Ho Chi Minh City vs Alexandria: Cost of Living Comparison
Choosing between the bustling economic hub of Vietnam and the historic Mediterranean charm of Egypt involves a careful look at affordability. While both cities are known for their budget-friendly appeal compared to Western hubs, Alexandria generally offers a lower cost of living than Ho Chi Minh City across most categories, largely due to recent currency devaluations in Egypt making the US Dollar significantly stronger locally.
Is Ho Chi Minh City more expensive than Alexandria?
In a direct comparison, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is approximately 25% to 40% more expensive than Alexandria. While HCMC offers a more modern infrastructure and a higher density of international amenities, Alexandria provides a much lower entry point for basic necessities. Local purchasing power is relatively low in both cities, but for expatriates or remote workers earning in USD, Alexandria offers one of the most affordable Mediterranean lifestyles currently available.
Housing and Rent: SGN vs HBE
Housing costs are notably higher in Ho Chi Minh City. A modern one-bedroom apartment in HCMC's District 1 or 2 can range from $500 to $900 USD per month. In contrast, a similar high-end apartment in Alexandria’s upscale neighborhoods like Kafr Abdou or Smouha typically ranges from $250 to $450 USD. Property prices per square meter in the city center are also significantly lower in Alexandria, often costing less than half of what one would pay in the heart of Saigon.
Food, Groceries, and Dining Out
Both cities boast incredible street food cultures. In HCMC, a meal at a local 'Quan' costs around $1.50 to $3.00 USD, while a mid-range dinner for two is about $25.00 USD. Alexandria is even more affordable; a traditional meal like Kushari or a falafel wrap can cost under $1.50 USD, and fresh Mediterranean seafood is remarkably cheap. Groceries, particularly local produce, bread, and eggs, are roughly 20-30% cheaper in Alexandria than in HCMC.
Transportation and Fuel Costs
Ho Chi Minh City is dominated by motorbikes and ride-hailing services like Grab, which are very affordable. However, Alexandria offers an extensive (though aging) tram system and incredibly cheap local taxis and Uber services. While Egypt has recently increased fuel prices, they remain heavily subsidized compared to Vietnam. Public transit in Alexandria is cheaper, but HCMC’s ride-sharing infrastructure is generally more efficient and tech-integrated.
Lifestyle, Utilities, and Entertainment
Monthly utilities (electricity, water, cooling) for a standard apartment are typically higher in Ho Chi Minh City due to the constant need for air conditioning in the tropical humidity, often reaching $80-$120 USD. In Alexandria, the Mediterranean climate is milder for much of the year, keeping utility costs closer to $40-$70 USD. Fitness club memberships and cinema tickets are also roughly 30% cheaper in Alexandria than in the Vietnamese metropolis.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Alexandria
There are currently no direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Alexandria (HBE). The most efficient travel route usually involves a layover in major Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). Total travel time, including layovers, typically ranges from 16 to 22 hours depending on the connection. For more flight options, many travelers fly into Cairo (CAI) and take a 2.5-hour train or private car to Alexandria.
The Verdict: Ho Chi Minh City or Alexandria?
For digital nomads and young professionals seeking a vibrant, tech-forward environment with high-speed internet and a massive expat community, Ho Chi Minh City is the superior choice despite the higher costs. However, for retirees or budget-conscious families looking for a historic, coastal city with an extremely low cost of living and a slower pace of life, Alexandria is the clear winner.
Borderly AI