Hanoi vs Singapore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Hanoi is ~77% 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
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Hanoi | Singapore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $336 | $3,120 | $2,784 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $207 | $2,280 | $2,073 |
| Groceries | $179 | $410 | $231 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $11 | $8 |
| Transit Pass | $6 | $86 | $80 |
| Utilities | $48 | $166 | $118 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Hanoi | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $398/mo | $2,863/mo |
| Typical | $614/mo | $3,947/mo |
| Comfortable | $745/mo | $4,662/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Hanoi | ≈ in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $6,450/mo | +$4,950 |
| $2,000/mo | $8,600/mo | +$6,600 |
| $3,000/mo | $12,900/mo | +$9,900 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Hanoi vs Singapore for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Hanoi is approximately 77% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Hanoi's COL+Rent Index of 18 vs Singapore's 77.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Hanoi costs $336/month versus $3,120/month in Singapore — giving Hanoi a $2,784/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $33,408 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Hanoi ($179/mo) vs Singapore ($410/mo) reflect Hanoi's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 vs $11 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.