Cost Of Living In Ho Chi Minh City

Costs of living in Ho Chi Minh City vary by districts and areas. Generally, the closer you live to the city center, the higher your expenses will be.

Most Expensive Districts

The most expensive districts continue to be District 1 and District 3. Their strategic locations, within walking distance or a short bike ride of the city center, contribute to the elevated cost of living. Expect to pay at least $3 for a meal or drink. A comfortable room cannot be rented for less than $200 per month. Hotel room prices have risen and now range from 200% to 250% higher than similar accommodations in other areas. Parking fees for a motorbike are typically around 50 cents, while car parking can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50. Fortunately, public transportation remains a convenient and economical option; bus fares start at 30 cents. From the city center (Ben Thanh Market), you can take a bus to Cu Chi, located about 70 km (approximately 43.5 miles) away.

Least Expensive Districts

If you choose to live in District 8, District 11, District 12, Thu Duc District, Go Vap District, or suburban areas like Hoc Mon, Can Gio, and Cu Chi, you can significantly reduce your living expenses. These districts maintain low costs due to their distance from the city center. Meals and drinks can be found for under $1, and you can rent a room for $30 to $50 per month. In these areas, you will often find motels and hostels that charge no more than $20 per night for a comfortable, air-conditioned room. Parking fees may be minimal; they can even be free, but when applicable, expect to pay around 20 cents for a motorbike and 70 cents for larger vehicles. If you don’t mind commuting each day, these districts can be ideal for saving money while avoiding the frequent traffic congestion in the city center.

Average Districts

Other districts fall into the average cost-of-living category. These areas are not too far from the city center, yet are more affordable than District 1 and District 3. You can expect to pay around $2 for a meal or drink. Long-term room rentals typically range from $70 to $100 per month. For short-term stays, hotel rooms can cost as little as $25 to $35 per night. It's advisable to choose locations near local markets where fresh produce is available at reasonable prices, reducing the need to dine out frequently. Bus fares for traveling within or between districts cost about 25 cents, and bus stops are identifiable by yellow lines on the roadway.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City Accommodation Guide by Districts

Last updated: May 05, 2025