In recent years, Vietnam has experienced spectacular economic growth. In 2024, the Asian country recorded a growth of 7.1 % of GDP, making its most dynamic economy in ASEAN, mainly thanks to exports and foreign investments.
Vietnam is also renowned for its low cost of living. Housing, food, transport, services … In almost all areas, Vietnamese prices are far lower than those practiced in France. A particularly attractive advantage for those who choose to expatriate or wish to discover Southeast Asia.
Housing: a rent three to five times cheaper than in France
Housing is one of the most important spending stations for expatriates and travelers. In Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Ville (formerly Saigon), it is possible to rent a furnished apartment with services (Internet, Safety, Household) for around 300 to 600 euros per month, depending on the location, the quality of the property and the services offered. In France, an equivalent apartment located in Paris or Lyon costs between 1,200 and 2,000 euros per month, not to mention the charges. In terms of charges, in Vietnam, they amount on average at 65 euros per month, against 150 on average in France.
“In Ho Chi Minh-Villecosmopolitan city, The prices are more expensive ”
For a stay in a 3 -star hotel, count around 40 euros per night, against 95 euros in France. For a 4 or 5 -star hotel, prices vary between 80 and 190 euros, compared to 140 and 330 euros around French territory. Prices often much cheaper in the context of a tourist excursion: “For two days on the banks of the Mekong, bus, hotel, restaurant and excursion included, we spent 49 euros”testifies Isabelleframework of the health sector party to Vietnam last spring. “In Hanoi, for a T3 in state -of -the -art sham, decorated with marble and located on the very last floor, I paid only 400 euros per month”says Gabriel, student at EM Lyon who lived in Vietnam a few months as part of his Erasmus in 2024. “Hanoi is the historic capital. In Ho Chi Minh-Villeville much more cosmopolitan, The prices are more expensive ”specifies the 24 -year -old young man.
Food: Restore for less than 5 euros
One of the great advantages of Vietnam lies in its urban cuisine: healthy, varied, tasty … and very cheap. “” A meal in a small street restaurant rarely costs more than 2 to 4 euros »»tells us Isabelle. “We really eat for nothing: 3 euros, sometimes for 50 cents and the dishes are very good!” »» Exclaims the international trade student. “In Vietnam, going to a restaurant costs less than going to do your own shopping. I was essentially going to the supermarket when I wanted to reconnect with Western cuisine. All products imported from Europe (pasta, sauces, cheeses) are very expensive ”explains Gabriel.
In a slightly more upscale restaurant, it takes 6 to 10 euros per person. For comparison, a meal served in a French restaurant costs more between 15 and 25 euros, and rather between 20 and 30 euros in a large French metropolis like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux or Marseille.
“If you plan to go to Vietnam, you have to use Grab, an application that everyone uses in Asia »»advises us Gabriel. “C‘is a bit of the equivalent of Uber Eats in France, except that we can do everything with: rent a accommodation or a scooter, order a taxi or his meal, etc. It’s really great! »» Indicates the young man.
The pho to 1.50 euros – against 12 in France
Expect to find the phol of phol on all the cards of restaurants also: it is the emblematic dish of Vietnamese culture, and it does not cost that 1,50 euros. It is a soup of noodles with rice and beef, embellished with onions, garlic, ginger, soybean shoots, coriander leaves and spices (starry star, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg). A delight that is offered at a price of 12 euros in a Vietnamese restaurant in the French capital…
Transport: derisory prices
In Vietnam, two-wheelers is the most common means of transport. However, for any European motorist, Vietnamese traffic appears to be the most anarchic. “It’s very confusingsays Isabelle. There is an incalculable number of mopeds, it swarms everywhere and permanently. It is a joyful and noisy brothel, one wonders how the Vietnamese people do so as not to get into it », Testifies this framework, which had to learn, like them, to “” sneer ».
“For a 20 -minute journey on a scooter, I only paid 1.75 euros. 3 euros by car “indicates Gabriel. And if you drive yourself, The rental price of a scooter is 250 to 400 euros per month and The gasoline is around 1 euro per liter.
“For a Hanoi-Séoul trip, I only spent 80 euros, and hardly more to go to Manila”
In France, transport costs are much higher. Whether it is the purchase price of a car, a two-wheeler, the price of fuel, or the cost of insurance and parking costs, everything is much higher. A simple round trip by public transport in the French capital costs 5 euros, compared to 0.25 to 0.50 euros in Hanoi or Da Nang.
If you want to discover other countries in the region, also know that the price of plane tickets is ultra-competitive, especially compared to that of the French train: “For a Hanoi-Séoul trip, I only spent 80 euros, and hardly more to go to Manila”says Gabriel, who jumped at the opportunity to survey the region.
Services and health: unbeatable prices, but beware of quality
In Vietnam, the price of services is also much cheaper as in France: count 2 euros for a new cup with the hairdresser, 8 euros for a traditional massage and less than 30 euros per month for a weekly cleaning lady. Ultra-competitive prices, compared to French prices.
The medical care given in Vietnam is also inexpensive, but the quality of care provided is not always there, especially in public establishments. To avoid any disappointments, many expatriates opt for international, more expensive private clinics, even if their price remains below those practiced in French private clinics. “A radiography of the lungs cost me 800 euros in the French hospital”tells us Gabriel, who favored the French establishment at the Vietnamese public hospital, which he strongly advises against several incidents.
UDo not medical consultation in an international clinic in Ho Chi Minh-Ville thus costs between 20 and 30 euros. At a general practitioner in France, the average rate is 25 euros. A price partially reimbursed by social security.
Vietnam: an attractive choice, but not without compromise
On average, the cost of living in Vietnam is 50 to 70 % lower than that of France. For a Frenchwoman winning a median income, the purchasing power is therefore tenfold compared to to France : 800 euros to 1,200 euros per month is enough to enjoy a very comfortable life (accommodation, food, transport and leisure including). In France, to reach an equivalent standard of living, it is 2,500 to 3,000 euros monthly you need. UncVery affordable life of living, which attracts many expatriates. For Gabriel, “We can very well get out of it as a foreigner”. It all depends on the type of life you want to lead, warns the young man. If you enjoy a good situation, expatriating in Vietnam proves to be an undeniable financial opportunity, especially for students, retirees and nomadic workers.
On the security side, finally, the Dragon Pays is deemed to be sure. “Unlike France, as in Lyon where I lived, I did not feel any feeling of insecurity: I could go back late at night without worry”tells us Gabriel, victim of several snatch in the capital of Gaul.
However, this also involves adapting to a different culture and permanent agitation in public space. “It is an ultra-dynamic life, there is noise and inhabitants everywhere. You have to get used to itspecifies Gabriel. But that said, the population remains very welcoming and the Vietnamese are peaceful by their character. Even if it is sometimes necessary to pay attention to certain traders, who do not hesitate to offer higher prices to novice tourists … ” Despite these few inconveniences, Vietnam seduces many French people every year. Its flagship assets: its dynamism, its security and above all, the quality of life it offers because of its very affordable prices.
