🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City vs 🇵🇭 Manila
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇻🇳
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
$923–$1,462/mo
₫23,075,000 – ₫36,550,000 / month (local)
🇵🇭
Manila
Philippines
$985–$1,559/mo
₱57,941 – ₱91,706 / month (local)
Manila is 7% more expensive
Ho Chi Minh City wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City (USD) | Manila (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $692–$1,077 | $738–$1,149 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $365–$577 | $390–$615 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Utilities | $29–$56 | $31–$59 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Groceries | $146–$219 | $156–$234 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $19–$35 | $21–$37 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Public transport (monthly) | $37–$44 | $39–$47 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Internet & Mobile | $12–$19 | $12–$21 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Gym membership | $13–$25 | $14–$27 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Cinema ticket | $5–$7 | $6–$7 | 🟢 Ho Chi Minh City |
| Monthly total (single) | $923–$1,462 | $985–$1,559 | 🟢 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 · 7.1 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City▲ better
Manila
Safety8.1 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Manila▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City▲ better
Manila
Education7.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City▲ better
Manila
Environment8.5 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City▲ better
Manila
Economy6.8 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City▲ better
Manila
Culture7.4 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City▲ better
Manila
Internet7.8 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Ho Chi Minh City▲ better
Manila
Who should choose which city?
Choose Ho Chi Minh City if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Manila
- ✓Growth
- ✓Coffee culture
- ✓Value
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Manila if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Manila offers vs Ho Chi Minh City
- ✓English
- ✓BPO industry
- ✓Value
- ✓Outsourcing
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Full Ho Chi Minh City guide
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Explore Ho Chi Minh City →📊
Full Manila guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Manila →