🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City vs 🇮🇩 Jakarta
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇻🇳
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
$923–$1,462/mo
₫23,075,000 – ₫36,550,000 / month (local)
🇮🇩
Jakarta
Indonesia
$1,046–$1,656/mo
Rp16,603,175 – Rp26,285,714 / month (local)
Jakarta is 13% more expensive
Ho Chi Minh City wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City (USD) | Jakarta (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $692–$1,077 | $785–$1,221 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $365–$577 | $414–$654 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Utilities | $29–$56 | $33–$63 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Groceries | $146–$219 | $166–$248 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $19–$35 | $22–$39 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Public transport (monthly) | $37–$44 | $41–$50 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Internet & Mobile | $12–$19 | $13–$22 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Gym membership | $13–$25 | $15–$28 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Cinema ticket | $5–$7 | $6–$8 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Monthly total (single) | $923–$1,462 | $1,046–$1,656 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.3 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Safety8.1 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Education7.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Environment8.5 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Economy6.8 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Culture7.4 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Internet7.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Ho Chi Minh City if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Jakarta
- ✓Growth
- ✓Coffee culture
- ✓Value
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Jakarta if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Jakarta offers vs Ho Chi Minh City
- ✓Consumer market
- ✓Young population
- ✓Startups
- ✓FMCG
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Full Ho Chi Minh City guide
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Full Jakarta guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Jakarta →