| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in city center) | Approximately 5,000,000 VND ($215) per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom outside city center) | Approximately 3,000,000 VND ($130) per month |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter in city center) | Approximately 30,000,000 VND ($1,300) per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter outside city center) | Approximately 20,000,000 VND ($860) per square meter |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | Approximately 200,000 VND ($8.60) per month |
| Transportation (Taxi, 1km) | Approximately 15,000 VND ($0.65) per km |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | Approximately 30,000 VND ($1.30) |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | Approximately 20,000 VND ($0.86) |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | Approximately 20,000 VND ($0.86) |
| Restaurants (Meal at an inexpensive restaurant) | Approximately 50,000 VND ($2.15) |
| Restaurants (Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant) | Approximately 300,000 VND ($13) |
| Utilities (Basic for 85m2 Apartment) | Approximately 1,000,000 VND ($43) per month |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | Approximately 10,000,000 VND ($430) per year |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | Approximately 15,000,000 VND ($645) per year |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | Approximately 20,000,000 VND ($860) per year |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | Approximately 25,000,000 VND ($1,075) per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Da Lat
“The cost of living in Da Lat, Vietnam is considered to be quite affordable compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is relatively low, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Groceries in Da Lat are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at very affordable prices. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants is also quite cheap, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive but still affordable. Transportation costs in Da Lat are also low, with affordable public transportation and inexpensive taxis. Owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and maintenance. Healthcare in Da Lat is relatively affordable, especially when compared to Western standards. However, it’s important to note that while the cost of living is generally low, wages in Da Lat are also significantly lower than in many Western countries. Overall, the cost of living in Da Lat is low, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. However, the quality of goods and services may not be as high as in more developed countries,” said one expat living in Da Lat .
Can I live in Da Lat on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Da Lat, Vietnam for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you’ll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious apartment, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life. In terms of accommodation, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Hoa Binh and Phu Dong Thien Vuong. These areas are quite affordable and still offer a decent standard of living. You can find a nice apartment for around $300 to $400 a month. On the other hand, areas like Da Lat center and Xuan Huong Lake are more expensive, so you might want to avoid these if you’re on a tight budget. When it comes to food, local markets like Da Lat Market and Hoa Binh Market are great places to buy fresh produce at a low cost. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite cheap, you can get a meal for around $1 to $2. However, if you prefer Western food, it’s going to be more expensive. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is very affordable in Da Lat. You can also rent a motorbike for around $50 a month, which is a popular mode of transportation in Vietnam. As for other expenses like utilities, internet, and entertainment, they’re also quite reasonable. For example, you can get a good internet package for around $10 a month. However, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on entertainment and leisure activities. While there are many affordable things to do in Da Lat, such as visiting the beautiful flower gardens or exploring the local markets, activities like golfing or visiting high-end spas can quickly eat into your budget. In terms of healthcare, there are several good hospitals and clinics in Da Lat. However, I’d recommend getting health insurance to cover any potential medical costs. Overall, living in Da Lat on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. But in return, you get to live in a beautiful city with a pleasant climate, friendly locals, and a slower pace of life,” commented an expat living in Da Lat .
Can I live in Da Lat on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Da Lat, Vietnam for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s absolutely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might find that you’re living a more luxurious lifestyle than you would in many Western countries. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the US or Europe. For example, you can rent a nice apartment in the city center for around $500 a month. If you want to save money, you can move a bit further out to neighborhoods like Hoa Binh or Phu Dong Thien Vuong where rents can be as low as $300 a month. These areas are still very accessible and have all the amenities you need. On the other hand, if you want a more upscale living experience, you might consider the Xuan Huong Lake area. It’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Da Lat, but even there, you can find a nice place for around $1,000 a month. As for other expenses, food is incredibly cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can have a meal at a local restaurant for less than $2. Western food is more expensive, but still affordable. You can have a nice dinner at a Western restaurant for around $10. Groceries are also cheap. You can get a week’s worth of groceries for around $20. Transportation is also very affordable. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 a month or use Grab, which is like Uber, and it’s very cheap. As for sacrifices, you might find that the pace of life is slower here and things don’t always run on time. Also, while most young people speak English, older people often don’t, so there can be a language barrier. But overall, I think you’ll find that living in Da Lat on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but also very comfortable,” said one expat living in Da Lat .
Can I live in Da Lat on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Da Lat, Vietnam for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice apartment in the city center for around $500 a month. If you want to save even more, you can move a bit further out to neighborhoods like Hoa Binh or Xuan Huong, where rents can be as low as $300 a month. These areas are still very accessible and have all the necessary amenities like supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more luxurious lifestyle, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Da Lat Palace or Lakeview, but be prepared to pay a premium. Rents in these areas can go up to $1,000 a month or more. But even then, you’d still have plenty left over from your $5,000 budget. When it comes to food, eating out is incredibly cheap. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for around $2, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant will cost you about $10. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also very affordable. I spend about $200 a month on groceries, and that’s with buying imported goods that are more expensive. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation is very cheap, and so are taxis. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a motorbike for about $50 a month. The biggest sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the local culture and way of life. Things operate differently here compared to Western countries, and it might take some time to get used to it. But in my experience, the locals are very friendly and welcoming, and I’ve come to love the laid-back lifestyle here. Healthcare is another thing to consider. While healthcare in Vietnam is cheap compared to Western standards, the quality can vary. There are good hospitals and clinics in Da Lat, but for more serious conditions, you might have to travel to bigger cities like Ho Chi Minh City. I recommend getting a good health insurance that covers medical evacuation just in case. Overall, I’d say that living in Da Lat on $5,000 a month is very doable and you can live quite comfortably without making too many sacrifices,” commented an expat living in Da Lat .
