If you're planning to move to Vietnam in 2026, here's what things cost
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €320 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €480 | For families |
| Groceries | €80 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €15 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €45 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €2 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €476 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €440/month |
| Minimum Wage | €235/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €120/month |
With an average salary of €440 and rent of €320, approximately 73% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 26.4 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 9.9 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 31.8 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 15.6 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 42.5 | Lower than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €5,000 | €10,000 | €18,000 |
| Retail | €2,500 | €4,000 | €5,500 |
| Finance | €6,000 | €9,000 | €12,500 |
| Education | €3,000 | €4,500 | €6,500 |
| Healthcare | €3,000 | €5,000 | €10,000 |
| Engineering | €5,000 | €7,000 | €10,000 |
| Hospitality | €2,000 | €3,000 | €4,500 |
| Construction | €3,500 | €5,000 | €7,000 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
The following information is compiled from expat community sources and recent reports to complement the official data above.
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Vietnam:
- Prices for rooms at this level start at US$90-215/night and come with the benefit of around-the-clock room service or a private tour desk. What's more, luxury hotels are always situated in the nicest parts of town. The Hanoi Sheraton, for example, sits right beside West Lake, the largest body of water in the city. The Hanoi Hilton, on the other hand, is located near the Opera House, as in Saigon, where the Hotel D'Art is also next to the opera house.
- Agoda : Medium selection of main hotels. Mostly geared towards mid-budget travelers. Beware of customer service, as it is non-existent.
- If you plan to stay in private accommodation for longer durations, you will almost certainly be required to pay a deposit . Most landlords will ask for a one-month deposit in addition to the first month's rent in advance . However, some may ask for a two-month deposit. Should you decide to arrange something outside of the trusted networks, like Airbnb, you would be assuming additional risk.
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Vietnam?
The average monthly salary in Vietnam is approximately €440 gross. The minimum wage is €235/month. Local purchasing power index is 42.5/100.
What is the minimum wage in Vietnam?
The minimum wage in Vietnam is approximately €235/month. This compares to an average salary of €440. Note that minimum wage may not apply to all sectors or expat workers.
Is Vietnam expensive compared to other countries?
With a cost of living index of 26.4/100 (where NYC = 100), Vietnam is significantly cheaper than NYC. Use our assessment tool to compare with your current location.
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Vietnam?
With a monthly budget of approximately €476, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a very comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
What is the cheapest city to live in Vietnam?
Cost of living varies significantly within Vietnam. Smaller cities and rural areas are generally 20-40% cheaper than the capital. The national average rent for a 1BR is €320, but you can find significantly lower prices outside major urban areas. Research specific cities before deciding.
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