Recently, Vietnam was named the best place for expats to settle down in Southeast Asia. The country, although small, has a lot to offer in terms of leisurely activities, nature trails, food and more, making it a great recreational destination. That’s not all – living here is relatively cheaper than most Western countries, making it the perfect place to settle in. So, if you’re interested, here’s the cost of living in Vietnam for you! By Anushka Goel
Cost of living in Vietnam
Why should you move to Vietnam?
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Vietnam boasts of some of the most stunning temples and architectural delights that you will not witness anywhere else, making the country a great destination to live in if you love to explore destinations and adventure travel. That’s not all – the ambient weather, gastronomic local cuisine, availability of modern amenities such as gymnasiums and more at condominiums, restaurants serving Western food and a lot more ensure that expats and digital nomads settling here do not miss their home and comforts they are used to.
Lately, Vietnam has been promoting tourism by launching new flights, promotions and a lot more to entice travellers to visit and stay for long. Among them is the ease of restrictions for digital nomads, including hassle-free visas, so that people from across the globe can come and witness the country and experience the comfort it has to offer.
How much does living in Vietnam cost
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The most expensive city to live in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, while the capital, Hanoi, comes in at a close second. A majority of digital nomads and expats choose to live in the country for a short while (say, a few months or a few years), and thus, renting a home makes more sense. The average cost of house rent in the country can range from VND 7,700,000 (INR 26,190) to VND 26,500,000 (INR 90,135) in Ho Chi Minh City, depending on the size and location of the apartment. Homes in the outskirts cost a bit less than those in the city, and help one save a lot more in the longer run.
Here’s what the break up of the cost of living in Vietnam looks like:
- Housing: Between VND 7,700,000 or INR 26,190 for a single room apartment in the suburbs, leading up to VND 25,500,000 or INR 90,135 for a three-bedroom apartment in the main city.
- Groceries: The average price for groceries in Vietnam is VND 30,000 (INR 102), with most products being in the VND 24,000 (INR 82) to VND 40,000 (INR 136) range.
- Eating out: Eating out, whether it be a meal or a simple coffee or cigarette, starts at VND 20,000 (INR 68).
- Utilities: Expenses such as mobile calls, internet, electricity, gas and more can cost about VND 2,000,000 (INR 6,807) per month.
- Transportation: City bus rates are about VND 7,000 (INR 23), while taxis cost about VND 15,000 (INR 51) per kilometre.
What makes it great for digital nomads and expats
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Among the major reasons as to why people are looking to move to Vietnam is the lower cost of living, given the high quality of life one gets here. With ample greenery, the destination is great for adventure and nature lovers. The place also has many historical and ancient structures which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and make for must-visit tourist destinations. The availability of modern facilities, great transport and high speed internet make working from here possible, no matter your job. These perks allow digital nomads and expats to enjoy a great quality of life along with the experience of living in, and exploring, Southeast Asia to the fullest.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Chris Slupski/Unsplash
Related: Now You Can Book A Flight To Vietnam From Delhi For Just INR 26! Here’s How
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: No, an average person can make do with about INR 1,00,000 to live comfortably in the major cities, or even INR 55,000 for a middle-class lifestyle in some of the smaller cities.
Answer: Yes, the overall cost of living in Vietnam is comparatively lower than living in Thailand.
Anushka Goel
Digital Features Writer
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
