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Ho Chi Minh City vs Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh City runs about 23% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 255 USD a month.

The view of the front of Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City
$1,128/month · Vietnam
Balon Greyjoy · CC0
Chakra Maha Prasat Throne Hall Grand Palace Bangkok aerial photo by Don Ramey Logan
Bangkok
$1,383/month · Thailand
Don Ramey Logan · CC BY 4.0
Ho Chi Minh City monthly
$1,128
Index 18 (NYC = 100)
Bangkok monthly
$1,383
Index 22 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+23%
Bangkok relative to Ho Chi Minh City
Rent gap
$150
Bangkok costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

Ho Chi Minh CityBangkok
  • Housing
    Housing: Ho Chi Minh City $550, Bangkok $700. Cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Food
    Food: Ho Chi Minh City $308, Bangkok $355. Cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Transport
    Transport: Ho Chi Minh City $53, Bangkok $46. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Ho Chi Minh City $77, Bangkok $107. Cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Ho Chi Minh City $14, Bangkok $16. Cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Ho Chi Minh City $84, Bangkok $108. Cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Other
    Other: Ho Chi Minh City $43, Bangkok $51. Cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricHo Chi Minh CityBangkok
Cost
Total monthly cost1,128 USD✓1,383 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)18✓22
Housing550 USD✓700 USD
Utilities77 USD✓107 USD
Food308 USD✓355 USD
Transport53 USD46 USD✓
Healthcare14 USD✓16 USD
Lifestyle84 USD✓108 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,789 USD6,510 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate30.5%21.9%✓
Left over each month4,660 USD5,126 USD✓
Average local net salary550 USD800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre550 USD✓700 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,200 USD✓1,500 USD
Buy price per m², centre3,800 USD✓4,200 USD
Quality of life
Safety62/10064/100✓
Healthcare60/10074/100✓
Air quality36/10042/100✓
Public transport30/10072/100✓
Walkability52/10066/100✓
English proficiency32/10034/100✓
Nightlife86/10092/100✓
Family friendliness62/10066/100✓
Median broadband150 Mbps230 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature28°C✓29°C
Summer high34°C✓35°C
Winter low22°C✓21°C
Sunshine hours per year2,500 h2,600 h✓
Annual rainfall1900 mm1500 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access120 min90 min✓
CurrencyVNDTHB
Time zoneAsia/Ho_Chi_MinhAsia/Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh City runs about 23% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 255 USD a month.

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Cost of living in Ho Chi Minh CityCost of living in BangkokConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok cheaper?

Ho Chi Minh City runs about 23% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 255 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Bangkok compared with Ho Chi Minh City?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,789 a month in Ho Chi Minh City and $6,510 in Bangkok, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok?

Ho Chi Minh City scores 62/100 on safety and 60/100 on healthcare; Bangkok scores 64 and 74. Ho Chi Minh City averages 28°C against 29°C in Bangkok.