COST OF LIVING
180 USD is the average local monthly salary in Vietnam. This amount may vary significantly depending on the region, whether one resides in major urban areas such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, and if employed by a local or international company.
In this section, you will find the cost of living for education, shopping, housing, domestic help, car lease, motorbike purchase, activities, and more.
(! All prices in VND must be x1000 !)
(The listed amounts in VND/USD are only indicative and may be subject to change.)
Cost of living in Vietnam - Education
Cost of International Schools
Australian International School (AIS)
Application fee: approx. 1200 USD
Cost of tuition for a complete Academic Year: 11,500 - 32,800 USD
British International School (BIS)
Application fee: 1,000 - 3,000 USD
Cost of tuition for a complete Academic Year: 13,500 - 37,000 USD
International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
Application fee: approx. 3,000 USD
Cost of tuition for a complete Academic Year: 9,600 - 37,500 USD
Marguerite Duras French International School
Application fee: 750 - 1,300 USD
Cost of tuition for a complete Academic Year: 5,300 - 9,600 USD
Tuition for a complete Academic Year for a French student: 5,300 - 6,200 USD
Saigon South International School (SSIS)
Application fee: 2,300 USD
Cost of tuition for a complete Academic Year: 20,500 - 35,400 USD
Cost of living in Vietnam - Shopping
Cost of Dairy Products
Cost of Meat and poultry
Cost of Fruits and Vegetables
Cost of Beverages
Cost of Miscellaneous Groceries
Cost of Pet Food
Cost of Beauty Products
Cost of Cleaning Products
In general most common brands can be found in Vietnam. Please click here to consult our guide for items which are not always readily available in Vietnam and that you may wish to bring with you.
Cost of Miscellaneous Services
Cost of Salon Services
In Vietnam, Local hair salon prices are much lower than expat run salons which generally use imported beauty products and techniques.
Cost of Tailors
Cost of living in Vietnam - Housing
Rental prices vary depending on older/newer housing options and the popularity of a residential area.
Living in District 1 (City Center) and District 3
Monthly Rentals (in USD)
1 bedroom apartment : 1,500
2 bedroom apartment : 1,800
3 bedroom apartment : 2,500
4 bedroom and more : 3,500+
2 bedroom house : 1,500
3 bedroom house : 2,000
4 bedroom house : 3,500
5 bedroom house : 4,500
Living in District 2 (Thao Dien and An Phu)
Monthly Rentals (in USD)
1 bedroom apartment : 1,200
2 bedroom apartment : 1,800
3 bedroom apartment : 2,200
4 bedroom and more : 3,500
3 bedroom house : 2,200
4 bedroom house : 2,200 - 5,000
5 bedroom house : 2,200 - 7,000
Living in District 7 (Phu My Hung)
Monthly Rentals (in USD)
1 bedroom apartment : 600
2 bedroom apartment : 800
3 bedroom apartment : 1,300
4 bedroom and more : 2,000
3 bedroom house : 2,000
4 bedroom house : 2,500
Cost of Monthly Utility Bills
Cost of living in Vietnam - Domestic Help
In Vietnam, Salaries vary depending on experience and the level of English. Please click here to access our guide for more information about the cost of domestic help.
Cost of living in Vietnam - Car Lease
Driving a car in Vietnam is not recommended, therefore a car lease package with a driver included is a common practice amongst the expat community. Following is an example of a popular vehicle leased over a 12 month period. Short term leases are also available at higher rates.
Toyota: 1 000 USD + per month with a driver. 800 USD + per month for the car alone.
Cost of living in Vietnam - Motorbike Purchase or Hire
Expats may wish to purchase or hire motorbikes as this is the most popular form of transportation in Vietnam.
Cost of living in Vietnam - Sports and Leisure Activities
There are numerous sport clubs around the city depending on sport preferences and budgets.
Piano lessons, pony lessons, swimming lessons, dance courses, painting courses can be found in Vietnam. The cost of 1 lesson may vary between 10/20 USD . Please click here to access our guide for more information on all available courses and cost of activities.
Cost of Travel
Taxi Fares One Way in Vietnam
Airport – District 1 130 VND / 7 USD
Airport – District 2 200 VND / 10 USD
Airport – District 7 220 VND / 12 USD
District 1 – District 2 100 VND / 5 USD
District 2 – District 7 100 VND / 5 USD
District 1 – District 7 100 VND / 5 USD
(Please note that all indicated prices may vary with peak holiday periods in Vietnam)