- Download our Ho Chi Minh City Schools Guide
Budgeting for the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City means considering everything from accommodation to entertainment. While Vietnam’s largest city tends to be pricier than the capital, Hanoi, it is affordable compared to Western cities.
If you’re from North America or the UK, you can typically maintain your standard of living or even enjoy a more upscale lifestyle. Your spending habits will directly impact your monthly budget.
Cost of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation costs in Ho Chi Minh City swing wildly based on location. Popular expat havens like Thao Dien (District 2) and District 7 offer everything from budget digs to luxury villas. While rentals cost a fraction of Western prices, living spaces tend to be more compact.
District 1 puts you in the heart of the action but commands higher prices and bigger crowds. District 3 strikes a sweet spot between affordability and modern amenities. Lease terms range from six months to three years, and landlords typically ask for one to three months’ rent upfront.
Utilities like electricity, water, and internet come on top of rent. Air conditioning bills can spike during the sweltering summer months.
Renting Expat Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
Cost of transport in Ho Chi Minh City
The cost of transport in Ho Chi Minh City won’t break the bank, and cheap public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Grab are at your fingertips. Buses offer the lowest fares, but most expats hop in taxis from trusted taxi or ride-hailing companies.
Buying a motorbike makes financial sense, and plenty of second-hand options are available for those with an adventurous disposition. Traffic chaos and safety worries keep some expats off two wheels, though. Cycling is catching on in quieter neighbourhoods like District 2, especially among eco and budget-conscious expats.
Getting Around in Ho Chi Minh City
Cost of groceries in Ho Chi Minh City
Grocery costs in Ho Chi Minh City depend on your taste for local versus imported goods. Traditional wet markets like Ben Thanh, Binh Tay, and Tan Dinh serve up fresh produce, meat, and seafood at bargain prices.
Imported products carry hefty price tags due to shipping and taxes. Supermarkets, including Co.opmart, Lotte Mart, and MM Mega Market, stock both local and international brands. Local is cheaper than international. Expats hunting for speciality items often head to An Nam Gourmet. Online grocery delivery has also taken off.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Ho Chi Minh City
Entertainment and dining out in Ho Chi Minh City stay remarkably affordable, particularly if you get into street food culture. Vendors dish out tasty meals for pocket change, while mid-range restaurants serve international fare without the Western markup. Splurge spots in District 1 cater to fine dining fans.
District 1’s nightlife scene features swanky rooftop bars and upscale lounges. District 3 and Thao Dien (District 2) serve up laid-back local pubs and trendy expat watering holes. Budget entertainment includes cinemas, museums, parks, and cultural landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
Cost of education in Ho Chi Minh City
Education costs in Ho Chi Minh City range from minimal public school fees to steep international school tuition. Public schools charge little but tack on expenses for uniforms and transport.
International schools like ISHCMC deliver globally recognised curricula and first-rate facilities at premium prices. Many offer language support programmes and orientation services to help expat families ease into their new homes.
Schools and Education in Ho Chi Minh City
Best International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
Cost of healthcare in Ho Chi Minh City
Healthcare costs in Ho Chi Minh City hinge on whether you choose public or private facilities. Public hospitals offer budget-friendly care but come with long waits. Private hospitals deliver modern services and English-speaking staff at higher prices.
While public hospitals handle routine care affordably, expats typically prefer private facilities for specialised treatment. Comprehensive health insurance is necessary for accessing private healthcare. Many employers bundle it into their compensation packages.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Ho Chi Minh City
Cost of living in Vietnam chart
Prices are in Vietnamese Dong (VND) and may vary depending on location and service provider, and the table below is based on average prices for Ho Chi Minh City in June 2026.
| Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | VND 30,500,000 |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | VND 17,500,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment in the city centre | VND 15,000,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | VND 7,000,000 |
| Food and drink | |
| Eggs (dozen) | VND 41,000 |
| Milk (1 litre) | VND 40,500 |
| Rice (1kg) | VND 27,000 |
| Loaf of white bread | VND 27,500 |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | VND 96,000 |
| Cheese (500g) | VND 150,000 |
| Eating out | |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | VND 500,000 |
| Big Mac Meal | VND 120,000 |
| Coca-Cola (330ml) | VND 14,000 |
| Cappuccino | VND 50,000 |
| Local draft beer (500ml) | VND 30,000 |
| Utilities/household | |
| Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and data | VND 150,000 |
| Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) | VND 250,000 |
| Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household) | VND 2,600,000 |
| Transportation | |
| Taxi rate (per kilometre) | VND 16,500 |
| Bus/train fare in the city centre | VND 7,000 |
| Gasoline/petrol (per litre) | VND 23,500 |