Key takeaways
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Ho Chi Minh City is relatively affordable and offers a high quality of life for expats. The biggest expense is housing, which accounts for about 30% to 50% of the monthly budget. Other expenses are food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, health care, education and personal care. |
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There are mainly four types of accommodation for expats in Ho Chi Minh City: serviced apartments, apartments, houses and shared accommodation. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as comfort, convenience, price, space, privacy and security. |
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There are 24 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, each with its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular and recommended districts for expats are District 1, District 2, District 3 and District 7. Each district has its own attractions, facilities, atmosphere and lifestyle. |
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The rental process in Ho Chi Minh City is relatively simple and straightforward, but it may vary depending on the type of accommodation, the landlord and the agent. The general steps are search, view, negotiate and sign. |
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. It is a hub of culture, commerce, entertainment and education, attracting millions of visitors and expats every year. If you are planning to move to Ho Chi Minh City, you may wonder about the housing options, the cost of living, the best neighborhoods and the lifestyle in this vibrant metropolis. In this article, we will give you some useful information and tips on expat housing in Ho Chi Minh City, based on our experience and expertise as a luxury rental agency.
How much does it cost to live in Ho Chi Minh City for an expat?
The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City depends on various factors, such as your lifestyle, your preferences, your income and your family size. However, compared to other major cities in Asia and the world, Ho Chi Minh City is relatively affordable and offers a high quality of life for expats. According to Expatistan1, a website that compares the cost of living in different cities, Ho Chi Minh City is the 3rd cheapest city in Asia and cheaper than 97% of cities in the world. Numbeo2, another website that provides data on living expenses, estimates that a single person’s monthly costs are around 513 USD (12,437,342 VND) without rent, and a family of four’s monthly costs are around 1,820 USD (44,119,565 VND) without rent. Of course, these are average figures and may vary depending on your personal situation and spending habits.
The biggest expense for most expats in Ho Chi Minh City is housing, which accounts for about 30% to 50% of their monthly budget. The rent in Ho Chi Minh City varies depending on the type, size, location and quality of the accommodation. Generally, the closer you are to the city center and the more amenities and facilities you have, the higher the rent will be. According to Expatistan1, the average monthly rent for a furnished 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area is 29,046,900 VND (1,200 USD), and the average monthly rent for a furnished 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio in a normal area is 7,174,960 VND (295 USD). However, these are just indicative prices and you may find cheaper or more expensive options depending on your needs and preferences.
Other expenses that you need to consider when living in Ho Chi Minh City are food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, health care, education and personal care. Food is relatively cheap in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you eat local dishes at street stalls or markets. You can get a basic meal for as low as 30,000 VND (1.2 USD) or a combo meal at a fast food restaurant for around 100,000 VND (4 USD). If you prefer to cook at home, you can buy fresh ingredients at supermarkets or local markets, where you can find a variety of products, from local to imported, at reasonable prices. For example, a dozen eggs cost around 39,000 VND (1.6 USD), a kilogram of tomatoes cost around 31,000 VND (1.3 USD) and a liter of milk cost around 36,000 VND (1.5 USD)1.
Transportation is also affordable in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you use public buses, which cost around 6,000 VND (0.2 USD) per ride. However, buses are often crowded, slow and unreliable, so many expats prefer to use taxis, motorbike taxis or ride-hailing apps, such as Grab or Gojek, which are more convenient, faster and safer. A taxi ride within the city center costs around 50,000 VND (2 USD), while a motorbike taxi or a ride-hailing app ride costs around 20,000 VND (0.8 USD). Alternatively, you can rent or buy your own motorbike, which is the most popular and practical way of getting around the city. A new motorbike costs around 20 million VND (820 USD) and a used one costs around 10 million VND (410 USD). The monthly rent for a motorbike is around 1 million VND (40 USD) and the monthly gas cost is around 500,000 VND (20 USD).
Utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, internet and cable TV, are relatively cheap in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you live in a shared house or apartment. The average monthly cost for utilities for a single person living in a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio is around 1,580,000 VND (65 USD), and for a family of four living in an 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment is around 2,220,000 VND (90 USD)1. However, these costs may vary depending on your usage and the season, as electricity bills tend to be higher in the hot and humid months when you need to use air conditioning more often.
