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Cost of living in Vietnam: Food, transport, and more
Want to live comfortably in an Asian country? Discover the low cost of living in Vietnam across all sectors in 2026.
If Vietnam is on your radar as your next home base, understanding the cost of living in Vietnam is the first step to planning your finances wisely. The good news is that life here is significantly more affordable than in Europe or North America. Lower everyday expenses are exactly why so many expats and digital nomads choose to settle in, whether they are working remotely, studying, or enjoying a long and well deserved break.
In this article, you will find an updated 2026 guide to the cost of accommodation, including hotels, apartments, and coliving spaces. We also break down everyday expenses such as groceries and dining out, public and private transportation, internet access, healthcare services, and the wide range of leisure activities this destination has to offer.
Average cost of accommodation in Vietnam
Let’s start with one of the main factors that shapes the cost of living in Vietnam: accommodation. Prices vary by location, with cities like Da Nang generally offering lower rents than Ho Chi Minh City, although housing remains affordable overall compared to many international destinations. Options range from hotels and private apartments to coliving spaces, a shared housing concept that is especially popular among digital nomads and students looking for community and convenience.
- Hotel: In Da Lat, monthly hotel stays can start at around $412, such as at Hali Hotel. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can expect to pay from about $503 for a double room at Urban Stay.
- Apartment: From $364 in Ho Chi Minh City for a one-bedroom apartment, $607 for a two-bedroom apartment, or $311 in Hanoi for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Coliving: If you are interested in staying in a coliving space in Vietnam and sharing common areas and services with other residents, prices start at around $465 per month for a private room with utilities included at Hub Hoi An, located in Hoi An.
- Hostel: In Tram Tau, you can stay at Truong Nhan Tram Tau Homestay from just $81 per month in a shared dorm with ten beds. Meanwhile, in Dien Bien Phu, monthly rates start at around $145 at Frontier Hostel.
Cost of food in Vietnam
Eating in Vietnam is easy on the wallet, whether you’re grabbing groceries or enjoying a meal out. Everyday essentials are inexpensive, and the abundance of local street food keeps your daily costs low. You can pick up what you need at popular stores like WinMart, Co.opmart, or Bach Hoa Xanh, with prices roughly like these:
- Rice (1 kg): $0.88
- Milk (1 liter): $1.39
- Eggs (dozen): $1.45
- Chicken (1 kg): $2.85
- Beef (1 kg): $6–10
- Fruit (1 kg): $1.20–2.40
- Vegetables (1 kg): $0.80–1.60
- White bread (500 g): $1.07
Luckily, eating out every day is totally doable if you want, thanks to the many local food stalls and popular restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes at very affordable prices. Places like Banh Mi Phuong in Ho Chi Minh City or Pho 24 in Hanoi let you try dishes such as:
| Type of meal | Dish | Price |
| Breakfast | Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich with meat, egg, vegetables) | $1.17 |
| Lunch | Phở bò (beef noodle soup) | $2.51 |
| Dinner | Cơm tấm sườn (rice with grilled pork ribs) | $4.03 |
Transportation prices in Vietnam
Getting around in Vietnam is very affordable, especially compared to Western countries. Most locals and expats get around by motorbike, taxi, or ride-hailing apps, since public transportation has not yet reached every city.
Public transportation under development
Although cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have buses and metro lines, coverage is still limited, so most people don’t rely on them as their main way to get around. Here are the typical fares:
- City bus: Between $0.30 and $0.45
- Monthly bus pass: Between $8 and $12
- Metro, single ticket: Between $0.70 and $1.20
- Monthly pass: Between $12 and $20
Taxi, Xe ôm, and Grab
Taxis are everywhere in Vietnam and so cheap that they’re a popular way to get around, especially for tourists. A typical city ride usually costs between $3 and $6. You’ll also find the traditional moto taxis called Xe ôm, where you agree on the price before the ride, starting from around $0.80 to $2.
On the other hand, while Uber doesn’t operate in Vietnam, Grab is a similar service with even lower prices than taxis. You can get around by motorbike for as little as $1 or by car for $2 to $5.
