Is Vietnam Really That Affordable?

The short answer: yes — but it depends on how you live. Vietnam can be genuinely inexpensive if you eat local food, rent a Vietnamese-style apartment in a local neighborhood, and get around by motorbike or public transport. It can also be surprisingly expensive if you insist on imported goods, Western-style apartments, and international schooling for your children.

The following breakdown is based on typical expat experiences in Vietnam's two main expat hubs — Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) — with notes on smaller cities like Da Nang and Hội An.

Housing

Accommodation is usually the largest expense for expats. Costs vary significantly by city, neighborhood, and apartment type.

Type Hanoi / HCMC (City Center) Da Nang / Hội An
Studio / 1-bed local apartment $300–$600/month $200–$450/month
Modern 1-2 bed expat apartment $600–$1,200/month $400–$800/month
Serviced apartment / high-end $1,200–$2,500+/month $800–$1,500/month
House / villa share $400–$700/month (per room) $300–$600/month (per room)

Food & Eating Out

Food in Vietnam is one of the great joys — and bargains — of expat life. Eating at local restaurants and street stalls is extraordinarily cheap.

  • Street food meal (phở, bánh mì, cơm tấm): $1–$2.50
  • Local sit-down restaurant, full meal: $3–$7
  • Mid-range restaurant (Vietnamese/Asian): $7–$15 per person
  • Western restaurant / expat bar: $12–$25+ per person
  • Monthly groceries (cooking at home, local markets): $80–$150
  • Monthly groceries (imported goods, supermarkets): $200–$400

Transport

Transport in Vietnam is affordable by almost any standard. A motorbike is the most popular — and practical — option for expats.

  • Buying a used motorbike: $400–$800 (semi-automatic); can resell when you leave
  • Monthly motorbike fuel: $15–$30
  • Grab (rideshare) for occasional use: $50–$100/month
  • Monthly bus pass (HCMC or Hanoi): Under $10
  • Domestic flights: Often $25–$60 one-way if booked in advance

Healthcare

Vietnam has both public and private healthcare. Expats almost universally opt for private hospitals, which offer good-quality care at reasonable prices by Western standards. International hospitals (such as FV Hospital in HCMC or Vinmec in Hanoi) are more expensive but approach international standards.

  • GP consultation, private clinic: $20–$50
  • International hospital consultation: $60–$120
  • Health insurance (basic expat plan): $80–$200/month depending on age and coverage

Health insurance is strongly recommended for all long-term visitors and expats.

Sample Monthly Budgets

Lifestyle Monthly Budget (Single Person)
Budget / backpacker-style $700–$1,000
Comfortable local-integrated lifestyle $1,000–$1,800
Western-comfort expat lifestyle $2,000–$3,500
High-end (nice apartment, frequent dining out) $4,000+

Other Considerations

  • Internet: Fast and cheap — fiber broadband runs $10–$20/month
  • Utilities (electricity, water): $30–$80/month depending on AC use
  • Mobile phone plan: $5–$15/month for generous data
  • Vietnamese language classes: $5–$15/hour (highly recommended)
  • Gym membership: $20–$60/month

Vietnam offers exceptional value for expats willing to engage with local life. The key is finding the right balance between comfort and integration — and that balance looks different for everyone. Start by renting short-term before committing to a neighborhood long-term.