Cost of Living in Vietnam | Ho Chi Minh City 2025 Guide

Cost of living in Vietnam is one of the most frequently asked topics by expats, international students, and even locals comparing life across major cities. As the country’s largest economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City is often considered the benchmark for understanding living expenses. From housing and dining to transportation, healthcare, and leisure, each element shapes a monthly budget in its own way. This guide provides a complete breakdown to help you estimate costs and plan a lifestyle that suits your needs in 2025.

Overview of Cost of Living in Vietnam

Overall, the cost of living in Vietnam is significantly lower than in many regional and Western countries. Depending on the city and lifestyle, monthly budgets can vary widely:

Ho Chi Minh City: The most expensive city in Vietnam, especially in central districts and expat neighborhoods like Thao Dien or Phu My Hung.
Hanoi: Similar to HCMC but apartment rents are often slightly lower, especially outside the core districts.
Da Nang & Nha Trang: More affordable options, ideal for those seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.

For locals, daily essentials remain affordable, while expats may face higher costs if they choose an international lifestyle, such as dining out at Western restaurants, renting high-end apartments, or sending kids to international schools.

Housing and Accommodation Costs

Housing makes up the largest share of living expenses in Ho Chi Minh City. Rental and purchase prices vary significantly depending on location and segment:

Type of Housing	Avg. Rent (USD/month)	Avg. Purchase Price (USD/m²)
1-BR apartment (suburban)	350 – 600	2,200 – 2,800
1-BR apartment (central, expat area)	600 – 1,000	3,500 – 4,500
2-BR apartment (mid-range)	700 – 1,200	3,000 – 4,200
High-end apartment (2–3 BR)	1,200 – 2,500+	4,500 – 6,000+

Premium districts such as District 1, Thao Dien (Thu Duc City), and Phu My Hung (District 7) record the highest prices. Meanwhile, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, or suburban areas like Nha Be and Binh Chanh provide more affordable alternatives.

Food and Dining Expenses

Dining in Ho Chi Minh City ranges from budget street food to upscale international restaurants.

Local and budget meals: A bowl of pho, com tam (broken rice), or noodles typically costs 2 – 3 USD. Coffee at a local café is around 1 – 2 USD. For those eating mostly at local eateries, monthly food expenses average about 150 – 250 USD per person.
International and fine dining: Upscale restaurants or international dining options range from 20 – 50 USD per meal per person. If dining frequently at premium venues, monthly expenses can easily reach 600 – 800 USD or more per person.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is flexible, with options to suit both locals and expats:

Motorbike: The most common choice. A new motorbike costs 1,200 – 2,000 USD, while a used one is 400 – 800 USD. Monthly fuel expenses average 40 – 60 USD.
Taxi/Grab: Prices range from 0.6 – 0.8 USD/km. A typical ride within the city costs 3 – 8 USD. Frequent users may spend 120 – 250 USD monthly.
Bus: Very cheap at 0.3 – 0.5 USD per trip, making it popular with students and low-income earners.
Metro (upcoming): The first line (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) is set to open soon, promising lower commuting costs and reduced travel times.

Utilities and Internet

In addition to housing, monthly utility and telecom costs also play a role in living expenses:

Electricity: Around 0.08 – 0.12 USD/kWh. For a 2-bedroom apartment with frequent AC use, monthly bills range from 50 – 100 USD.
Water: Much cheaper, typically 5 – 10 USD/month for a small household.
Gas: Either bottled gas or induction cooking, costing about 10 – 20 USD/month.
Internet: Fiber-optic packages (50–100 Mbps) are priced at 10 – 20 USD/month, with reliable service.
Mobile phone: Prepaid 4G SIMs with 5–10GB/month cost only 5 – 7 USD.

Healthcare and Insurance

Ho Chi Minh City offers both public hospitals and international private clinics, with costs varying by service:

Basic consultations: Public hospitals charge around 5 – 15 USD per visit. International clinics such as FV or Vinmec cost 30 – 60 USD per consultation.
Medication: Common prescription drugs are much cheaper than in Western countries, often 2 – 10 USD for basic prescriptions.
Private health insurance: Basic expat packages range from 500 – 1,000 USD per year, while comprehensive international coverage can reach 2,000 – 4,000 USD annually.
Dental services: Widely available and affordable. Basic treatments cost 20 – 40 USD, while implants range from 800 – 1,200 USD per tooth, much cheaper than in the US or Europe.

Education (for Families with Kids)

Education is a major expense for expat families living in Ho Chi Minh City.

Public schools: Very inexpensive, typically 5 – 10 USD/month. However, instruction is entirely in Vietnamese, making them less suitable for most expat children.
International schools: Offer British, American, IB, or bilingual programs. Tuition ranges from 8,000 – 15,000 USD per year for primary, and up to 20,000 – 25,000 USD annually for secondary levels.
Private bilingual schools: A mid-range option with tuition of 3,000 – 6,000 USD per year, appealing to families who want both English and Vietnamese instruction.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of leisure activities for both locals and expats:

Sports & gyms: Basic gym memberships cost 20 – 40 USD/month, while premium fitness clubs with pools range from 60 – 100 USD/month.
Cafés & dining: Coffee culture is huge; a cup at a local shop costs 1 – 2 USD, while international chains charge 3 – 5 USD.
Weekend entertainment: Movie tickets are 3 – 5 USD. A night out at bars or clubs downtown may cost 20 – 50 USD per person.
Nearby travel: Popular weekend getaways include Vung Tau, Da Lat, or the Mekong Delta, averaging 50 – 100 USD for a short trip.

Monthly Budget Examples in Ho Chi Minh City

Profile	Housing (USD)	Food (USD)	Transport (USD)	Utilities/Other (USD)	School Fees (USD)	Total (USD/month)
Student / freelancer	250 – 400	150 – 200	40 – 70	40 – 60	_	~500 – 700
Single professional	600 – 1.200	300 – 500	100 – 200	200 – 300	_	~1.200 – 2.000
Expat family (2 kids)	1.500 – 2.500	600 – 1.000	200 – 300	500 – 800	1.200 – 2.000/child	~4.000 – 6.500+

Conclusion

The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is both competitive compared to other major Asian cities and flexible enough to match different lifestyles. From students and freelancers to single professionals and expat families, everyone can find options suited to their budget and needs. The biggest variations come down to where you live, how you spend, and the services you choose daily.

So, with the current living costs, do you think Ho Chi Minh City is the right place to start your new chapter?