Comparing Cost of Living in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang for Foreign Teachers

Tuesday, 16/09/2025, 14:09 GMT+7

Vietnam has become one of the most attractive destinations for foreign teachers looking to build their careers while enjoying an affordable lifestyle. Among the most popular cities are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and Da Nang, each offering unique living conditions, cultural experiences, and costs.

If you are considering teaching in Vietnam, understanding the cost of living in these cities will help you choose the best place to live and work. Below is a detailed breakdown of housing, food, transportation, and salary levels to give you a clear picture.

Comparing Cost of Living in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang for Foreign Teachers - 1200x675

1. Housing Costs

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC):

1-bedroom apartment in central areas (District 1, 3, Thao Dien): 10.5 – 17.8 million VND/month
Outside city center (Binh Thanh, Go Vap, Thu Duc): 6.3 – 10.5 million VND/month
Shared housing in expat areas: 3.7 – 7.9 million VND/month

Hanoi:

1-bedroom apartment in central districts (Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho): 9.5 – 15.8 million VND/month
Outside the center: 5.3 – 9.5 million VND/month
Shared housing: 3.7 – 6.3 million VND/month

Da Nang:

1-bedroom apartment near the beach: 6.3 – 10.5 million VND/month
In the city center: 5.3 – 9.5 million VND/month
Shared housing: 3.2 – 5.3 million VND/month

Quick comparison: HCMC is the most expensive, Hanoi is moderate, and Da Nang is the most affordable.

2. Food & Groceries

Local meal (rice, noodles, pho): 37,000 – 79,000 VND
Western restaurant meal: 132,000 – 316,000 VND
Monthly groceries: 3.2 – 5.3 million VND

3. Transportation

Motorbike rental: 1.3 – 1.9 million VND/month
Fuel: 526,000 – 790,000 VND/month
Grab ride: 26,000 – 260,000 VND/trip (depending on distance)
Public transport (bus/metro in Hanoi & HCMC): 263,000 – 526,000 VND/month

Da Nang is the cheapest and has the least traffic, while HCMC has the heaviest congestion.

4. Estimated Monthly Living Costs

Category	HCMC	Hanoi	Da Nang
Housing (1BR)	10.5 – 17.8M	9.5 – 15.8M	6.3 – 10.5M
Food	5.3 – 7.9M	4.7 – 7.4M	4.2 – 6.6M
Transport	1.6 – 2.6M	1.3 – 2.1M	1.1 – 1.6M
Entertainment/Other	3.9 – 7.9M	3.2 – 6.6M	2.6 – 5.3M
Total	21 – 36M	19 – 32M	14 – 24M

Ho Chi Minh City: Highest salaries, most opportunities, but also the highest living costs.
Hanoi: Balanced in terms of costs and career opportunities, with a rich cultural atmosphere.
Da Nang: Affordable and laid-back lifestyle with beautiful beaches, though fewer international schools.

No matter which city you choose, foreign teachers in Vietnam can live comfortably and even save money each month, depending on lifestyle choices.

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