Cost of living in Viet Nam
Vietnam is an inexpensive country to live in. Most items cost less than half of what you would pay in the West, and anywhere from 5% to 25% less than what they would cost in many other Southeast Asian countries.
Vietnam’s cost of living is exceptionally low. Most couples find that they can live comfortably anywhere in the country for less than $1,500 per month—in many cases, they can live well for less than $1,000. If you eat Vietnamese food and buy local products, your shopping bill can be practically nothing. A big bag full of fresh vegetables purchased at a traditional market will probably cost $3 or less, and other items are similarly inexpensive. Alcohol and beer are great bargains—a glass of local draught beer costs about $0.55.
Most people in Vietnam, including expats, drive motorbikes. These little scooters have small engines and burn minimal gasoline. A full tank costs $3 to $4 and should last for a week. Maintenance is also cheap; I’ve sometimes wondered how mechanics make enough money to survive here. If you can’t imagine driving a motorbike, most cities offer good public transportation; a bus across town will set you back about $0.30 cents.
Entertainment in Vietnam is affordable by any standard. A movie ticket costs less than $4 and a ticket to the opera, with a good seat, is only around $30.
Vietnam’s most expensive city is Ho Chi Minh City, followed by Hanoi. Even in these two places, a couple can enjoy a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle for less than $1,300 per month. Many Westerners who live in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City get by spending around $500 per month, but it’s a no-frills lifestyle. A monthly budget of around $4,000 provides for top-end luxury, including a large, furnished home with a view of a lake or park, eating at 5-star restaurants, and taking frequent cruises and sightseeing trips throughout Vietnam.
If you live outside of Vietnam’s two largest cities, in places like Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau, prices will be much less. In any of these destinations, a budget of around $800 to $1,100 per month will provide a lovely house or apartment, all utilities, housekeeping, groceries, dining out every day if you choose, and even the occasional massage. In all of these towns, you can find a place to live just a short walk from the beach like The NAVIS Hotel&Apartment in Da Nang, or even a home with an ocean view.
Of course, your lifestyle will determine how much you really need to spend. Western restaurants and imported food stores are easily found throughout Vietnam, but go to them often and you’ll be adding considerable expenses to your budget. If you are willing to buy locally produced groceries and household goods, eat and drink at restaurants where the locals go, and live a relatively simple lifestyle, you can reduce your monthly budget by at least 25%. Two people can enjoy a full local-style meal of rice or noodles, meat, vegetables, and a couple of draft beers for less than $5. For comparison, ordering one deluxe hamburger, fries, and a bottle of imported beer at a Western-style restaurant will cost between $8 and $11.
Medications that would require a doctor’s visit and a prescription in the West can be purchased over the counter in Vietnam at a small fraction of the price.
Here is a sample monthly budget for two people living a middle-class lifestyle in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City:
If you lived in Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, or Vung Tau, your monthly budget would
be about 10% to 20% less than this.
Cost of living in Da Nang
The modern city of Da Nang is often described as the most progressive and livable city in Vietnam and it’s home to one of the country’s fastest-growing expat communities.
The city is divided in two by the Han River. On the west side, you’ll find Da Nang’s commercial hub, full of large traditional markets, malls, expansive city parks, and trendy riverfront cafe and nightclubs. On the east side of the river, you’ll have a very different experience; this part of Da Nang is bordered by the South China Sea. There are miles of uncrowded, golden-sand beaches and parks, and laid-back, friendly locals that give this side of the city a beach town feel. Mountains surround Da Nang on three sides and gently winding, seldom-used roads lead into remote areas just minutes from the city.
Living in this city does not come with a big price tag. Da Nang offers residents a high standard of living for a fraction of the price that you would find in almost any other country. Two people could live comfortably in Da Nang on a budget of around $1,000 per month, including rent, utilities, food, frequent meals out, and all incidentals.
Eating out can often cost less than cooking at home. Just a dollar or two will buy a hearty bowl of mì quảng, the popular turmeric-infused noodle dish, or a bánh mì ốp la, a Vietnamese omelet sandwich on a French baguette. On the high end, there are several seafood buffets that cost around $20 per person, and a top-end meal of imported steak or seafood, with drinks, won’t cost more than $50 for a couple.
Furnished apartments or houses in attractive neighborhoods within walking distance of the riverfront or beach start at less than $400 per month. You can find plenty of options in Airbnb, or simply contact The NAVIS team now to request a house viewing or to know first about our latest promotion.
The NAVIS hotel&apartment is an apartment complex building which is everything you need for a Work-Life Balance Starting at the Beach. Situated only 5 minutes walking from My Khe beach, sea and sunsets, all our studio are with King Size bed, fully equipped kitchen and a well-appointed bathroom offer you all the comforts of home with monthly rental fee only less than $400.
The article is originated from International Living