Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates in Asia, and for good reason. The country stands for local delicacies, beautiful scenery, and a rich culture with its many festivals and traditional temples. As well as enjoying a booming economy, life in Vietnam has a reputation to be very enjoyable thanks to its tropical climate, friendly locals, and lively lifestyle.
The icing on the cake? The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low. But what exactly is the budget for moving to Vietnam? We at Foyer Global Health will let you know in this article.
Overview of the Average Cost of Living in Vietnam
| Vietnam cost of living index | Vietnam 28.72 / France 63.72 (2024) |
| Average monthly salary Vietnam | 407.65€ |
| Average rental price for a 1-bedroom apartment (Hanoi) | 316.33€ |
| Average purchase price of an apartment per m² (Hanoi) | 2 412.60€ |
| Fuel (1L) | 0.86€ |
| Telephone package | Average price 5.33€ / month |
| Food | Approximately 44% cheaper than in central Europe |
| Mid-range restaurant for 2 people | 21.68€ on average |
Currency and Exchange Rates in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the official currency is the dong (Dg), abbreviated by the international code to “VND”. This currency came into effect in the country not long ago, in 1978.
Currently, 1 Vietnamese dong is equivalent to 0.000036 euros.
It therefore takes 27,647.20 dongs for 1 euro.
Vietnamese currency is divided into 12 bills, each worth 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 VND.
Accommodation: Average Budget
The Vietnamese real estate market is booming, reflecting the country’s economic stability, with GDP expected to grow by 6% in 2024. This development potential is accompanied by growing demand, especially in major cities like Hanoi.
For a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Hanoi, expect to pay around 8,755,187 dongs, or 310.34 euros per month.
Outside the city center, the price drops to 5,744,352 dongs, or 201.91 euros per month.
For property purchases, the average price per m² in Hanoi varies between 66,773,523 dongs and 36,648,020 dongs, or between 2,412 euros and 1,342 euros.
Additional Expenses in Vietnam
When it comes to additional charges, the budget is also reduced. According to Numbeo 2024 figures, all monthly charges, including energy, heating, air conditioning, and water for an 85 m² apartment in Hanoi, come to around 2,099,136.54 dongs, or 75.84 euros. To get a better idea:
- A kilowatt-hour of electricity costs 0.070 euros.
- The average bottle of domestic gas costs 0.013 euros.
Food Budget Comparison Between Vietnam and France
The country’s inhabitants can shop either at local markets or in supermarkets and specialty stores. Living in Vietnam offers the advantage of discovering picturesque markets where food prices are generally lower. However, expats and foreigners alike often have to negotiate, as some vendors raise the bill according to the customer!
To give you an idea of the food budget you need to plan for:
| Food | Average Food Price in Vietnam | Average Food Price in France |
| White bread 500g | 0.88€ | 1.78€ |
| Rice 1 kg | 0.84€ | 2.19€ |
| Eggs 12 pcs | 1.44€ | 3.81€ |
| Chicken fillets 1 kg | 3.36€ | 12.80€ |
| Red meat 1 kg | 9.52€ | 19.08€ |
| Potatoes 1kg | 1.09€ | 2.04€ |
| Onion 1kg | 1.08€ | 2.07€ |
| Salad 1 piece | 0.71€ | 1.36€ |
| Water 1.5 L | 0.47€ | 0.70€ |
| Imported Beer 330 cl | 1.28€ | 2.73€ |
On these 10 staple foods, Vietnam is less expensive than many European countries. On some products, such as chicken, the price is even a third. These costs of living in Vietnam can fluctuate based on individual lifestyle choices and the specific city or region within Vietnam. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas.
Transport
There are many ways to get around Vietnam, but the most popular forms of transport are buses, motorcycles, and bicycles, especially in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi.
Bus journeys cost an average of less than 1 euro/person, and sleeper buses allow you to sleep between cities at an average cost of 414,990 dongs/person, or 15 euros/person.
