Ho Chi Minh City
Singapore

Ho Chi Minh City vs Singapore — Cost of Living Comparison

Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
VS
Singapore
Singapore
Estimated average living costs are ~181% lower in Ho Chi Minh City

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

Singapore

$3,650

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,917,000

Safety

90/100

Quality

85/100

Cost
88
Safety
90
Life
85

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~181% lower in Ho Chi Minh City

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Ho Chi Minh City

$1,300

estimated per month

Singapore

$3,650

estimated per month

Difference

+180.8%

Monthly savings

$2,350

Yearly savings

$28,200

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)

$210,577

+$135,577/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

ItemHo Chi Minh CitySingaporeDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$500.00$2,200.00
+340.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$280.00$1,450.00
+417.9%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$4,200.00
+281.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$580.00$2,600.00
+348.3%
ItemHo Chi Minh CitySingaporeDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00$4.50
+125.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00$50.00
+177.8%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.00$6.00
+50.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.50$2.40
+60.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.90$2.10
+133.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80$2.30
+187.5%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.40$2.60
+85.7%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$7.80
+105.3%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50$4.50
+28.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80$2.20
+175.0%
ItemHo Chi Minh CitySingaporeDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$8.00$85.00
+962.5%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.25$1.40
+460.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.55$2.80
+409.1%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$0.55
+22.2%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.05$1.85
+76.2%
ItemHo Chi Minh CitySingaporeDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$60.00$160.00
+166.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00$28.00
+460.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$10.00$32.00
+220.0%
ItemHo Chi Minh CitySingaporeDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$15.00$55.00
+266.7%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$18.00$65.00
+261.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$5.00$20.00
+300.0%
ItemHo Chi Minh CitySingaporeDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00$95.00
+280.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00$10.00
+150.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.00$4.80
+140.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$1.00$8.00
+700.0%
ItemHo Chi Minh CitySingaporeDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$35.00$75.00
+114.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$20.00$40.00
+100.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00$95.00
+46.2%

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

Frequently asked questions: Ho Chi Minh City vs Singapore

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Singapore more expensive?
Singapore is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 88 compared with 32 for Ho Chi Minh City.
How much cheaper is Ho Chi Minh City than Singapore?
Living in Ho Chi Minh City is around 64% cheaper than Singapore, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore?
Ho Chi Minh City scores 32 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Singapore scores 88 — where New York City equals 100.