Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City — Cost of Living Comparison

Hanoi
Vietnam
VS
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Estimated average living costs are ~24% lower in Hanoi

Hanoi

$1,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,435,700

Safety

70/100

Quality

55/100

Cost
30
Safety
70
Life
55

Ho Chi Minh City

$1,300

avg. monthly cost

Population

9,320,000

Safety

62/100

Quality

55/100

Cost
32
Safety
62
Life
55

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~24% lower in Hanoi

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Hanoi

$1,050

estimated per month

Ho Chi Minh City

$1,300

estimated per month

Difference

+23.8%

Monthly savings

$250

Yearly savings

$3,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$92,857

+$17,857/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemHanoiHo Chi Minh CityDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$480.00$500.00
+4.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$250.00$280.00
+12.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,050.00$1,100.00
+4.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$550.00$580.00
+5.5%
ItemHanoiHo Chi Minh CityDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00$2.00
0.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$16.00$18.00
+12.5%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.50$4.00
-11.1%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$1.50
+7.1%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.90$0.90
0.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.75$0.80
+6.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.50$1.40
-6.7%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$3.80
0.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.20$3.50
+9.4%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90$0.80
-11.1%
ItemHanoiHo Chi Minh CityDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$8.00$8.00
0.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.30$0.25
-16.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.50$0.55
+10.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$0.45
0.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.95$1.05
+10.5%
ItemHanoiHo Chi Minh CityDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$70.00$60.00
-14.3%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$10.00$10.00
0.0%
ItemHanoiHo Chi Minh CityDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$15.00$15.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$20.00$18.00
-10.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
ItemHanoiHo Chi Minh CityDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$22.00$25.00
+13.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.80$2.00
+11.1%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$1.20$1.00
-16.7%
ItemHanoiHo Chi Minh CityDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$35.00$35.00
0.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$18.00$20.00
+11.1%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$68.00$65.00
-4.4%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City

Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City more expensive?
Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 32 compared with 30 for Hanoi.
How much cheaper is Hanoi than Ho Chi Minh City?
Living in Hanoi is around 6% cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
Hanoi scores 30 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Ho Chi Minh City scores 32 — where New York City equals 100.