Cost of Living: Vietnam vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Vietnam and United Kingdom.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Vietnam is 73.1% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 93.4% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $27 in Vietnam for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 93.4%

Vietnam is 93.4% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 86.2%

Vietnam is 86.2% cheaper

Household Utilities 78.1%

Vietnam is 78.1% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 73.1%

Vietnam is 73.1% cheaper than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

Is Vietnam cheaper than United Kingdom?

Yes, Vietnam is cheaper than United Kingdom

Overall, living costs in Vietnam are 73.1% lower than in United Kingdom.

Where Vietnam is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 93.4% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 86.2% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 78.1% cheaper

Where Vietnam is more expensive:

No significant cost disadvantages found.

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Vietnam: 1.93 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
90.5% cheaper in Vietnam

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Vietnam: 363.93 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
74.2% cheaper in Vietnam

Monthly public transport pass

Vietnam: 7.72 $ United Kingdom: 94.95 $
91.9% cheaper in Vietnam

1 liter of milk

Vietnam: 1.42 $ United Kingdom: 1.69 $
16.0% cheaper in Vietnam

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Vietnam is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 73.1% on living expenses by choosing Vietnam over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

73.1%

Vietnam is 73.1% cheaper than United Kingdom

Restaurants

74.1%

Vietnam is 74.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

69.9%

Vietnam is 69.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

93.4%

Vietnam is 93.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

12.6%

Vietnam is 12.6% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Household Utilities

78.1%

Vietnam is 78.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

75.6%

Vietnam is 75.6% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Sports And Leisure

55.5%

Vietnam is 55.5% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Childcare

43.0%

Vietnam is 43.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Clothing And Shoes

31.6%

Vietnam is 31.6% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

71.7%

Vietnam is 71.7% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Property Prices

59.9%

Vietnam is 59.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

86.2%

Vietnam is 86.2% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Vietnam United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 1.93 $ 20.35 $ 90.5%
Vietnam is 90.5% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 21.22 $ 88.17 $ 75.9%
Vietnam is 75.9% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 4.63 $ 10.17 $ 54.5%
Vietnam is 54.5% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.70 $ 4.62 $ 63.2%
Vietnam is 63.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.48 $ 2.41 $ 80.1%
Vietnam is 80.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.28 $ 1.72 $ 83.7%
Vietnam is 83.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.50 $ 1.53 $ 67.3%
Vietnam is 67.3% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.00 $ 1.17 $ 156.4%
Vietnam is 156.4% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.42 $ 1.69 $ 16.0%
Vietnam is 16.0% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.93 $ 1.67 $ 44.3%
Vietnam is 44.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.93 $ 2.21 $ 57.9%
Vietnam is 57.9% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.49 $ 4.03 $ 63.0%
Vietnam is 63.0% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 11.93 $ 9.73 $ 22.6%
Vietnam is 22.6% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 3.71 $ 8.96 $ 58.6%
Vietnam is 58.6% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.11 $ 16.31 $ 44.1%
Vietnam is 44.1% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.81 $ 2.97 $ 5.4%
Vietnam is 5.4% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.05 $ 1.64 $ 36.0%
Vietnam is 36.0% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.37 $ 2.88 $ 52.4%
Vietnam is 52.4% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.09 $ 3.54 $ 69.2%
Vietnam is 69.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.14 $ 1.65 $ 30.9%
Vietnam is 30.9% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.15 $ 1.55 $ 25.8%
Vietnam is 25.8% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.71 $ 1.14 $ 37.7%
Vietnam is 37.7% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 7.72 $ 94.95 $ 91.9%
Vietnam is 91.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.35 $ 20.33 $ 93.4%
Vietnam is 93.4% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.31 $ 3.26 $ 90.5%
Vietnam is 90.5% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.73 $ 5.43 $ 86.6%
Vietnam is 86.6% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.62 $ 2.41 $ 74.3%
Vietnam is 74.3% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 3.18 $ 27.13 $ 88.3%
Vietnam is 88.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.89 $ 1.95 $ 54.4%
Vietnam is 54.4% cheaper
New Economy Car 35,888.69 $ 38,367.32 $ 6.5%
Vietnam is 6.5% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 33,027.09 $ 40,488.21 $ 18.4%
Vietnam is 18.4% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 70.78 $ 322.47 $ 78.1%
Vietnam is 78.1% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 5.60 $ 17.46 $ 67.9%
Vietnam is 67.9% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 8.99 $ 42.38 $ 78.8%
Vietnam is 78.8% cheaper
Gym Membership 21.32 $ 46.25 $ 53.9%
Vietnam is 53.9% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.45 $ 15.82 $ 46.6%
Vietnam is 46.6% cheaper
Movie Ticket 3.86 $ 13.56 $ 71.5%
Vietnam is 71.5% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 239.08 $ 1,710.49 $ 86.0%
Vietnam is 86.0% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 12,491.50 $ 20,621.65 $ 39.4%
Vietnam is 39.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 36.69 $ 90.04 $ 59.3%
Vietnam is 59.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 24.64 $ 44.62 $ 44.8%
Vietnam is 44.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 89.86 $ 101.31 $ 11.3%
Vietnam is 11.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 80.94 $ 103.43 $ 21.7%
Vietnam is 21.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 363.93 $ 1,411.39 $ 74.2%
Vietnam is 74.2% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 247.34 $ 1,145.39 $ 78.4%
Vietnam is 78.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 779.11 $ 2,337.19 $ 66.7%
Vietnam is 66.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 515.86 $ 1,852.21 $ 72.1%
Vietnam is 72.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,943.61 $ 6,334.38 $ 53.5%
Vietnam is 53.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,629.40 $ 5,062.78 $ 67.8%
Vietnam is 67.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 437.12 $ 3,229.12 $ 86.5%
Vietnam is 86.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 9.41 5.75 63.7%
Vietnam is 63.7% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. Enter your monthly expenses in Vietnam to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Vietnam and United Kingdom goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Vietnam vs United Kingdom

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Vietnam

United Kingdom

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.