Is Vietnam still the cheapest place to live in Southeast Asia? Can you really score river-view living in Saigon for just $500 a month? And how does the cost of living in Vietnam compare to places like Bangkok?

At an exchange rate of $1 USD = 26,000 VND, here’s a 2025 snapshot of real-life cost in Vietnam, not filtered through Instagram fantasies.

Rent is your biggest expense. A one-bedroom in Thao Dien with furnished, costs about $690/month. A luxury two-bedroom near downtown? Around $1,200. Budget nomads can cut rent to $270 in outer districts like Tan Binh or District 12. Utilities for a two-bedroom come to about $96 for electricity (you’ll need A/C in 34°C heat), $5 for water, and $12 for high-speed internet. Building fees average $38. Housekeeping costs $18 per clean via an app, or $230–$270/month for a live-in helper.

Pro tip: use a safe for valuables. Petty theft is common.

Buying a condo? We covered that in another video but renting is still the cheaper and smarter option for most people.

So, is Vietnam really the cheapest place to live in 2025? Check out the latest news about Cost of living in Vietnam in 2025 with Attorney Ken Duong