Ho Chi Minh City vs Seoul: Cost of Living Comparison

Housing is the largest expense gap between the two cities. Rent in Seoul is typically 60% to 90% higher than in Ho Chi Minh City. A modern one-bedroom apartment in HCMC's District 1 or District 2 costs between $500 and $900 USD, whereas a similar unit in a popular Seoul neighborhood like Gangnam or Mapo can easily exceed $1,500 USD, often requiring a massive 'Key Money' deposit. Property prices follow a similar trend, with Seoul’s real estate market being one of the most expensive in the world relative to average income.

Food costs in Seoul are notably high, particularly for fresh produce and fruit, which are often imported or seasonally limited. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City costs around $2-$4 USD, while the same tier in Seoul averages $8-$12 USD. Grocery shopping in Seoul is roughly 80% more expensive than in Ho Chi Minh City. However, Seoul offers a massive variety of high-end international cuisine and world-class dining experiences that command premium prices compared to HCMC’s burgeoning but more affordable luxury scene.

Transportation in Ho Chi Minh City is dominated by motorbikes and ride-hailing apps like Grab, where a short trip costs less than $2 USD. Seoul, conversely, boasts one of the world's most efficient and cleanest subway and bus systems. While a single transit fare in Seoul is affordable (approx. $1.10 USD), the sheer scale of the city means monthly costs add up. Gasoline and car ownership are significantly more expensive in Seoul, though the public infrastructure makes owning a vehicle unnecessary for most residents.

Utilities, including electricity and heating, are considerably higher in Seoul due to the extreme seasonal temperature shifts requiring heavy heating in winter. A gym membership in Ho Chi Minh City can be found for $20-$40 USD, while a mid-range club in Seoul typically starts at $60 USD. Entertainment costs, such as cinema tickets and nightlife, are roughly 50% higher in Seoul. Personal services like hair salons, massages, and tailoring are incredibly cheap in HCMC due to lower labor costs, whereas these are luxury services in Seoul.

Traveling between these two Asian powerhouses is convenient and frequent. There are several direct flights daily connecting Tan Son Nhat International (SGN) and Incheon International (ICN), with a flight duration of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes. For those planning this trip, you can find the best routes and flight details via the direct flight route link: /vn-sgn-icn.