Vietnam · tool
How much does Ho Chi Minh City cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Ho Chi Minh City trip before you book anything.
Ho Chi Minh City travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Hostel dorm bed or a very basic guesthouse room.
Abundant and delicious street food, local eateries (quan an).
Local buses, ride-hailing apps like Grab (motorbike option is cheapest).
Visiting markets, walking tours, free temples, some museums.
Water, snacks, small souvenirs, SIM card.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
Mix of casual local restaurants and mid-range international/Vietnamese eateries.
Grab car, occasional taxi, more comfortable bus options.
War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, cooking classes, city tours.
Coffee, moderate shopping, toiletries, occasional spa treatment.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
4-5 star hotel with amenities, or a high-end serviced apartment.
Fine dining restaurants, tasting menus, rooftop bars.
Private car services, airport transfers, premium ride-hailing options.
Private guided tours, Mekong Delta day trips with private boat, premium cultural shows.
High-end shopping, spa treatments, premium beverages.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Street food is incredibly cheap and safe; don't shy away from popular stalls.
- •Ride-hailing apps like Grab are significantly cheaper and more reliable than traditional taxis for short to medium distances.
- •While ATMs are common, withdrawing large amounts at once can incur fewer fees from your bank.
- •Bargaining is expected in markets, but less so in fixed-price shops and restaurants.
- •USD is sometimes accepted in tourist areas, but you'll almost always get a better rate paying in VND.