With its busy street life, well-known food culture, fast-growing cities and scenic coastlines, Vietnam offers a lifestyle that appeals to many expats. If you’re considering a move, it’s important to know how costs will vary from what you’re used to in the United States.
In this guide, we compare the cost of living in Vietnam vs. the US, including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, to help you plan your budget with clearer expectations.
Looking to help friends or family in Vietnam with their everyday expenses? Learn about ways to send money to Vietnam.
Average cost of living in Vietnam vs. the US
Day to day costs in Vietnam are noticeably lower than in the United States. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Vietnam in US dollars for a family of four is around $1,550.70 per month on average, excluding rent. A single person’s monthly costs are about $429.70 before housing.
Overall, costs in Vietnam are approximately 61.3% lower than in the US, with rent averaging about 74% less. Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong, so checking the current USD to VND exchange rate can help when planning your potential budget.
How the cost of living varies throughout Vietnam
Living costs in Vietnam vary depending on which part of the country you’re in. The cost of living in Hanoi is generally lower for housing, reflecting its role as the political center with a more traditional urban structure. The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is typically higher, driven by its position as the country’s main commercial hub.
In comparison, the cost of living in Da Nang tends to fall between these two, offering a coastal setting with moderate rental prices.
| Rent (1BR, City Center) | Mid-Range Meal for Two | |
| Hanoi | 446.94 USD | 26.58 USD |
| Ho Chi Minh | 552.15 USD | 19.49 USD |
| Da Nang | 474.86 USD | 18.75 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of housing in Vietnam vs. the US
Housing costs are one of the most noticeable differences between Vietnam and the United States. On average, rent is lower across most parts of the country, both in city centers and outside them. Even in Ho Chi Minh City, rental prices are well below those in many comparable US cities.
| Costs in Vietnam | Costs in US | |
| 1-Bedroom (City Center) | 400.69 USD | 1,666.97 USD |
| 1-Bedroom (Outside City Center) | 263.59 USD | 1,352.94 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of food in Vietnam vs. the US
Grocery costs in Vietnam are generally lower than in the United States across many everyday items. Bread, eggs, and chicken are typically inexpensive, while milk may be priced slightly higher depending on availability. Local markets and small neighborhood shops play a key role in daily shopping, often influencing how much you spend week to week.
| Item | Costs in Vietnam | Costs in US |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | 0.92 USD | 3.30 USD |
| Milk (1 L) | 1.43 USD | 1.06 USD |
| Eggs (12) | 1.48 USD | 4.39 USD |
| Chicken (1 lb) | 3.69 USD | 5.56 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Vietnam’s dining scene is a big part of its appeal, with everything from casual street-side meals to polished restaurants in busy city centers. Eating out is both convenient and affordable, especially compared with the US. Prices can vary by city and neighborhood, with higher costs in popular or tourist-focused areas, but regular meals out are much cheaper than in the US.
| Costs in Vietnam | Costs in US | |
| Inexpensive restaurant | 1.90 USD | 20 USD |
| Mid-range restaurant (3-course) | 18.99 USD | 76 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of transportation in Vietnam vs. the US
Transportation costs in Vietnam are generally lower than in the United States across several categories. Public transit fares and monthly passes tend to be more affordable, and taxis usually cost less per kilometer. Ride-hailing services and motorbike taxis are also widely used for short trips.
| Costs in Vietnam | Costs in US | |
| Public transport fare | 0.30 USD | 2.50 USD |
| Monthly local transport pass | 7.88 USD | 65 USD |
| Taxi (per km) | 0.61 USD | 2.91 USD |
| Gasoline (per liter) | 0.84 USD | 0.89 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of key utilities in Vietnam vs. the US
Basic household bills like utilities and internet also contribute to the cost of living in Vietnam. Necessary services like electric and water are often lower in Vietnam than they are in the US. Your exact monthly costs may fluctuate depending on seasonal weather and the type of property.
| Costs in Vietnam | Costs in US | |
| Utilities | 71.60 USD | 212.04 USD |
| Mobile phone plan (per month) | 5.78 USD | 61.35 USD |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | 8.92 USD | 72.90 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Median annual income in Vietnam vs. the US
While the cost of living in Vietnam vs. the US is generally lower, wages are also lower. This matters because it impacts how far your money will go, especially if you plan to work locally. According to Numbeo, the average monthly net salary is about $412.12 after taxes, which is lower than the US average.
You’ll want to adjust your budget depending on how you earn, whether through a local job or an international employer.
| Vietnam | US | |
| Average monthly net salary | 412.12 USD | 4,320.26 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Is moving to Vietnam worth it?
As you’re considering a move to Vietnam, remember to look beyond your budget. While the lower cost of living in Vietnam is a selling point, consider where you’d like to live and what kind of experience you’re hoping to have there. Take time to research visa requirements, job prospects, and how you’ll manage money across borders. Tools like our USD to VND currency converter can help you better understand how your budget translates when preparing for a move.
Sorting through all the small details now can help you feel more prepared and confident when it comes time to make your move.
Vietnam cost of living FAQs
A good starting budget for a single person would be between $700 and $1,000 to cover average rent and daily expenses. According to Numbeo, average monthly costs are about $429.70, while a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges between $264 and $401. From there, you should adjust your budget to accommodate whatever location or lifestyle you prefer.
US citizens can visit Vietnam but longer stays require a visa or residency permit. Options vary depending on your purpose of stay, and requirements can change. Reviewing current guidance from Vietnamese immigration authorities before making any long-term plans is a good idea.
When compared to the US, it’s not expensive to live in Vietnam. According to Numbeo, overall living costs are about 61.3% lower, with rent averaging around 74% less. Your individual expenses will depend on lifestyle and spending habits.
