The job seeker can either live rather cheaply in Ho Chi Minh City, or can live a life of luxury. Salaries are competitive, and numerous benefits (such as recreation facilities and bonuses) make working here a rewarding experience.

Those on expatriate compensation packages may also receive additional benefits, such as transportation/car allowances, housing, childcare, payment of school fees, entertainment allowances, and work-related benefits. According to Mercer survey (1 June 2010) on the cost of living, Vietnam is easier to stretch the dollar than that of Tokyo, Singapore and Beijing, making it cheaper for expatriates to live in. Singapore fell twenty one places from 100th to the 121st position, in a survey of cost of living of 144 cities. The survey measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each city, including housing, food, clothing and household goods, transport and entertainment.

Cost of utilities – Electricity, Water and Gas

Electricity

Latest electricity cost 2011 (tariffs) –

• 1 to 400 kWh: 7.35¢ per kWh
• Above 400 kWh: 8.82¢ per kWh

House Type Average – kWh

• House 1225
• Apartment 804
• Landed property 1439

Water - Latest water cost 2011 (tariffs):

• 1 to 4 cubic metres: 24.5¢ per cubic metres
• Above 4 cubic metres: 53.9¢ per cubic metres

House Type Average – cubic metres

• House 28.8
• Apartment 18.8
• Landed Property 38.3

Restaurants Average Cost

• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 3.42 $
• Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 13.88 $
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 0.75 $
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 1.70 $
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 0.44 $
• Water (0.33 liter bottle) 0.38 $

Markets Average Cost

• Milk (regular), 1 liter 1.38 $
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 1.00 $
• Eggs (12) 1.38 $
• Fresh Cheese (1kg) 5.45 $
• Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 2.75 $
• Water (1.5 liter bottle) 1.05 $
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 13.00 $
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 0.65 $
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 1.20 $
• Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) 1.11 $

Transportation Average Cost

• One-way Ticket (local transport) 0.17 $
• Monthly Pass 9.00 $
• Taxi (5km within center) 2.94 $
• Gasoline (1 liter) 0.97 $

Utilities (Monthly) Average Cost

• Internet (6 Mbps, Flat Rate, Cable/ADSL) 16.80 $

Sports And Leisure Average Cost

• Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 52.50 $
• Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 3.50 $
• Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 3.38 $

Clothing And Shoes Average Cost

• 1 Pair of Levis 501 41.00 $
• 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 30.00 $
• 1 Pair of Nike Shoes 59.00 $
• 1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes 120.00 $

Rent Per Month Average Cost

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 566.67 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 558.33 $ Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 1,750.00 $ Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 1,325.00 $