Key Cost of Living Data
| Category | Index | Est. USD | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 26.4 | 74% cheaper than NYC | Cheap |
| Rent (1-bed city) | 9.9 | $315/mo/mo est. | Cheap |
| Groceries | 19.1 | $80/mo/mo est. | Cheap |
| Restaurants | 31.8 | $6/meal est. | Cheap |
| Local Purch. Power | 15.6 | ×3.79 expat stretch | |
| GNI per Capita | $15.8k | World Bank PPP | |
| Inflation Rate | 3.62% | Annual 2026 |
Housing & Rent
Rent in Vietnam is well below the NYC baseline (Rent Index 9.9). A 1-bedroom apartment in a major city centre costs around $315/month, dropping to $210/month outside the centre. Three-bedroom apartments typically run $545+/month centrally.
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $315/mo | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, suburbs | $210/mo | Outside centre |
| 3-bed, city centre | $545/mo | Family / shared |
| Utilities (85m²) | $40/mo | Electricity, gas, water |
Food & Dining
Food in Vietnam is budget-friendly. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs around $6/person; a mid-range dinner for two runs $50. Monthly grocery spending for one person averages $80.
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $6 | Per person |
| Meal for 2, mid-range | $25 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $80/mo | Estimated |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | $0.66 | Local brand |
| Coffee / espresso | $0.92 | Local café |
Transport
A monthly public transport pass in Vietnam costs roughly $35. Taxis and ride-hailing are very cheap, making day-to-day mobility a minor budget item.
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $26/mo | Public transport |
| Taxi per km | $0.53/km | Avg. rate |
| Petrol (1L) | $0.42/L | Regular fuel |
| Internet speed | 59.0 Mbps | Good |
Healthcare & Quality of Life
Key Insight
Vietnam's CoL Index of 26.4 paired with a Local Purchasing Power Index of 15.6 signals limited purchasing power for local earners. Expats on foreign incomes benefit significantly here. Current inflation is moderate at 3.6%, keeping costs relatively stable.
Our Verdict for Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations globally, with a CoL Index of 26.4 — less than half of New York City. Expats on Western incomes enjoy exceptional purchasing power here.
Best for
- Digital nomads & remote workers on foreign income
- Budget-conscious expats maximising lifestyle quality
May not suit
- Those requiring Western-standard amenities everywhere
Free resource
Planning a move to Vietnam?
Get our Expat Budget Calculator — personalised monthly cost estimate for your lifestyle and city.
Monthly Budget Estimates
Monthly Budget Estimator
Cost of living in —
10-Year Economic Trend
Country vs Region Average
Regional cost comparison