Vietnam Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$73

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$10

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$466

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Vietnam Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Vietnam offers a relatively affordable cost of living for expats and remote workers, with essential utilities and internet services priced lower than in many neighboring countries. However, the gap between salary increases and living cost escalation warrants close attention for long-term investment strategies. Overall, Vietnam presents a competitive environment for digital nomads and expats seeking cost-effective living arrangements.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost approximately $70/month, which is about 10% of the average monthly salary of $700.
•High-speed internet (60 Mbps or more) costs roughly $12/month, making it highly affordable for remote work.
•A mobile plan with 5 GB of data is priced at $8/month, a modest expense relative to average earnings.
•Total monthly expenses for utilities and connectivity are around $90, which is manageable for most expats, comprising about 13% of an average salary.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Utility costs have increased at a moderate rate over the past two decades, generally in line with or slightly below inflation.
•Internet costs have decreased significantly since 2000, while speeds have improved, enhancing Vietnam's appeal to digital nomads.
•Salaries have been rising but not as quickly as living costs, potentially impacting long-term affordability for locals and expats.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should allocate approximately $100 per month for utilities and internet to ensure a comfortable living standard.
•With competitive internet pricing and speed, Vietnam is an attractive destination for digital nomads, providing excellent value for connectivity.
•Investors should monitor the cost-to-salary ratio closely as a potential risk factor impacting expat retention and lifestyle sustainability.
•Considering the moderate increase in utility costs, property investments targeting expats could benefit from highlighting energy-efficient features to enhance appeal.

Market Context

Compared to other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia, Vietnam offers a lower cost of living while maintaining similar connectivity and utility standards. This positions Vietnam as a cost-effective yet competitive option for expats and remote workers seeking affordability without compromising on quality of life.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.