Cost of Living Calculator
Plan your monthly budget for Vietnam. Adjust city, lifestyle, and family size to get a personalised estimate.
Estimates are based on typical expat costs as of 2026. Actual costs vary significantly depending on personal preferences and exact location within each city. Not financial advice.
About These Estimates
These figures are based on real data from expats living in Vietnam in 2025–2026, aggregated from community surveys and our listings directory.
- Budget lifestyle: Local food courts and street food, studio apartment in a local neighbourhood, motorbike or public transport.
- Mid-range lifestyle: Mix of local and Western dining, 1-bedroom apartment in an expat-friendly area, own motorbike or regular Grab use.
- Premium lifestyle: Mostly Western dining and international supermarkets, 2–3 bedroom apartment or villa in a prime area, car or frequent taxi/Grab.
Costs shown are per month and exclude one-off setup costs like visa fees, security deposits, or furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Vietnam as an expat?
Monthly costs range from $600–800 for a budget lifestyle up to $3,000–5,000 for a premium lifestyle with international schooling. A comfortable mid-range lifestyle typically costs $1,000–1,500/month for a single person.
Is Ho Chi Minh City more expensive than Hanoi?
HCMC is generally 10–20% more expensive than Hanoi. However, HCMC also offers higher salaries. Da Nang is typically 20–30% cheaper than HCMC with a similar quality of life.
What is the cheapest city for expats in Vietnam?
Hoi An and Da Nang consistently offer the best value for expats — good infrastructure, English-speaking services, beaches, and lower costs than HCMC or Hanoi.
How much is rent in Vietnam for expats?
Studio apartments start at $200–300/month, 1-bedroom apartments range from $400–800/month, and larger 2–3 bedroom apartments suitable for families range from $800–2,000/month depending on the city and area.
Can I live in Vietnam on $1,000/month?
Yes, a comfortable lifestyle is achievable on $1,000/month in cities like Da Nang or Hoi An. In HCMC or Hanoi, $1,000/month means a more modest lifestyle — budget housing and mostly local food.