Ho Chi Minh City vs Milan: Cost of Living Comparison

Housing is the largest expense gap between the two cities. In Milan, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,200 USD per month. In contrast, a modern high-rise one-bedroom apartment in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 or District 2 (Thao Dien) costs between $600 and $1,100 USD. Outside the city center, Milanese rents remain high at over $1,000 USD, whereas HCMC offers comfortable options for as low as $350–$500 USD. Property prices per square meter in Milan's center are also nearly quadruple those found in HCMC.

Food costs highlight the cultural and economic divide. Ho Chi Minh City is world-famous for its affordable street food, where a filling meal costs between $1.50 and $3.00 USD. A mid-range three-course dinner for two in SGN costs about $30 USD. In Milan, a similar dinner for two starts at $80 USD, and even a basic lunch special (pranzo di lavoro) is rarely under $15 USD. Groceries in Milan—while offering exceptional quality in dairy and wine—are approximately 50% more expensive overall than in HCMC, where local markets provide very cheap produce and proteins.

Transportation in Milan is dominated by an efficient but costly network of subways, trams, and buses, with a monthly pass costing around $43 USD. Ho Chi Minh City relies heavily on motorbikes and ride-hailing services like Grab; a short motorbike taxi ride is often less than $1.50 USD. While Milan is more walkable, owning a car is prohibitively expensive due to high insurance and fuel costs. Petrol in Vietnam is generally cheaper, though traffic congestion in SGN is significantly more intense than in Milan.

Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a standard apartment in Milan average $200–$300 USD per month, particularly high due to energy costs in Italy. In HCMC, these same utilities usually range from $60 to $120 USD. Fitness enthusiasts will find gym memberships in Milan cost between $50 and $90 USD, while HCMC offers a range from $20 'local' gyms to $80 luxury wellness clubs. Cinema tickets and entertainment are roughly 40% more expensive in Milan.

There are currently no direct flight routes between Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Milan (MXP). Travelers typically connect through major hubs such as Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Singapore (Singapore Airlines). The total travel time, including layovers, usually ranges from 14 to 18 hours. Prices vary significantly by season, with peak summer and Christmas periods being the most expensive.