Vietnam
Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh City
Monthly Total
$1,560
$27,300
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$805
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$25
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/13/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$805
$14,088
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$137
$2,398
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$175
$3,063
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$60
$1,050
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$90
$1,575
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$176
$3,080
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$80
$1,400
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$37
$648
Monthly Total
$1,560
$27,300
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's most expensive city but still extremely affordable. District 1 and District 2 (Thao Dien) command highest rents. AC is essential year-round and drives up electricity costs significantly. Budget $800-1000 for frugal living, $1500-2000 for comfortable single lifestyle.
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