What $1 Can Buy in Vietnam

Although the cost of living has increased significantly in Vietnam in recent years, it is still possible to live on just a few dollars per day. Below is a quick summary of what a dollar can buy you in various cities across Vietnam as of 2025.

4 glasses of Beer

During the summer, the term Bia Hoi (draft beer) is ubiquitous in Vietnam. Even if you're staying solely within the Hanoi Old Quarter, you'll find several bustling "street bars" where patrons sit on stools and enjoy chilled beer. A glass of beer typically costs around 10,000-15,000 VND, meaning $1 can still buy you a decent amount of beer at these establishments.
Photo: laodong.vn 

1 bowl of noodles

If you're paying $2 for a bowl of noodles, don’t worry—prices for beef can be quite high. For other types of noodle dishes, the prices remain low, especially in Southern provinces like Nha Trang or the Mekong Delta region, where you can find noodle dishes for as little as 1,000 to 1,500 VND (around 4 to 6 cents). With $1, you can enjoy a hearty meal, often including a cup of tea.
Photo: kinhdoanhnhahang.vn

1.5 liters of fuel

Although fuel prices fluctuate, obtaining affordable gas remains possible as of 2025. The cost for fuel is around 24,000-30,000 VND per liter, allowing you to purchase approximately 1.5 liters with $1. This affordability enables motor vehicle owners to travel further, maximizing their budget and enjoyment on the road.

Fruits, lots of fruits

While fruits in urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be pricey—sometimes comparable to prices in your home country—rural areas offer a different story. In regions where fruits are cultivated, you can find great bargains: for example, you may pay around 30,000 VND for 5 kilos of dragon fruit in Ninh Thuan, 20,000 VND for 10 kilos of rambutan in the Mekong Delta, or as little as 25,000 VND for 30 guavas in Bac Ninh.
Photo: vietnamnet.vn