Southeast Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
The average cost of living in Ho-Chi-Minh-City, Vietnam is $457 per month for a single person, and $1,540 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $553 per month. The local average net salary is $507 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 10.4 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $457 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,540 / mo
- Student
- $268 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$507.11 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Ho-Chi-Minh-City | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Ho-Chi-Minh-City FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Ho-Chi-Minh-City. |
Rent & Property Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $553 | $380 – $760 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $266 | $152 – $342 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,157 | $950 – $1,410 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $701 | $532 – $936 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,330 | $3,421 – $7,602 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,835 | $1,384 – $2,661 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $553$380 – $760
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $266$152 – $342
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,157$950 – $1,410
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $701$532 – $936
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,330$3,421 – $7,602
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,835$1,384 – $2,661
Grocery Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.56 | $1.25 – $1.98 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.99 | $0.57 – $2.28 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.03 | $0.76 – $1.33 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.51 | $1.02 – $1.82 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $12 | $5.70 – $21 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $3.55 | $1.90 – $4.18 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $10 | $5.70 – $15 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.60 | $1.27 – $4.56 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.27 | $0.84 – $1.90 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.34 | $0.38 – $2.66 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.15 | $0.64 – $1.90 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.13 | $0.57 – $1.52 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.27 | $0.57 – $3.04 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.79 | $0.31 – $1.33 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.53 | $0.38 – $0.76 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $14 | $4.56 – $21 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $0.90 | $0.57 – $1.52 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.56 | $0.72 – $2.66 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $1.33 | $1.14 – $1.52 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.56$1.25 – $1.98
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.99$0.57 – $2.28
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.03$0.76 – $1.33
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.51$1.02 – $1.82
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $12$5.70 – $21
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $3.55$1.90 – $4.18
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $10$5.70 – $15
- Apples (1 kg) $2.60$1.27 – $4.56
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.27$0.84 – $1.90
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.34$0.38 – $2.66
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.15$0.64 – $1.90
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.13$0.57 – $1.52
- Onions (1 kg) $1.27$0.57 – $3.04
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.79$0.31 – $1.33
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.53$0.38 – $0.76
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $14$4.56 – $21
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $0.90$0.57 – $1.52
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.56$0.72 – $2.66
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $1.33$1.14 – $1.52
Public Transport & Car Costs in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.27 | $0.27 – $0.38 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $11 | $5.70 – $11 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.72 | $0.61 – $0.76 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.63 | $0.46 – $0.95 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $3.04 | $2.28 – $3.80 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.78 – $0.95 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $30,408 | $30,332 – $37,820 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $31,330 | $27,557 – $36,110 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.27$0.27 – $0.38
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $11$5.70 – $11
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.72$0.61 – $0.76
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.63$0.46 – $0.95
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $3.04$2.28 – $3.80
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.85$0.78 – $0.95
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $30,408$30,332 – $37,820
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $31,330$27,557 – $36,110
Utility & Internet Costs in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $104 | $57 – $190 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $5.88 | $3.42 – $7.60 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $9.49 | $6.27 – $11 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $104$57 – $190
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $5.88$3.42 – $7.60
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $9.49$6.27 – $11
Childcare & Preschool in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $422 | $228 – $889 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $21,048 | $9,503 – $33,532 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $422$228 – $889
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $21,048$9,503 – $33,532
Clothing Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $58 | $27 – $91 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $35 | $19 – $57 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $96 | $57 – $125 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $93 | $38 – $171 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $58$27 – $91
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $35$19 – $57
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $96$57 – $125
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $93$38 – $171
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $22 | $11 – $61 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $11 | $7.60 – $13 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $3.42 | $2.66 – $7.60 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $22$11 – $61
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $11$7.60 – $13
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $3.42$2.66 – $7.60
Restaurant Prices in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $1.90 | $1.52 – $3.80 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $20 | $15 – $38 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $4.56 | $3.80 – $5.70 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.10 | $0.76 – $1.90 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.90 | $1.22 – $3.23 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $1.72 | $0.76 – $2.66 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.56 | $0.38 – $0.76 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.35 | $0.23 – $0.57 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $1.90$1.52 – $3.80
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $20$15 – $38
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $4.56$3.80 – $5.70
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $1.10$0.76 – $1.90
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.90$1.22 – $3.23
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $1.72$0.76 – $2.66
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.56$0.38 – $0.76
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.35$0.23 – $0.57
Salaries & Mortgages in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $507 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 8.81% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $507
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 8.81%
Compare Ho-Chi-Minh-City with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Vietnam
Hanoi
Monthly / 1 person
$449
vs NYC
10.2/100
Vietnam
Da-Nang
Monthly / 1 person
$482
vs NYC
11/100
Malaysia
Kuching
Monthly / 1 person
$449
vs NYC
10.2/100
Philippines
Davao
Monthly / 1 person
$465
vs NYC
10.6/100
Malaysia
Penang
Monthly / 1 person
$428
vs NYC
9.7/100
Philippines
Quezon-City
Monthly / 1 person
$495
vs NYC
11.2/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Ho-Chi-Minh-City?
- An estimated $457 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Ho-Chi-Minh-City. A family of four needs around $1,540 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $268.
- How much money do I need to live in Ho-Chi-Minh-City?
- Plan for at least $457 per month as a single person, $1,540 per month for a family of four, or $268 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Ho-Chi-Minh-City.
- What is the average rent in Ho-Chi-Minh-City?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Ho-Chi-Minh-City rents for around $553 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,157 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Ho-Chi-Minh-City?
- The average monthly net salary in Ho-Chi-Minh-City is around $507. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 109% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Ho-Chi-Minh-City?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Ho-Chi-Minh-City costs around $1.90. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $35 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.56/L) and bread ($0.99/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Ho-Chi-Minh-City?
- A monthly public transport pass in Ho-Chi-Minh-City costs around $11. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Ho-Chi-Minh-City?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Ho-Chi-Minh-City costs around $9.49 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.