Cost of Living in Vietnam: Rent, Housing & Income

Vietnam stretches along the coast of Southeast Asia, from Hanoi in the north through Da Nang and the central coast to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The figures here are national averages, and prices in the two largest cities are usually above those in smaller towns. The currency is the dong, and its low unit value means menus and receipts show very large numbers. This page shows everything converted to US dollars.

The data comes from Livingcost, which compiles crowd-sourced prices. These are estimates that update continuously, and the exchange rate changes the converted amounts.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Vietnam was 28.8 in 2024, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 29% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 18,088 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 3.3% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Livingcost lists $328/mo for one person without rent and $637/mo including it. The average salary after tax is listed at $428/mo. Local wages and visitor spending are different things, so the salary is context rather than a budget target.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $383/mo, and a cheaper one bedroom at $215/mo. For three bedrooms, the centre is listed at $892/mo and the cheaper option at $589/mo.

The gap between a central apartment and a cheaper one is about location and building quality. Serviced apartments and modern towers in the main business districts sit at the top of the market. Older buildings and units in outer districts or alleys off the main roads are priced lower, and many residents trade a longer commute for more space.

Practical tips for finding a place

Many foreigners find a first place through a local agent or a rental group, then move after a few months once they know the neighborhoods. Ask about the lease length, what the deposit covers and who pays for utilities. Check water pressure, air conditioning and mold before you commit, since the climate is humid in many regions.

Utilities for one person are listed at $48/mo, which is high relative to some other lines because air conditioning drives electricity use in hot months. An internet plan is listed at $9.05/mo, and a monthly local transport ticket at $9.08/mo.

Public transport varies by city. Many residents rely on motorbikes or ride-hailing apps, and those costs sit outside the monthly ticket. Think about how you will get around before relying on the pass figure.

A lunch menu is listed at $1.95 each, which is the line that stands out most. A liter of milk is listed at $1.46 each and a dozen eggs at $1.49 each. Street stalls and small local restaurants serve inexpensive meals, and markets sell fresh produce. Imported groceries and restaurants that cater to visitors cost noticeably more than the lunch figure suggests.

Cooking at home takes effort when a kitchen is small, and many apartments have limited cooking space. That tilts daily habits toward eating out, so your food line may depend more on the layout of the place you rent than on grocery prices. Delivery apps are widely used in the big cities and add fees to each order.

For a family of four, Livingcost lists $1,661/mo including rent and $1,128/mo without it. International schools and private healthcare can add a lot and are not itemized here. Ask schools directly for current fees.

Compared with its own wages, some things are costly, especially housing in the biggest cities and imported goods. Compared with many places, daily food and transport are low. The answer depends on whether you live like a local or keep the habits of home, and whether you work for local pay or earn income from abroad.

Begin with rent, then the bills and your transport choice. Add food based on how often you cook, and keep a line for occasional trips and visa-related costs. Because the totals here are national averages, budget a bit higher if you plan to live in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

• Health insurance and medical bills
• Visa fees and any agency charges
• Flights and domestic travel
• International school tuition
• Taxes on income earned in or outside Vietnam

Visa and residency rules change and depend on your nationality. Check the official Vietnamese immigration website and ask a licensed advisor before you plan.