Prices in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026
Lunch at a cafe for about $2. A city-centre apartment from ~$400 a month. A metro ride for $0.25. Saigon is the priciest city in Vietnam, yet by world standards prices here are still low. Everything below is in dong with a ~USD conversion, plus three ready-made budgets: from counting every dong to not counting at all.
The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City — at a glance
Your monthly spend in Saigon comes down to one question: are you happy to live like a local, or do you want Western-level comfort? Here are three versions.
| Expense | Budget ($700–900) | Comfort ($1,200–1,500) | Premium ($2,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $200–350 | $500–800 | $1,000–1,500 |
| Food | $150–200 | $300–400 | $500+ |
| Transport | $30–50 | $80–120 | $150+ |
| SIM & internet | $10 | $15 | $20 |
| Entertainment | $30–50 | $100–200 | $300+ |
| Utilities | $50–80 | $80–120 | $120–200 |
| Total | $470–740 | $1,075–1,655 | $2,090+ |
For comparison: rent in Nha Trang is 20–30% cheaper, while Da Nang sits roughly on par with Saigon. But the range of cafes, bars and things to do here is in a different league.
Food and restaurants — from street stall to fine dining
A bowl of phở bò (beef noodle soup) at a street kitchen runs 40,000–60,000 VND (~$1.60–2.40). The same portion in a hotel restaurant costs 120,000–150,000 VND — three times the price for a paler broth.
Street food
A plastic stool, a plastic table, a bowl for less than a dollar — and you're full. Street food in Saigon is often better than the restaurant version, and you get used to it fast.
| Dish | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Banh mi (filled baguette) | 15,000–25,000 | ~$0.60–1 |
| Pho (noodle soup) | 40,000–60,000 | ~$1.60–2.40 |
| Com suon (rice with pork) | 30,000–50,000 | ~$1.20–2 |
| Bun bo Hue (spicy soup) | 35,000–55,000 | ~$1.40–2.20 |
| Goi cuon (2 spring rolls) | 20,000–30,000 | ~$0.80–1.20 |
| Iced coffee (ca phe sua da) | 15,000–30,000 | ~$0.60–1.20 |
| Fresh juice (sinh to) | 20,000–35,000 | ~$0.80–1.40 |
Cafes and restaurants
| Venue | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Local eatery (quan com) | 40,000–70,000 | ~$1.60–2.80 |
| Mid-range cafe | 100,000–200,000 | ~$4–8 |
| Air-conditioned restaurant | 200,000–400,000 | ~$8–16 |
| Dinner for two (3 dishes) | 350,000–1,000,000 | ~$14–40 |
| McDonald's (combo) | 100,000–150,000 | ~$4–6 |
| Cappuccino at a cafe | 40,000–60,000 | ~$1.60–2.40 |
Vietnamese coffee deserves its own line. A local cà phê sữa đáat a street cafe is 15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–0.80). At chains like The Coffee House or Highlands it's 40,000–55,000 VND. Starbucks charges 80,000–120,000 VND — and why, when the Vietnamese version tastes better?
Beer and alcohol
| Drink | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Saigon beer (0.33 l, shop) | 12,000–18,000 | ~$0.50–0.70 |
| Saigon beer (0.33 l, bar) | 25,000–40,000 | ~$1–1.60 |
| Craft beer (BiaCraft) | 60,000–100,000 | ~$2.40–4 |
| Imported wine (bottle) | from 300,000 | from ~$12 |
| Whisky/gin (bar pour) | 70,000–150,000 | ~$2.80–6 |
| Rooftop cocktail | 150,000–250,000 | ~$6–10 |
Groceries at the supermarket
| Item | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 l) | 33,000–52,000 | ~$1.30–2.10 |
| Bread (loaf) | 15,000–30,000 | ~$0.60–1.20 |
| Eggs (12) | 30,000–48,000 | ~$1.20–1.90 |
| Rice (1 kg) | 20,000–35,000 | ~$0.80–1.40 |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | 50,000–110,000 | ~$2–4.40 |
| Bottled water (1.5 l) | 8,000–15,000 | ~$0.30–0.60 |
If you want to cook, Bach Hoa Xanh, Co.opmart and Winmart (formerly VinMart) are all over the city. Prices are below the markets and the tags are fixed, so no haggling.
