Cost of Living in Vung Tau - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $579 monthly including rent, or $368 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $957 with rent, or $632 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,334 including rent, or $896 for daily expenses alone.

Vung Tau sits 53–57% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (45% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$1.99 ₫52.3K
$0.95 ₫25.0K
$3.85 ₫101.3K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.93 ₫392.2K
$12.95 ₫340.2K
$38.27 ₫1.0M
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.52 ₫118.7K
$3.61 ₫94.9K
$6.78 ₫178.0K
Cappuccino
$1.70 ₫44.8K
$0.75 ₫19.8K
$2.82 ₫74.1K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.48 ₫12.7K
$0.33 ₫8,637
$0.79 ₫20.8K
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.30 ₫7,993
$0.20 ₫5,237
$0.61 ₫16.0K
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.64 ₫16.7K
$0.45 ₫11.9K
$1.88 ₫49.5K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.53 ₫40.1K
$1.07 ₫28.0K
$2.75 ₫72.2K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.53 ₫40.3K
$1.18 ₫31.1K
$1.97 ₫51.9K
White Bread (500g)
$0.98 ₫25.9K
$0.37 ₫9,834
$2.55 ₫67.0K
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.67 ₫17.5K
$0.55 ₫14.5K
$1.17 ₫30.7K
Eggs
$1.40 ₫36.9K
$1.12 ₫29.4K
$2.65 ₫69.6K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.24 ₫190.2K
$5.89 ₫154.7K
$23.55 ₫618.8K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.67 ₫96.3K
$2.63 ₫69.1K
$5.79 ₫152.1K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.79 ₫99.5K
$3.79 ₫99.5K
$13.27 ₫348.6K
Apples (1kg)
$2.25 ₫59.2K
$1.50 ₫39.4K
$4.50 ₫118.3K
Banana (1kg)
$1.06 ₫27.8K
$0.76 ₫20.0K
$1.71 ₫45.0K
Oranges (1kg)
$0.99 ₫25.9K
$0.47 ₫12.4K
$3.16 ₫82.9K
Tomato (1kg)
$1.01 ₫26.7K
$0.57 ₫14.9K
$1.87 ₫49.2K
Potato (1kg)
$1.07 ₫28.0K
$0.59 ₫15.5K
$1.76 ₫46.1K
Onion (1kg)
$1.05 ₫27.6K
$0.60 ₫15.7K
$1.78 ₫46.7K
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.56 ₫14.7K
$0.45 ₫11.7K
$1.11 ₫29.2K
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.47 ₫12.4K
$0.37 ₫9,598
$0.74 ₫19.4K
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.29 ₫33.8K
$0.79 ₫20.8K
$1.97 ₫51.9K
Wine (Bottle)
$12.71 ₫333.9K
$5.73 ₫150.6K
$21.00 ₫551.8K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.81 ₫21.2K
$0.51 ₫13.4K
$1.54 ₫40.5K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.08 ₫28.5K
$0.67 ₫17.7K
$2.24 ₫59.0K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.34 ₫8,940
$0.30 ₫7,856
$0.41 ₫10.8K
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$6.38 ₫167.6K
$4.31 ₫113.2K
$6.38 ₫167.6K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.67 ₫17.7K
$0.45 ₫11.8K
$0.79 ₫20.8K
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.62 ₫16.2K
$0.49 ₫12.9K
$1.02 ₫26.9K
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.15 ₫82.7K
$1.77 ₫46.6K
$5.89 ₫154.8K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.88 ₫23.2K
$0.82 ₫21.5K
$1.24 ₫32.5K
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$37.5K ₫985.5M
$26.8K ₫703.9M
$57.4K ₫1.5B
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.6K ₫881.7M
$30.2K ₫794.8M
$37.8K ₫993.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$38.11 ₫1.0M
$26.95 ₫708.2K
$119 ₫3.1M
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.65 ₫122.1K
$3.48 ₫91.5K
$7.75 ₫203.5K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$7.52 ₫197.6K
$5.94 ₫156.1K
$14.07 ₫369.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$15.51 ₫407.6K
$14.68 ₫385.8K
$16.34 ₫429.3K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.79 ₫204.7K
$4.29 ₫112.6K
$7.79 ₫204.7K
Cinema Ticket
$3.07 ₫80.8K
$2.65 ₫69.6K
$5.68 ₫149.3K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$273 ₫7.2M
$114 ₫3.0M
$533 ₫14.0M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$13.9K ₫365.8M
$9,161 ₫240.7M
$26.7K ₫702.1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$18.89 ₫496.2K
$15.12 ₫397.2K
$87.0 ₫2.3M
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$20.84 ₫547.5K
$11.33 ₫297.8K
$56.9 ₫1.5M
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$95.7 ₫2.5M
$56.9 ₫1.5M
$178 ₫4.7M
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$84.5 ₫2.2M
$37.58 ₫987.4K
$169 ₫4.4M
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$265 ₫7.0M
$231 ₫6.1M
$346 ₫9.1M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$185 ₫4.9M
$152 ₫4.0M
$227 ₫6.0M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$693 ₫18.2M
$462 ₫12.1M
$1,155 ₫30.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$416 ₫10.9M
$302 ₫7.9M
$567 ₫14.9M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$7,414 ₫194.8M
$1,368 ₫36.0M
$13.5K ₫353.6M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,367 ₫114.7M
$1,126 ₫29.6M
$7,608 ₫199.9M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$568 ₫14.9M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
9.14
6
13