A network of trains also links cities such as Hanoi, Sapa, Ho Chi Minh City, and Lang Son. However, trains are not very comfortable, and journeys are relatively slow, with an average ticket costing 248,994 dongs (9 euros).
Locals can also opt for the car, with petrol costing 23,792 dongs / 0.86 euro per liter.
Healthcare in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the state offers two types of health insurance:
- Compulsory insurance for private and public sector workers.
- Voluntary insurance for self-employed workers and students.
Here is the average cost of certain medical benefits in Vietnam:
| Healthcare services | Rates |
| Consultation with a general practitioner | from €5 in a public hospital to €90 in a private hospital |
| Consultation with a specialist | on average €30 |
| Consultation with a dentist | between €10 and €50 on average |
| Fitting a dental crown | around €260 |
| Treatment of injuries requiring a cast | 18€ to 180€ |
| Minor stitches | between €14 and €135 |
| Major surgical operations | between €4,500 and €18,000 |
Despite the country’s efforts, Vietnam’s healthcare system remains lacking in many fields compared with some of its Asian neighbors. Insurance coverage often does not fully cover health care. For quality protection, taking out private international health insurance (e.g. with Foyer Global Health) is becoming an increasingly popular solution. Such coverage offers several advantages:
- Access to high-quality medical facilities, such as private hospitals in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- Benefit from a wide range of different services
- Benefit from much shorter waiting times
- Medical repatriation assistance
- Obtain multilingual support at all times
For several years now, Vietnam has been striving to improve its healthcare system. However, despite the efforts made, Vietnam’s healthcare system remains a little behind compared to European systems and those of some Asian neighbors. Vietnamese social security offers two types of health insurance:
- Compulsory insurance for private and public sector workers.
- Voluntary insurance for self-employed workers and students.
However, the main drawback of Vietnamese health insurance lies in its low benefits and their sometimes average quality. It is therefore essential to take out private international health cover in order to benefit from quality protection. Such coverage has several advantages:
- Access to high-quality medical facilities, such as private hospitals in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- Benefit from a wide range of different services
- Benefit from much shorter waiting times
- Medical repatriation assistance
- Obtain multilingual support at all times
Education and Schooling in Vietnam
The Vietnamese education system is similar to that of France and other Western countries: elementary school is compulsory, then children move on to secondary school before going on to higher education or vocational training.
In Hanoi, the average private international elementary school costs 331,992,302 dongs, or 12,000 euros for one child.
Telecommunications Services
Vietnam is putting great effort into modernizing its telecommunications system, whether in the city or the countryside.
- For a telephone package with 10 GB+, expect to pay 147,500.00 dongs (5.33 euros) / month.
- For an internet subscription of 60 Mbps or more, expect to pay an average of 238,195.80 dongs (8.61 euros) / month.
Cost of Leisure Activities in Vietnam
Vietnam is full of activities for everyone, whether you’re a couple, a family, or on your own. Budget-wise, leisure activities are very affordable and accessible throughout the country.
- Meal for one person in a mid-range restaurant: 300,000 dongs (10.84 euros)
- Movie ticket: 101,000 dongs (3.65 euros)
- Museum admission: free for children and costs 50,000 dongs (1.81 euros) on average for adults
- Entrance to Phong Nha-Ke Bàng National Park: 250,000 dong (9 euros) for adults, and generally free for children
- Monthly gym membership per person: 609,815.11 dongs (22.04 euros)
- Tennis court rental: 216,659.70 dongs (7.83 euros)
Conclusion
In summary, Vietnam offers an attractive cost of living compared to many Western countries. From affordable accommodation and lower food prices to budget-friendly transport and leisure activities, Vietnam provides a compelling option for expatriates and digital nomads alike. The country’s economic stability, vibrant culture, and cost-effective lifestyle make it a top choice for those seeking a balance between a high quality of life and a manageable budget. Whether you’re considering a move or just curious about living costs, Vietnam presents a unique blend of affordability and cultural richness.