Accommodation — from hostel to long-term apartment
Housing in Saigon costs more than in any other Vietnamese city. A central studio starts around 10 million VND (~$400) a month.
Hotels by category
Book through Booking.com or Agoda — rates are 10–20% below the walk-in price at the desk. October is the cheapest month, March the priciest.
Long-term rent
| District | Studio / 1-bed | 2–3 bed | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| District 1 (centre) | $500–800 | $1,000–1,500 | Tourists, nightlife |
| Thao Dien (D2) | $500–900 | $800–1,500 | Expats, families |
| District 3 | $300–500 | $600–1,000 | Budget expats |
| District 7 | $400–700 | $700–1,200 | Families, communities |
| Binh Thanh | $300–500 | $500–900 | Digital nomads |
| Thu Duc City | $250–400 | $400–700 | Budget-minded |
Utilities add another 1.5–5 million VND (~$60–200) on top. Air conditioning is the budget-killer: run it 12 hours a day and the bill can climb toward $100 a month.
💬 "We spent the first month in a $30/night hotel while flat-hunting. Found a studio in District 3 for $350 — furnished, air-con, security. In Thao Dien that money only gets you a shared room." — from expat reviews, 2025
Skip the airport queue in 5–10 min
In winter, immigration lines run 60–90 min. With Fast Track you’re met at the aircraft and taken through the priority lane. Arrange it before you fly.
Telegram managerTransport — Grab, metro, taxis
On 22 December 2024 Saigon opened its first metro line, running from Ben Thanh market to Suoi Tien park: 19.7 km, 14 stations. A ride is 6,000–20,000 VND (~$0.25–0.80).
Public transport
| Ticket | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (single ride) | 6,000–20,000 | ~$0.25–0.80 |
| Metro (day pass) | 40,000 | ~$1.60 |
| Bus | 6,000–10,000 | ~$0.25–0.40 |
| Bus pass (month) | 150,000–330,000 | ~$6–13 |
Taxis and Grab
Grab solves the biggest taxi headache: you see the fare before the ride, with no haggling. The app controls around 42% of Vietnam's ride-hailing market and works entirely in English. Pay by card in the app or in cash to the driver.
GrabBike is two to three times cheaper. For hops under 5 km it's the best option — if you're happy weaving between scooters.
Vehicle rental
| Rental | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter (day) | 100,000–200,000 | ~$4–8 |
| Scooter (month) | 1,500,000–3,000,000 | ~$60–120 |
| TNGO bike share (30 min) | from 5,000 | from ~$0.20 |
From the airport into town
Tan Son Nhat airport sits just 7 km from the centre.
At rush hour (7:30–9:00 and 17:00–19:00) the airport run can stretch to an hour. For arrival and airport details, see the Ho Chi Minh City flights guide.
Tours and attractions
Two day trips define Saigon: the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta. A group tour is $15–30 a head; a private guide runs from about $80.
Entry tickets
| Attraction | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Palace | 65,000 | ~$2.60 |
| War Remnants Museum | 40,000 | ~$1.60 |
| Bitexco tower (Skydeck) | 200,000 | ~$8 |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral | free | — |
| Thien Hau Pagoda | free | — |
All the city's sights, with addresses and opening hours, are in the separate Ho Chi Minh City attractions guide.
Nightlife
A night out on Bui Vien (the main backpacker street) runs 200,000–500,000 VND (~$8–20). Beer at a bar is 25,000–40,000 VND, a rooftop cocktail 150,000–250,000 VND. More in the Ho Chi Minh City nightlife guide.
