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.
Photo by Peter Nguyen on Unsplash
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$20–$50
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$5–$15
Hostel dorm bed or a very basic guesthouse room.
Food
$8–$15
Abundant street food, local markets, and simple eateries.
Transport
$2–$5
Local buses, walking, and occasional Grab motorbike taxis.
Activities
$3–$7
War Remnants Museum, exploring markets, free temple visits.
Misc
$2–$8
Bottled water, small souvenirs, local SIM card.
Mid-range
$60–$145
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$25–$60
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
Food
$15–$35
Mix of popular local restaurants, cafes, and some mid-range international options.
Transport
$5–$15
Frequent Grab car rides, occasional metered taxis.
Activities
$10–$25
Cu Chi Tunnels tour, cooking classes, water puppet show, museum entries.
Misc
$5–$10
Coffee, snacks, small gifts, local SIM data top-ups.
Luxury
$150–$440
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$80–$250
4-5 star hotel with amenities or a high-end serviced apartment.
Food
$30–$80
Fine dining restaurants, rooftop bars, tasting menus, premium cafes.
Transport
$15–$40
Private car services, airport transfers, premium Grab services.
Activities
$20–$50
Private guided tours, spa treatments, exclusive experiences, high-end shopping.
Misc
$5–$20
Premium coffee, cocktails, impulse buys, travel insurance top-ups.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Always carry some cash, especially for street food and local markets where cards are not accepted.
- •Use ATMs inside banks or reputable malls to minimize the risk of skimming and potential fees.
- •Bargaining is expected in markets, but not in established shops or restaurants; be polite.
- •While not mandatory, tipping 5-10% for excellent service at restaurants or for tour guides is a nice gesture.
- •Be aware of dynamic currency conversion when paying with card; always choose to be charged in VND for a better rate.