Entertainment is one of the aspects that make Ho Chi Minh City an attractive and fun place to live for expats. The city offers a wide range of options for leisure and recreation, from cultural and historical attractions, such as museums, temples, pagodas and markets, to modern and trendy venues, such as shopping malls, cinemas, bars, clubs and restaurants. The cost of entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City depends on your preferences and tastes, but generally, it is reasonable and affordable. For example, a movie ticket costs around 100,000 VND (4 USD), a cocktail at a mid-range bar costs around 150,000 VND (6 USD) and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around 600,000 VND (25 USD)1.
Health care is another important factor to consider when living in Ho Chi Minh City. The quality and availability of health care services in the city vary depending on the type and location of the facility. Public hospitals are often overcrowded, understaffed and under-equipped, while private clinics and hospitals are more modern, comfortable and efficient, but also more expensive. Many expats choose to use private health care providers, especially for serious or complex conditions, or opt to travel to nearby countries, such as Thailand or Singapore, for medical treatment. The cost of health care in Ho Chi Minh City depends on the type and extent of the service, but generally, it is lower than in most Western countries. For example, a consultation with a general practitioner costs around 500,000 VND (20 USD), a dental filling costs around 1 million VND (40 USD) and a basic health insurance plan for an expat costs around 10 million VND (410 USD) per year2.
Education is another major expense for expats with children living in Ho Chi Minh City. The public education system in Vietnam is not very suitable for expat children, as the curriculum, the teaching methods and the language are different from what they are used to. Therefore, most expat parents choose to send their children to international schools, which offer high-quality education in English or other foreign languages, following international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British or the American system. However, international schools in Ho Chi Minh City are very expensive, as they charge high tuition fees, as well as additional costs, such as registration, application, admission, examination, uniform and transportation fees. The average annual tuition fee for an international school in Ho Chi Minh City is around 400 million VND (16,400 USD), but it can range from 200 million VND (8,200 USD) to 600 million VND (24,600 USD) depending on the school, the grade and the program3.
Personal care is another aspect that expats need to take into account when living in Ho Chi Minh City. The city offers a variety of services and products for personal care, such as hair salons, spas, massage parlors, beauty products, clothing, accessories and more. The cost of personal care in Ho Chi Minh City depends on the quality and the brand of the service or product, but generally, it is cheaper than in most Western countries. For example, a haircut for men costs around 100,000 VND (4 USD), a haircut for women costs around 200,000 VND (8 USD), a manicure costs around 150,000 VND (6 USD), a massage costs around 300,000 VND (12 USD), a pair of jeans costs around 1 million VND (40 USD) and a summer dress costs around 900,000 VND (37 USD)1.
Accommodation for expats in Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most important decisions that expats need to make when moving to Ho Chi Minh City is where to live. The city offers a variety of accommodation options for expats, from cozy townhouses to spacious villas, from traditional houses to modern apartments, from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. The choice of accommodation depends on several factors, such as your budget, your lifestyle, your preferences, your family size, your work location and your transportation options. In this section, we will give you some information and tips on the different types of accommodation, the best neighborhoods and the rental process in Ho Chi Minh City.
Types of accommodation
There are mainly four types of accommodation that expats can choose from in Ho Chi Minh City
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- Serviced apartments: Serviced apartments are fully furnished and equipped apartments that offer hotel-like services, such as cleaning, laundry, security, maintenance and more. Serviced apartments are ideal for expats who want to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a home without the hassle of managing it. Serviced apartments are usually located in central and convenient areas, close to amenities and facilities, such as shops, restaurants, bars, gyms and pools. Serviced apartments are also suitable for short-term stays, as they offer flexible contracts and rates. However, serviced apartments are also the most expensive type of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City, as they charge high rents and fees. The average monthly rent for a serviced apartment in Ho Chi Minh City is around 30 million VND (1,230 USD), but it can range from 15 million VND (615 USD) to 50 million VND (2,050 USD) depending on the size, location and quality of the apartment.
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- Apartments: Apartments are self-contained units that are part of a larger building or complex. Apartments are the most common and popular type of accommodation for expats in Ho Chi Minh City, as they offer a variety of options, from studio to penthouse, from basic to luxury, from old to new. Apartments are usually located in residential areas, close to public transportation and main roads, making them convenient and accessible. Apartments are also relatively affordable and offer more privacy and security than other types of accommodation. However, apartments may also have some drawbacks, such as noise, pollution, lack of space and natural light, and strict rules and regulations. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City is around 15 million VND (615 USD), but it can range from 5 million VND (205 USD) to 30 million VND (1,230 USD) depending on the size, location and quality of the apartment.