Getting set up in Vietnam?
SIM, visas, transfers, tours — our manager sorts it out for you, in English.
Message the managerShopping and malls
Coffee to take home, clothes from local factories, cashews by the kilo — all noticeably cheaper than back home. The one rule: at Ben Thanh market, never buy anything without bargaining.
| Item | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Trung Nguyen coffee (500 g) | 80,000–150,000 | ~$3.20–6 |
| Jeans (Levi's or similar) | 800,000–1,200,000 | ~$32–48 |
| Nike trainers | 1,800,000–2,500,000 | ~$72–100 |
| Cashews (1 kg, market) | 200,000–350,000 | ~$8–14 |
| Silk scarf (market) | 100,000–250,000 | ~$4–10 |
| Dress at a brand store | 600,000–900,000 | ~$24–36 |
Where to shop
Malls (fixed prices):
- Saigon Centre — in the heart of District 1, with the Takashimaya department store. Mid-range brands
- Vincom Center Dong Khoi — the premium option, Gucci and Dior
- Aeon Mall — Japanese format, the best value-to-choice ratio
Markets (haggling required):
- Ben Thanh — touristy, prices marked up 2–3x. Quoted 500,000? Offer 150,000
- Cho Lon (District 5) — the biggest Chinese market, wholesale prices
- Tan Dinh (District 1) — a market for locals, no markup. Fabrics and made-to-order clothes
Money, exchange and cards
The Vietnamese dong has so many zeros that the first few days make your head spin. The simple trick: drop three zeros and divide by 25. So 100,000 VND = 100 ÷ 25 = ~$4.
Where to change money
| Place | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold shops, District 5 | Best | No passport, check the notes |
| Eximbank counters | Good | Reliable, with a receipt |
| Banks | Average | Passport needed, queues |
| ATMs | Depends on bank | Fee 22,000–55,000 VND (~$0.90–2.20) |
| Airport | Worst | 3–5% below the city rate |
At the airport, change only what you need for a Grab to the hotel (200,000 VND is plenty) and sort the rest in town. On cards: Visa and Mastercard work in malls, hotels and mid-to-high-end restaurants, but markets and street stalls are cash only. ATMs are everywhere — look for TPBank or ones with a low per-withdrawal fee, and warn your bank before you travel so the card isn't blocked.
SIM and internet
A SIM with 15–30 GB for a month is 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–10). Go with Viettel — 54% market share and the most reliable coverage. If you'd rather skip the shop queue, buy an eSIM from Airalo or Holafly before you fly and it activates the moment you land.
Wi-Fi runs in every other cafe and co-working space at 30–50 Mbps, and nothing is blocked — WhatsApp, Google and Zalo all work without a VPN. A passport is required to register a local SIM.
Healthcare and insurance
FV Hospital and Vinmec have English-speaking staff and standards on par with Singapore — pricier, but worth it. Without insurance, treatment is entirely out of pocket, so buy a travel policy before you fly (World Nomads, SafetyWing and similar cover Vietnam).
How much to bring — trip and monthly budgets
A week as a tourist
| Item | Budget | Comfort | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | $70–140 | $260–560 | $490–1,750 |
| Food (7 days) | $35–50 | $70–100 | $120–200 |
| Transport | $15–25 | $40–60 | $80–120 |
| Tours | $30–60 | $80–150 | $200–400 |
| Total | $170–325 | $500–970 | $1,040–2,770 |
A month as an expat
Where you can actually save
- Eat at local quan com — three to five times cheaper than restaurants
- GrabBike over GrabCar — two to three times cheaper
- Groceries at Bach Hoa Xanh — 15–20% below Winmart
- Find a flat via Facebook groups — skip the agent fee
- Drink Vietnamese coffee — tastier and four times cheaper than Starbucks
- Buy water in 19 l bottles — 30,000–50,000 VND delivered
Ho Chi Minh City vs other Vietnamese cities
| Category | Saigon | Nha Trang | Da Nang | Hanoi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch at a cafe | 50,000 VND | 35,000–45,000 | 40,000–50,000 | 40,000–50,000 |
| Studio / month | $400–800 | $250–500 | $300–600 | $350–700 |
| Grab 5 km | 40,000–60,000 | 30,000–45,000 | 35,000–50,000 | 35,000–50,000 |
| Beer (bottle) | 15,000–25,000 | 12,000–20,000 | 12,000–20,000 | 15,000–20,000 |
Per Numbeo, restaurant prices in Nha Trang are 15–25% lower and in Da Nang 10–15% lower. Rent is the widest gap: in Nha Trang and Da Nang you can rent 20–40% cheaper.