Bicycle rental
In tourist and coastal areas like Da Nang or Hoi An, renting a bike is very common. Hourly rates start at $1–2, while a full day usually costs $4–7.
New motorcycle or car
Motorbikes are the most popular way to get around in Vietnam, even more than cars, thanks to their low cost, easy maintenance, and ability to navigate city traffic. If you decide to buy a new vehicle here, you can expect to pay roughly the following prices, plus insurance and fuel costs:
- Popular compact car (Toyota Corolla): Between $25,000 and $30,000
- New mid-range motorcycle (Honda Wave, Yamaha): Between $1,200 and $2,000
- Compulsory insurance: Between $5 and $10 per year
- Gasoline (1 liter): Between $0.90 and $1.10
- Price per kWh: Between $0.07 and $0.10
Healthcare costs
How does healthcare impact the cost of living in Vietnam? The country offers a mix of public services for residents and private options, but most expats choose private clinics for shorter wait times and English-speaking staff.
Private healthcare in Vietnam is surprisingly affordable compared to other countries, but it’s still wise to have health insurance for your entire stay. Basic plans usually start at around $350 a year. Typical costs are:
| Service | Approximate cost (USD) |
| Hospitalization | $50–150 |
| General medical consultation | $5–15 |
| Consultation with a specialist | $40–80 |
| Emergency room (general visit) | $10–30 |
| Major surgery | $1,500–3,000 |
| Prescription drugs | $1–3 |
Internet and calling plan prices
Vietnam has reliable and affordable internet, making it easy to work or study online. Most homes are equipped with fiber-optic connections, and plans usually include installation and a router.
- Basic fiber plan (50–100 Mbps): $7–10
- Intermediate plan (150–300 Mbps): $10–15 per month
- High-speed plan (500 Mbps or more): $15–25 per month
- Standard monthly plan: 10–15 GB + domestic calls from $5–8 per month
- Monthly plan with unlimited data: $8–12 per month
If you’re planning to move around a lot and want to stay connected, Holafly’s monthly plans are a convenient option. Starting at $49.90 a month, you get 5G across Vietnam, with either 25 GB or unlimited data, no contracts required. Plus, the same eSIM works in over 160 countries, so you won’t have to swap plans while traveling.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of leisure activities in Vietnam
So far, we’ve looked at the cost of living in Vietnam across key areas, but it’s also important to factor in leisure, since it’s another part of your monthly budget. The good news is that the country offers plenty of cultural and tourist activities at very affordable prices.
- Movie ticket: $3–6
- Local theater: $5–15
- Monthly gym membership: $15–40
- Yoga or fitness classes: $5–10 per session
- Zoo: $2–5
- National museums: $1–3
- Imperial Citadel of Huế: $6–7
- Ha Long Bay: $10–15
- Mỹ Sơn temple complex: $6–8
- Phong Nha caves: $6–12
How much does it cost to live in Vietnam?
All in all, living in Vietnam is very affordable compared to Europe or North America. How much you’ll spend each month depends on the city, the kind of place you live in, and your lifestyle. Here’s a rough monthly estimate for different types of expats:
- Monthly cost for one person: $700–1,200, with a one-bedroom apartment, local food, motorcycle transportation, private insurance, and some leisure activities.
- Monthly cost for a couple: $1,200–2,000 per month, covering a two-bedroom apartment, dining out, shared transport, health insurance, and an active social life.
- Monthly cost for a family of four: $2,000–3,500 per month, including a spacious home, local and international food, private schools, family health insurance, transportation, and regular leisure activities.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Vietnam
Yes, Vietnam’s cost of living is one of the lowest in Southeast Asia for foreigners. With a moderate budget, you can live comfortably.
Ho Chi Minh City is usually the most expensive, followed by Hanoi. Da Nang falls somewhere in the middle, offering a good quality of life and beach access, which makes it a popular choice for expats.
Yes! In fact, many digital nomads live in Vietnam while earning income from abroad, thanks to the country’s visa options for remote workers.
It’s not mandatory, and while private healthcare is affordable, it’s still a good idea to have insurance to cover any emergencies.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
