Ho Chi Minh City vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Ho Chi Minh City is roughly 66% more affordable than Tokyo (index 12 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Ho Chi Minh City
More affordable overall
66% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 12 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

12Cost Index36
520Median Income /mo2,676
60Safety Index92
5Income Tax %20
156Internet (Mbps)85
150Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Ho Chi Minh CityCategoryTokyo
$530/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
39% cheaper →
$870/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
6% ← cheaper
$1.7/liter
$2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
80% cheaper →
$10/meal
$11/month
Monthly Transit Pass
86% cheaper →
$80/month
$85/month
Utilities (Monthly)
37% cheaper →
$135/month
$45/visit
Doctor Visit
10% cheaper →
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Ho Chi Minh City

Internet156 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability45/100

Tokyo

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability80/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City cheaper than Tokyo?

Ho Chi Minh City is cheaper than Tokyo. Ho Chi Minh City has a cost of living index of 12/100 compared to 36/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 66% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Ho Chi Minh City than Tokyo?

Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 66% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (12 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,015/month in Ho Chi Minh City.

What is the rent comparison between Ho Chi Minh City and Tokyo?

In Ho Chi Minh City, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $530/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $870/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Ho Chi Minh City or Tokyo?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Ho Chi Minh City offers 156 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Tokyo offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Ho Chi Minh City has a cost advantage of 66%.

What is the average income in Ho Chi Minh City vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Ho Chi Minh City is approximately $520 USD, compared to $2,676 USD in Tokyo.

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