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- Houses: Houses are detached or semi-detached buildings that have their own land and entrance. Houses are the most spacious and comfortable type of accommodation for expats in Ho Chi Minh City, as they offer more rooms, more facilities and more outdoor space than other types of accommodation. Houses are ideal for expats with families, pets or guests, as they provide more privacy and flexibility. Houses are usually located in suburban or rural areas, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making them more peaceful and relaxing. However, houses are also the most scarce and difficult type of accommodation to find in Ho Chi Minh City, as they are in high demand and low supply. Houses are also the most expensive type of accommodation to buy in Ho Chi Minh City, as they require a large investment and a complicated legal process. The average monthly rent for a house in Ho Chi Minh City is around 25 million VND (1,025 USD), but it can range from 10 million VND (410 USD) to 50 million VND (2,050 USD) depending on the size, location and quality of the house.
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- Shared accommodation: Shared accommodation is a type of accommodation where expats share a house or an apartment with other people, such as other expats, locals or students. Shared accommodation is the cheapest and easiest type of accommodation to find in Ho Chi Minh City, as there are many options and opportunities available online and offline. Shared accommodation is suitable for expats who want to save money, meet new people and experience the local culture and lifestyle. Shared accommodation is also flexible and convenient, as expats can choose their roommates, their location and their contract duration. However, shared accommodation may also have some challenges, such as lack of privacy, personal space and security, potential conflicts, disagreements and misunderstandings, and different standards of cleanliness, hygiene and comfort. The average monthly rent for a shared accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is around 5 million VND (205 USD), but it can range from 2 million VND (82 USD) to 10 million VND (410 USD) depending on the size, location and quality of the accommodation.
Best neighborhoods
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, each with its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the best neighborhood for expats depends on their personal preferences, needs and budget. However, some of the most popular and recommended neighborhoods for expats in Ho Chi Minh City are:
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- District 1: District 1 is the central and most important district of Ho Chi Minh City, where most of the government offices, business centers, tourist attractions, shopping malls, restaurants, bars and hotels are located. District 1 is the most convenient and accessible district for expats, as it offers everything they need within walking distance or a short taxi ride. District 1 is also the most lively and vibrant district, as it hosts many events, festivals, shows and nightlife activities throughout the year. However, District 1 is also the most crowded, noisy and polluted district, as it suffers from heavy traffic, high population density and urban development. District 1 is also the most expensive district to live in, as the rent and the cost of living are the highest in the city. The average monthly rent for an accommodation in District 1 is around 20 million VND (820 USD), but it can range from 10 million VND (410 USD) to 40 million VND (1,640 USD) depending on the type, size, location and quality of the accommodation.
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- District 2: District 2 is the eastern district of Ho Chi Minh City, where most of the expat community, international schools, luxury villas, modern apartments and green spaces are located. District 2 is the most comfortable and peaceful district for expats, as it offers a high standard of living, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and a lot of recreational and educational opportunities. District 2 is also the most spacious and beautiful district, as it has many parks, rivers, canals and bridges, creating a scenic and relaxing environment. However, District 2 is also the most isolated and inconvenient district, as it is far from the city center and other districts, and has limited public transportation and infrastructure. District 2 is also one of the most expensive districts to live in, as the rent and the cost of living are high due to the high demand and low supply of accommodation. The average monthly rent for an accommodation in District 2 is around 25 million VND (1,025 USD), but it can range from 15 million VND (615 USD) to 50 million VND (2,050 USD) depending on the type, size, location and quality of the accommodation.
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- District 3: District 3 is the southern district of Ho Chi Minh City, where most of the historical, cultural and religious landmarks, such as the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, are located. District 3 is the most authentic and charming district for expats, as it offers a glimpse of the rich and diverse history, culture and religion of Vietnam, as well as a mix of old and new architecture, from colonial buildings to skyscrapers. District 3 is also the most diverse and dynamic district, as it has a variety of people, from locals to expats, from students to professionals, from artists to businessmen, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. However, District 3 is also one of the most congested and chaotic districts, as it has narrow streets, dense population, busy markets and hectic traffic. District 3 is also one of the most expensive districts to live in, as the rent and the cost of living are high due to the high demand and low supply of accommodation. The average monthly rent for an accommodation in District 3 is around 18 million VND (740 USD), but it can range from 10 million VND (410 USD) to 30 million VND (1,230 USD) depending on the type, size, location and quality of the accommodation.
