Hanoi vs Bangalore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Hanoi is ~17% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Hanoi
Vietnam
COL+Rent
18
Rent Index
9.1
Groceries
32.4
Restaurant
15.4
Bangalore
India
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
13.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
21.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Hanoi | Bangalore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $336 | $378 | $42 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $207 | $223 | $16 |
| Groceries | $179 | $112 | +$67 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $6 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $6 | $13 | $7 |
| Utilities | $48 | $35 | +$13 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Hanoi | Bangalore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $398/mo | $373/mo |
| Typical | $614/mo | $628/mo |
| Comfortable | $745/mo | $797/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Hanoi | ≈ in Bangalore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,817/mo | +$317 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,422/mo | +$422 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,633/mo | +$633 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Hanoi vs Bangalore for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Hanoi is approximately 17% more affordable than Bangalore when combining rent and daily living costs. Hanoi's COL+Rent Index of 18 vs Bangalore's 21.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Hanoi costs $336/month versus $378/month in Bangalore — giving Hanoi a $42/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Hanoi ($179/mo) vs Bangalore ($112/mo) reflect Bangalore's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 vs $6 show Hanoi is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Hanoi offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $614 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.