Many expats dine out often as it is not expensive. In fact, some would say it is cheaper to eat out than cook at home in Ho Chi Minh City.
The cost of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is a fraction of what it is in the United States or Europe.
The more expensive goods tend to be those that are imported and the more expensive prices tend to be found in the nice bars, restaurants and shops in the city centre or District 1. To save money, try to buy local produce from street vendors. This tends to be fresher than what is available at supermarkets and it is a great way to support the local economy.
Below is the chart for example
Cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City chart
(Note that prices may vary depending on location and service provider and the table below is based on average prices for September 2016)
|
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
Price (Estimated) |
|
Furnished one-bedroom apartment |
VND 12,000,000 |
|
Unfurnished one-bedroom apartment |
VND 10,000,000 |
|
Furnished two-bedroom apartment |
VND 20,000,000 |
|
Unfurnished two-bedroom apartment |
VND 18,000,000 |
|
Groceries |
|
|
Milk (1 litre) |
VND 35,000 |
|
Dozen eggs |
VND 30,000 |
|
Loaf of white bread |
VND 26,000 |
|
Pack of chicken breasts (1kg) |
VND 90,000 |
|
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
VND 26,000 |
|
Eating out |
|
|
Big Mac Meal |
VND 87,000 |
|
Cappuccino |
VND 50,000 |
|
Local beer |
VND 25,000 |
|
Three course meal at a mid-range restaurant |
VND 400,000 |
|
Utilities |
|
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
VND 1,700 |
|
Internet (Uncapped ADSL or Cable – average per month) |
VND 350,000 |
|
Electricity (average per month for standard household) |
VND 800,000 |
|
Hourly rate for domestic cleaner |
VND 60,000 |
|
Transport and driving |
|
|
City centre bus fare |
VND 12,000 |
|
Taxi (rate per km) |
VND 14,000 |
|
Petrol (per litre) |
VND 16,935 |
Source: http://www.expatarrivals.com/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city/cost-of-living-in-ho-chi-minh-city