costs 400 to 700 USD per month, while a Western standard of living requires 800 to 1,500 USD or more if consuming imported products or premium housing.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City command higher prices than Da Nang or Nha Trang. This differential explains the country's appeal for students, retirees, digital nomads, and expatriates seeking improved quality of life.

Accommodation in Vietnam

Long-term rentals for expatriates

For expatriates, Vietnam's rental market is attractive, with rents far below Western standards. A small house typically costs 250 to 800 € per month, while a large apartment rents for 400 to 1,000 €. Rents are higher in major cities, particularly Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, especially in desirable neighborhoods. Conversely, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang offer more accessible rents.

You can find a modest studio for as little as 90 € per month, and a standard air-conditioned studio for approximately 220 €. A modern one-bedroom apartment with contemporary amenities typically costs 440 to 525 €, while a villa in a sought-after neighborhood ranges from 1,500 to 3,100 €. Rents may be slightly higher for foreigners due to specific formalities related to their residence.

Utilities and ongoing costs

Monthly utilities in Vietnam are also highly affordable. For an 85 m² apartment, they average 75.84 € per month, compared to approximately 150 € in Western Europe. Electricity costs 12 to 40 € monthly depending on air conditioning usage, while water runs 4 to 8 € per month. Domestic gas remains very inexpensive, averaging around 0.070 € per kWh. Internet access is often included in modern rentals, and otherwise remains very affordable.

Security deposit and rental terms

When signing a rental contract, landlords typically require a deposit equivalent to one to six months' rent. This amount is refunded at the end of the lease provided no damage or outstanding payments exist. This should be anticipated, as it represents a significant upfront cost upon arrival.

Food in Vietnam

Dining out or cooking at home

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the country's greatest assets: delicious, varied, and remarkably affordable, with overall food costs 44 to 75% lower than in Western Europe. Eating locally often costs less than cooking at home. At a local market, a prepared meal runs 1–2 €. However, preparing meals at home becomes more expensive if purchasing Western products, often 2 to 3 times pricier (cheeses, chocolates, cured meats, wine, etc.). Conversely, a daily bowl of pho costs approximately 1.50 €, compared to 12 € in Western Europe.

Street food and restaurants

Street food allows you to eat for 0.45 to 1.70 € for a bánh mì, or 0.85 to 4 € for a full meal at a popular restaurant. At a more upscale restaurant, a meal costs 6–10 €, and at an international or fine dining establishment, 15 to 40 €.

A Western meal can reach 13 €, and imported steak approximately 15 €. Daily eating locally runs 5–15 €, while a "Western" diet costs roughly 15–30 €. Without cooking, it's possible to live on 3.50 €/day, or 105 €/month.

Everyday grocery prices

Local produce is very affordable. Here are some examples:

• Rice: approximately 0.5–0.8 €/kg
• Eggs: approximately 0.9–1.3 € per dozen
• Chicken: 2.5–5.5 €/kg
• Tomatoes: 0.4–0.9 €/kg
• Bananas: 0.5–1 €/kg

Imported goods such as pasta, sauces, or cheeses are noticeably pricier. A week's groceries depending on lifestyle ranges from 20–60 €.

Beverages

Local beer costs 0.40–1.50 €, and imported beer ranges from 0.70–1.70 €. Wine is expensive, with 5 € minimum for a local bottle and 15–30 € for imported varieties. Vietnamese coffee runs approximately 0.90 €, compared to 1.75–2.65 € at a "Western-style" café.

Transportation

Scooter rental costs

The scooter is the most economical and efficient transport method in Vietnam. A 20-minute ride via Grab costs approximately 1.75 €, compared to 3 € by car, or 0.30 to 0.50 €/km. Gasoline runs 0.86–1 € per liter.

Scooter rentals vary by model:

• 500,000–800,000 VND per month (approximately 22–35 €) for a basic scooter like a Yamaha Nouvo, often unreliable
• 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND per month (40–60 €) for a standard model
• Up to 250–400 €/month for premium models in certain neighborhoods.

Taxis and motorcycle taxis

Motorcycle taxis (xe ôm) and app-based taxis are very common. A short motorcycle ride via Grab costs approximately 1 €, with motorcycle taxis starting at 0.50 €. Taxis charge 0.60–0.80 €/km. Daily Grab use (30 min/day) represents approximately 130 € per month. During extreme heat or rain, a Grab car can reach 6.60 €.

Bicycles

Some opt for bicycles:

• From 25 € used
• Approximately 80 € for a basic new bicycle
• Approximately 120 € for a mountain bike
• 200 € or more for a road bike.

Buses, trains, and planes

Buses represent the cheapest and safest option:

• Urban bus fare: 0.22–0.30 €
• Long-distance sleeper bus: approximately 15 €

Trains connect major cities (Hanoi, Sapa, Ho Chi Minh City, Lang Son) but are slow and uncomfortable. A ticket averages 9 € (248,994 VND).

For long distances, domestic flights cost between 30 to 120 € one-way, depending on season and destination.

Activities and leisure

In Vietnam, entertainment is very affordable, except in highly touristy areas. Most natural attractions are free, and cultural activities cost little:

• Museum: approximately 1.81 € (50,000 VND) for adults and free for children
• Cinema: 3.20–6 € (100,000–150,000 VND)
• Gym membership: 12–30 € (300,000–800,000 VND) per month
• Tennis court rental: approximately 7.83 € (216,600 VND)
• Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park: 9 € (250,000 VND)
• Etc.

Healthcare

Public healthcare costs are low: a consultation at Bach Mai Hospital runs approximately 70,000 VND (3.10 €) and a specialist visit 500,000 VND (22 €). Privately, a general consultation costs 300,000–600,000 VND (12–26 €), and at an international clinic 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND (40–80 €), or 50–120 € depending on the case.

At Hanoi's French Hospital, a consultation runs 1.5 million VND and a night's hospitalization 6–8 million VND. Basic care remains affordable, but for serious procedures, international clinics are recommended.