Costs of Living in HCMC

Posted by alf (1697 days ago)

Could some one help me to determine the Costs of Living in HCMC equivalent to Middle Class American Standards (Comfortable)? --- I would also appreciate any sources on the NET. Thank you.

1. Housing - (Provided) $0.00/Month

2. Transportation - $???/Month
Best way to get around? --- (I am not sure if a motorcycle is desirable; I have heard so many horror stories).

3. Food, three meals a day - $???/Month
I can do some light/easy cooking for myself and a few guests --- I just don't like to go shopping for the groceries!

4. Household/laundry products $???/Month
I can do the laundry and ion if washer and dryer are available.

5. Telephone + Internet $???/Month

6. Entertainment - $???/Month
Dine out (two/three times a week).

7. In-country weekend travel - $???/Month
Prefer once a month to resort designations such as Dalat, Nha Trang or Vung Tau.

8. Insurance ???????? - $???/Month.

9. Other unforeseen expenses?

Posted by bob (1318 days ago)

A quick answer is that you will need to earn between $1500 and $2000/mo. to enjoy a Middle Class American life style. That is assuming you don't live in a "compound", don't have a car and driver, but enjoy many western ammenities such as air conditioning, cable TV, and the occasional afternoon of bowling.

Posted by Ray (1318 days ago)

I have been in HCMC for 3 years (July 1996-Oct.1999),
a dinner at a small hotel at Dong Khoi St. costing US$1 (very clean), clean single room of a small hotel costing about US$10 a night, one day tour including one meal to Mekong delta costing about US$10.

Posted by alf (1318 days ago)

Thank you for the reply, Bob.
Would the range include a decent apartment, a car and a driver? I am not clear on the point. Thanks.

Posted by alf (1318 days ago)

Hi Still Unsure,
You would live VERY WELL there based on my research. Also, be careful with your life style!!!!!....

Posted by alf (1318 days ago)

You may want to stay in a nice hotel for which should cost you less than US$2,000 for a couple of months while looking for an appartment. Most serviced housing are over-priced, especially for EXPAT!!!!...
You should be able find a gated-secured luxuriously-furnished two- bedroom apartment for about US$1,000 or less after you arrive in HCM for awhile and have a chance to do your homework! ---- Good luck!.

Posted by alf (1318 days ago)

Thank you Housewife! --- Thank you Housewife. --- So, I figure about $2K/M would be comfortable.

Posted by Housewife (1318 days ago)

It is possible to live very cheaply ($1,000/m) in HCMC if you are young and backpackerish - don't mind eating on the street, living in shared, tiny acco, etc.
But if you are single and want to live well, you do need atleast $ 1,500/m, exclusive of a car/driver ($700+ is what it costs). But fear not, the taxi service is perhaps the best in Asia and not too expensive.
To give you an idea of costs: a meal at a nice (not swank) place is about $10 + /head, groceries (esp. Western ones) are very expensive because they are imported, milk and bread are $1/ loaf/litre and while local fruit is cheap, imported fruit costs the same as in Australia/Singapore. A weekend out of town at a nice hotel could cost you $200. Does this help?