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- District 7: District 7 is the southernmost district of Ho Chi Minh City, where most of the new and modern developments, such as the Phu My Hung urban area, Ecogreen Saigon, the Crescent Mall, the Starlight Bridge and the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, are located. District 7 is the most clean and organized district for expats, as it offers a well-planned and well-maintained environment, with wide roads, green parks, artificial lakes and fountains. District 7 is also the most family-friendly and safe district, as it has many international schools, playgrounds, sports facilities and security services. However, District 7 is also one of the most boring and artificial districts, as it lacks the character and the charm of the old and traditional districts, and has a homogeneous and bland atmosphere. District 7 is also one of the most expensive districts to live in, as the rent and the cost of living are high due to the high demand and low supply of accommodation. The average monthly rent for an accommodation in District 7 is around 22 million VND (900 USD), but it can range from 15 million VND (615 USD) to 40 million VND (1,640 USD) depending on the type, size, location and quality of the accommodation.
Rental process
The rental process in Ho Chi Minh City is relatively simple and straightforward, but it may vary depending on the type of accommodation, the landlord and the agent. The general steps of the rental process are:
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- Search: The first step of the rental process is to search for the accommodation that suits your preferences, needs and budget. You can search online, using websites, such as [The Luxe Rentals], [Vietnam Online] or [Expat.com], or offline, using newspapers, magazines, flyers or word-of-mouth. You can also use the services of a real estate agent, who can help you find the best options, negotiate the terms and handle the paperwork. However, you may need to pay a commission fee to the agent, which is usually equivalent to half or one month’s rent.
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- View: The second step of the rental process is to view the accommodation that you are interested in. You can contact the landlord or the agent directly, or through the website or the platform that you used to search. You should arrange a viewing appointment as soon as possible, as the accommodation market in Ho Chi Minh City is very competitive and fast-moving, and the availability and the price of the accommodation may change quickly. You should also inspect the accommodation carefully, checking the condition, the facilities, the amenities, the security and the neighborhood, and ask any questions that you may have.
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- Negotiate: The third step of the rental process is to negotiate the terms and the price of the rental contract with the landlord or the agent. You should be prepared to bargain and compromise, as the initial offer may not be the final one. You should also be aware of the common terms and practices of the rental market in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the duration, the deposit, the payment method, the utilities, the maintenance, the furniture and the pets. The average duration of a rental contract in Ho Chi Minh City is one year, but it may be shorter or longer depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord. The average deposit for a rental contract in Ho Chi Minh City is two months’ rent, but it may be higher or lower depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord. The average payment method for a rental contract in Ho Chi Minh City is cash, but it may also be bank transfer, cheque or credit card depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord. The average utilities for a rental contract in Ho Chi Minh City are electricity, water, gas, internet and cable TV, but they may be included or excluded depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord. The average maintenance for a rental contract in Ho Chi Minh City is the responsibility of the landlord, but it may also be shared or transferred to the tenant depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord. The average furniture for a rental contract in Ho Chi Minh City is fully furnished, but it may also be partially furnished or unfurnished depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord. The average pets for a rental contract in Ho Chi Minh City are not allowed, but they may also be allowed or restricted depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord.
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- Sign: The fourth and final step of the rental process is to sign the rental contract with the landlord or the agent. You should read the contract carefully, making sure that it reflects the terms and the price that you agreed on, and that it does not contain any hidden clauses or fees. You should also ask for a copy of the contract, a receipt of the deposit and the rent, and a list of the inventory and the condition of the accommodation. You should also register your address and your visa with the local authorities, as it is required by law and may help you in case of any issues or disputes.
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- If you want to know more about the experience of working and living in Ho Chi Minh City as an expat, you can read our [Expat Guide], where we share our insights and tips on various topics, such as culture, language, visa, work, lifestyle and more.
We hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips on expat housing in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are looking for a luxury rental in Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit our website The Luxe Rentals and browse our selection of high-end properties. We are a professional and experienced rental agency that can help you find your dream home in this amazing city. Contact us today and let us know your preferences and needs. We will be happy to assist you and make your relocation process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
