Budgeting for Life in Vietnam
Consider settling down in Hanoi, Vietnam where a retired couple can live for as little as US$842 per month for basic expenses.
Whether you decide to live in the visually stimulating, but loud and crowded Old Quarter and rent for as low as US$400, or move into the more luxurious, but out of the way West Lake, Tay Ho area, for up to US$2,500 per month, you’ll find that life in Hanoi is much less expensive than in most other retirement havens.
At this time, foreigners are unable to buy property, but with things constantly changing in this part of the world, this rule may someday be lifted.
| Rent |
Furnished 2 bedroom apartment, Hoan Kiem district |
US$500 |
| HOA Fees |
N/A |
0 |
| Property Taxes |
N/A |
0 |
| Transportation |
Bus, occasional taxis |
30 |
| Gas |
Used for cooking |
5 |
| Electricity, water, trash |
Moderate A/C use. Space heater in winter |
35 |
| Telephone |
Mobi prepaid cell phone plan - 30 days |
5 |
| Internet |
VNPT unlimited (often included in rent) |
15 |
| Cable TV |
Includes HBO, Star, BBC, etc. (often included in rent) |
2 |
| Household Help |
Allow $150 if full-time maid is required |
0 |
| Food |
Groceries for two people |
100 |
| Entertainment |
Frequent meals out, miscellaneous expenses |
150 |
| TOTAL |
(At 20,500 VND to 1 USD) |
US$842 |
If you find that Hoi An is a place you’d rather stay put, you’ll find that apartments and condos are extremely hard to come by. Houses are available for rent and can range from US$350 per month up to US$1,000 for the real high-end finds. A full-time housekeeper in this area is cheap, as low as US$100 per month. Again, foreigners cannot currently purchase property, but even when renting, be sure to choose a house on high land, not too close to the river, as flooding can be an issue.
| Rent |
Furnished 2-bedroom house |
US$400 |
| HOA Fees |
N/A |
0 |
| Property Taxes |
N/A |
0 |
| Transportation |
Motorbike rental and gasoline |
59 |
| Gas |
Used for cooking |
5 |
| Electricity, water, trash |
Moderate A/C use |
44 |
| Telephone |
Mobi prepaid cell phone plan - 30 days |
5 |
| Internet |
VNPT unlimited |
15 |
| Cable TV |
Includes HBO, Star, BBC, others |
2 |
| Household Help |
Allow $100 if full-time maid is required |
0 |
| Food |
Groceries for two people |
100 |
| Entertainment |
Frequent meals out, miscellaneous expenses |
200 |
| TOTAL |
(At 20,500 VND to 1 USD) |
US$830 |
If living among other expats and being around more of the Western-style restaurants and businesses is your idea of a great lifestyle, you might want to consider Nha Trang. This beach resort town is easy to get around (by foot, bicycle, and taxi). English is widely spoken here and you can live comfortably for less than US$800 per month.
| Rent |
Furnished 2-bedroom house |
US$390 |
| HOA Fees |
N/A |
0 |
| Property Taxes |
N/A |
0 |
| Transportation |
Motorbike rental and gasoline |
54 |
| Gas |
Used for cooking |
5 |
| Electricity, water, trash |
Moderate a/c use |
39 |
| Telephone |
Mobi prepaid cell phone plan - 30 days |
5 |
| Internet |
VNPT unlimited (often included in rent) |
15 |
| Cable TV |
HBO, Star, BBC, etc. (often included in rent) |
2 |
| Household Help |
Allow $122 if full-time maid is required |
0 |
| Food |
Groceries for two people |
98 |
| Entertainment |
Frequent meals out, miscellaneous expenses |
146 |
| TOTAL |
(At 20,500 VND to 1 USD) |
US$754 |