Saigon's trump card is choice. There are 12+ co-working spaces, hundreds of cafes with 30+ Mbps Wi-Fi, international clinics, a metro and direct flights across Asia — handy if you're comparing it with a base in Bangkok or Bali.
Saigon for digital nomads
| Item | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Co-working (hot desk) | 2,000,000–4,000,000 | ~$80–160/mo |
| Co-working (dedicated desk) | 3,500,000–6,000,000 | ~$140–240/mo |
| Cafe with Wi-Fi (coffee x 20 days) | 400,000–800,000 | ~$16–32/mo |
| VPN (NordVPN) | — | ~$3–12/mo |
FAQ
How much money do you need per month in Ho Chi Minh City?
From about $700 on a tight budget to $1,500 for a comfortable life. Rent is the biggest line: ~$200 for a studio on the edge of town, $500–800 for a furnished apartment closer in. Food runs $150–400 depending on habits. On street food and buses, $700 does it. Want daily Grab and a couple of restaurant dinners a week? Budget $1,200 minimum.
Is Ho Chi Minh City cheaper than Nha Trang?
No, and clearly so. Saigon is the most expensive city in Vietnam. Rent is 20–30% higher than in Nha Trang, and food and transport cost more too. In return the choice of housing, food and things to do is in another league. If you want the beach, pick Nha Trang. If you want infrastructure for living and working, pick Saigon.
Are Visa and Mastercard accepted in Ho Chi Minh City?
Visa and Mastercard work in malls, mid- and high-end restaurants, hotels and chain cafes. Markets, street stalls and small shops are cash only, in dong. ATMs are on every corner; the fee is 22,000–55,000 VND (~$0.90–2.20) per withdrawal, so pull out larger amounts less often.
Where is the best place to change money in Ho Chi Minh City?
Bring US dollars in cash — they change at the best rate. Use the gold shops in District 5 (Cho Lon) or Eximbank exchange counters. The airport is the worst option, 3–5% below the city. Many travellers skip exchange altogether and simply withdraw dong from an ATM on arrival.
How much is a taxi from Tan Son Nhat airport to the centre?
The airport is 7 km from District 1. Grab is 100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–6), a metered taxi (Vinasun, Mai Linh) 150,000–200,000 VND (~$6–8), and bus 152 just 5,000 VND (~$0.20), running to Ben Thanh market.
Can you live in Ho Chi Minh City on $500 a month?
You can, but with little joy. A shared room on the outskirts ($100–150), street food three times a day ($100), buses and the metro ($20), and almost no extras. For a normal life, $700–900. For comfort, from $1,200.
What cheap food should you try in Ho Chi Minh City?
Pho bo (beef noodle soup) — 40,000–60,000 VND (~$1.60–2.40). Banh mi (baguette with meat) — 15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–1). Com suon (rice with grilled pork) — 30,000–50,000 VND. Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk — 15,000–20,000 VND. Ten dollars feeds two people, twice over.
Planning a first trip? See the full Ho Chi Minh City guide, the districts breakdown and the Saigon food guide.
Prices are current as of April 2026. USD figures use a rate of 25,000 VND ≈ $1. Confirm the exchange rate before you travel.