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $265 for a central one-bedroom, or $185 outside the center. At 47% of the average salary ($568), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $568, while typical expenses reach $579. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $156 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $15.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $6.38 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Local beer is among the 20 cheapest worldwide (out of 7,332 cities)

Imported beer is cheaper than 98% of cities in Asia

Public transport monthly pass is cheaper than 94% of cities in Asia

Vung Tau Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

Download
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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Vung Tau - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Vung Tau compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Vung Tau, Vietnam tends to be approachable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value a beach-city vibe without the scale of Ho Chi Minh City. You will find a mix of affordable local eateries and casual cafes, plus modest apartment options near Front Beach or Back Beach. Practical budgeting comes from cooking at home sometimes, shopping at markets, and choosing shorter rental terms with flexible utilities. Seasonal tourism can shift crowds but often keeps value steady for longer stays. Tip: you can balance work and leisure.
What does a typical day look like for housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Vung Tau?
Day-to-day life in Vung Tau centers on a beachside rhythm and flexible work options. For housing, search studios or one-bedroom apartments near Front Beach or Back Beach, and ask about inclusive utilities and short-term leases. Food ranges from busy street stalls to seaside seafood markets, with groceries available at local markets for cooks who want to exercise frugality. Getting around is easy by scooter or ride-hailing apps, and errands usually fit into a compact coastal day. Vung Tau living cost varies with season, but steady access to seafood and casual cafés helps you keep a simple budget. Tip: scout neighborhoods at different times to judge wifi spots and noise levels.
How would you rate the quality of life, and what budgeting framework or seasonal tips help you pick a neighborhood that fits your pace?
Quality of life in Vung Tau rewards pacing and local savvy. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate essentials from discretionary spends, favor local markets for fresh produce, and treat seafood as a centerpiece rather than a luxury. Shoulder seasons reduce crowds while surf and scenery stay reliable, making it easier to secure quieter cafés and coworking spaces. For neighborhood fit, choose Front Beach if you want easy access to dining and sunset strolls, or seek inland pockets for a calmer rhythm and lower noise. Tip: set a weekly plan that alternates beach days with productive work sessions to maintain balance.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Vung Tau?
With 47% of the average paycheck going to rent, Vung Tau is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Vung Tau?
A single person in Vung Tau typically spends $579 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $368. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Vung Tau enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $568 technically covers the $579 monthly cost of living in Vung Tau, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Vung Tau?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Vung Tau range from $185 to $265, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Vung Tau?
Fitness in Vung Tau is cheap at around $15.51 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in Vung Tau?
Vung Tau is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $156, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in Vung Tau?
$800 stretches far in Vung Tau – all-in monthly costs average only $579. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Vung Tau a good city for digital nomads?
Remote workers pick Vung Tau for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, all at about $579 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.
Can you save money living in Vung Tau?
Monthly expenses in Vung Tau run around $579, so putting money aside takes more than $869 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Vung Tau good for backpackers on a budget?
Budget travelers love Vung Tau – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $579 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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