Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam · Asia
$950
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
28
Rent Index
NYC=100
74
Quality of Life
Good
68
Safety Index
Good
9.3M
Population
VND
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $9 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $18 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $70 |
| Mobile Plan | $6 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $450/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $280/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $600/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $450 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 10.5% |
Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh City — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is approximately $950 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Ho Chi Minh City has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Ho Chi Minh City costs around $280/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $450/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,000/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Ho Chi Minh City scores 74/100 on the quality of life index and 68/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 60/100. The climate index is 72/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Ho Chi Minh City is approximately $450/month. With a purchasing power index of 52/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is VND, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
How does Ho Chi Minh City compare to other cities?
Ho Chi Minh City is located in Asia with a population of approximately 9.3M. At a cost index of 32 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Ho Chi Minh City stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.