Vietnam Living Costs UK USA Comparison

Accommodation Costs

Vietnam’s real estate market offers a diverse range of options, catering to different budgets and lifestyles. Hanoi provides a balance of culture and urban development, Ho Chi Minh City remains the country’s economic hub with high demand for property and Da Nang presents an attractive coastal alternative with growing investment potential.

Vietnam’s property market varies significantly between regions, with factors such as economic development, tourism and expat demand influencing prices.

In the table below you can see a breakdown of the top 10 property hot spots in Vietnam, their average pricing as of February 2025 and the average price converted to GBP and USD.

Hanoi: The Cultural and Political Capital

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, offers a mix of historic charm and modern development.

As a hub for government institutions and education, rental and property prices remain relatively stable, though some areas are seeing rapid price increases due to urbanization.

• City Center (Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, Ba Dinh): These districts are popular among expats and wealthy locals. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs £296-£370 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can reach £715-£900 per month. Property prices in these districts are among the highest in Hanoi, with luxury apartments and villas selling for £2,500+ per square meter.
• Suburban Areas (Long Bien, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay): These areas offer more affordable options for both renting and buying. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs around £184-£250 per month, and purchasing property in these districts averages £1,500-£2,000 per square meter.
• Trends: Due to increasing traffic congestion and urban expansion, many young professionals and families are opting for suburban housing, leading to a steady rise in property values outside the central districts.

Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s Economic Powerhouse

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, with a rapidly expanding real estate market. As the country’s commercial center, demand for housing is consistently high, leading to greater fluctuations in rental and property prices.

• District 1 & District 3 (Central Business District): These areas have the highest property prices due to their prime location. A one-bedroom apartment in District 1 costs between £370-£490 per month, while a three-bedroom unit can cost £900+ per month. Purchasing an apartment in these areas often exceeds £3,000 per square meter.
• Expats’ Favorite Districts (District 2, District 7, Thao Dien, Phu My Hung): These districts offer high-end apartments, villas, and gated communities. Rental costs are similar to those in the city center, with one-bedroom apartments averaging £296-£430 per month, but they offer more greenery and better amenities. Property prices range from £2,000-£3,500 per square meter.
• Affordable Areas (Binh Thanh, Go Vap, Tan Phu, Thu Duc): These districts are more budget-friendly, with one-bedroom apartments available for £150-£250 per month. Property prices range from £1,200-£2,000 per square meter, making them attractive for long-term residents seeking more affordable investment opportunities.
• Trends: Ho Chi Minh City’s real estate market is growing rapidly, with new developments and high-rise apartments continually entering the market. However, rising property prices in prime locations are pushing many buyers toward emerging suburban areas.

Da Nang: The Coastal Alternative

Da Nang, a coastal city known for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere, offers some of the best value in Vietnam’s property market. As a growing hotspot for tourism and retirement, it has seen increasing demand for both rental and property purchases.

• City Center (Hai Chau, Son Tra): The commercial and administrative districts of Da Nang have relatively moderate rental prices. A one bedroom apartment in the city center costs around £220 to £300 per month, while a three bedroom apartment averages £500 to £700 per month. Property prices in these areas are lower than in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, ranging from £1,500 to £2,500 per square meter.
• Beachfront Areas (My Khe, Ngu Hanh Son, An Thuong): These districts attract digital nomads, retirees and investors looking for short term rental opportunities. Rentals are slightly higher here, with one bedroom apartments near the beach costing £260 to £370 per month, while three bedroom villas can range from £800 to £1,200 per month. Purchasing property near the beach is more expensive, averaging £2,500 to £3,500 per square meter.
• Affordable Areas (Lien Chieu, Cam Le, Hoa Vang): These suburban districts offer the most affordable options, with one bedroom rentals as low as £150 per month and property prices averaging £1,000 to £1,800 per square meter.
• Trends: Da Nang’s property market is expanding due to increased foreign interest and infrastructure improvements. Beachfront properties are particularly sought after with prices steadily rising as demand grows.

Food and Dining Out

Eating out in Vietnam is incredibly cheap and offers great value. Street food is not only delicious but also one of the most budget friendly ways to eat.

• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around £1.57, making dining out very affordable.
• A meal for two at a mid range restaurant costs approximately £18.
• A McDonald’s combo meal is priced at £3.70, offering a familiar fast food option at a reasonable cost.
• Traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as a bowl of pho often cost under £2 in many areas.
• Buying groceries and cooking at home is even cheaper, with 1kg of rice costing under £1 and 1kg of chicken breast around £3.00

Entertainment and Leisure

Despite the low costs, Vietnam offers plenty of entertainment options, from nightlife to outdoor activities.

• A domestic beer (0.5L draught) costs just 80 pence, significantly cheaper than in many Western countries.
• An imported beer (0.33L bottle) is around £1.10, still a good deal for those who prefer international brands.
• A cinema ticket costs approximately £4, making movies a budget friendly entertainment choice.
• Gym memberships vary depending on location, with an average price of around £20 per month for a mid range facility.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities and internet services are both affordable and reliable.

• The monthly cost of utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage) for an 85m² apartment is around £50.
• High speed internet costs approximately £7.50 per month, making remote work and streaming very accessible.

Conclusion

Vietnam remains one of the best options for those seeking an affordable yet high quality lifestyle. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retiree or simply looking to experience life in Southeast Asia, the cost of living here is exceptionally low compared to most Western countries. With affordable housing, cheap yet delicious food and low transportation costs, it’s easy to live well without breaking the bank.

By integrating these cost examples into daily life planning, readers can gain a clearer perspective on budgeting for long term stays in Vietnam. If you’re considering making the move, having a well researched financial plan will ensure a smooth and stress free transition.