Vietnam
Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh City
Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates
COL+Rent: 22.2Rent: 13.1Groceries: 37.5Restaurant: 19.1
Monthly Budget Estimates
Minimal
$520/mo
Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit
Typical
$811/mo
City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out
Comfortable
$985/mo
Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment
Monthly Costs Breakdown
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Center) | $482 |
| Rent (1BR Outside Center) | $297 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $207 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 |
| Transit Pass (monthly) | $7 |
| Utilities (monthly) | $55 |
Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Can You Afford Ho Chi Minh City?
Compare Ho Chi Minh City with other cities at specific budget levels:
Other Cities in Vietnam
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Ho Chi Minh City?
A minimal monthly budget in Ho Chi Minh City is approximately $520, a typical budget is $811, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $985 per month.
How much is rent in Ho Chi Minh City?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Ho Chi Minh City city center costs approximately $482/month. Outside the center, expect around $297/month.
Is Ho Chi Minh City expensive compared to New York?
Ho Chi Minh City's COL+Rent Index is 22.2 compared to New York's 100, meaning Ho Chi Minh City is about 78% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Ho Chi Minh City?
Monthly groceries in Ho Chi Minh City cost approximately $207. The city's Groceries Index is 37.5 (NYC = 100).