LifeCost Blog
Hanoi

Hanoi

Vietnam

Updated on August 08, 2025

Overview

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, features affordable housing with a mix of modern apartments and traditional homes. The cost of living is low relative to Western standards. The city has a growing economy with jobs in manufacturing, tech, and services. Public transport includes buses and a developing metro system; motorbikes dominate daily travel. Safety is generally good with low violent crime. Healthcare access is improving with public and private hospitals. The climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and cool winters. Hanoi offers a rich cultural environment with active local communities.

Average cost of living€430.70
Quality of Life70/100

Accommodation

Rent room (flat-share)€237.00
1-bed flat (center)€286.09
1-bed flat (outside)€214.70
3-bed flat (center)€679.35
3-bed flat (outside)€510.17

Utilities

Basic utilities€67.73
Internet€7.45
Mobile plan€4.54

Transportation

One-way ticket€0.29
Monthly pass€6.54
Taxi start€0.65
Gasoline (1 l)€0.74

Leisure

Cinema ticket€3.27
Fitness club€24.20

Education

Preschool (month)€227.05
Intl. primary (year)€9,943.00

Buying House

sqm in city center€2,727.00
sqm outside center€1,557.00

Advantages

  • Affordable housing and low cost of living
  • Growing job market
  • Improving healthcare access
  • Generally safe city
  • Rich cultural and community life

Disadvantages

  • × Traffic congestion and pollution
  • × Hot, humid summers
  • × Public transport still developing
  • × Motorbike traffic can be chaotic
  • × Language barrier for some expats