Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is Vietnam's bustling economic powerhouse and a top destination for expats and digital nomads. It offers a high standard of living at a relatively low cost, combining modern amenities, a world-class culinary scene, and a vibrant energy. While prices have risen in recent years, particularly in Districts 1 and 2, the city remains significantly more affordable than major hubs in North America, Europe, or East Asia.

Rent & Housing Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

1bed outside8,200,000 VND ($330)

3bed center32,500,000 VND ($1,300)

3bed outside17,500,000 VND ($700)

price per sqm center155,000,000 VND ($6,200)

1bed center14,500,000 VND ($580)

utilities 85sqm2,100,000 VND ($84)

Dining & Grocery Prices

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant50,000 VND ($2.00)

Three-course Meal for 2, Mid-range750,000 VND ($30.00)

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent)115,000 VND ($4.60)

Domestic Beer (0.5L draft)30,000 VND ($1.20)

Cappuccino (Regular)55,000 VND ($2.20)

Milk (1 liter)38,000 VND ($1.52)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread25,000 VND ($1.00)

Transportation & Commuting

taxi 1km17,000 VND ($0.68)

one way ticket local7,000 VND ($0.28)

gasoline 1 liter23,500 VND ($0.94)

taxi start15,000 VND ($0.60)

monthly pass210,000 VND ($8.40)

motorbike rental monthly1,500,000 VND ($60)

Salary, Jobs & Financing

avg salary after tax14,800,000 VND ($592)

mortgage rate 20yr fixed9.50%

freelance coworking monthly2,500,000 VND ($100)

Quality of Life in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City scores high on lifestyle factors such as entertainment, social life, and food quality. Safety is generally good, though petty crimes like bag snatching can occur. Healthcare is excellent in private international clinics but can be crowded in public hospitals. The main challenges are high levels of noise, heavy traffic congestion, and seasonal air pollution during the dry months.

3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: A Budget Itinerary

Day 1

Explore District 1: Visit the War Remnants Museum (40k VND), Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Enjoy street food at Ben Thanh Market for lunch and a coffee at a hidden cafe on Dong Khoi Street.

Day 2

History & Culture: Take a morning half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels (approx. 450k VND). Afternoon visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and sunset drinks at a rooftop bar in District 1.

Day 3

Local Life & Modernity: Visit the Binh Tay Market in Cholon (Chinatown). Spend the afternoon in District 2 (Thao Dien) for boutique shopping and craft beer by the Saigon River.

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