How Much Does Ho Chi Minh City Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Ho Chi Minh City remains one of the most budget-friendly metropolises in Southeast Asia, offering a high standard of living for significantly less than cities like Bangkok or Singapore. A typical daily budget ranges from $25 / ₫654,903 for solo travelers on a budget to $369 / ₫9,569,667 for those seeking high-end luxury. The city's financial appeal lies in its incredibly low costs for street food and local transport, though a growing scene of upscale hotels and rooftop bars provides plenty of opportunities for splurging. Navigating the contrast between the historic District 1 and the modern skyline requires a flexible budget that accounts for both humble street-side stalls and polished international venues. Overall, the city delivers exceptional value, especially for those willing to embrace the local motorbike-centric lifestyle.
Is Ho Chi Minh City expensive to visit?
Ho Chi Minh City is very affordable — expect to spend between $25 / ₫654,903 and $369 / ₫9,569,667 per day depending on your preference for street food or five-star dining.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Ho Chi Minh City
$25
per person /day
$124
per person /day
$369
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $76 | $373 | $1,106 |
| 5-Day Trip | $126 | $621 | $1,843 |
| 7-Day Trip | $177 | $870 | $2,580 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the $27 / ₫712,589 E-visa fee and the 8–10% VAT frequently added to bills in mid-range restaurants. This also helps cover the $0.39 / ₫10,180 airport exit toll and varying ATM fees that can reach $3.8 / ₫98,714 per transaction.
How Does It Compare?
See how Ho Chi Minh City stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Ho Chi Minh City
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Street Side Bowl of Pho Famous spots like Pho Quynh charge closer to ~$3.09 / ₫80,205. | $2.52 ₫65,398 |
| Mid-range Restaurant Dinner Includes a main and a drink for one person. Roughly $17 / ₫453,466. | $17 ₫453,157 |
| Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Đá) Street carts are cheaper (~$0.77 / ₫20,051), while chains like Highlands cost ~$1.54 / ₫40,102. | $1.35 ₫35,167 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airport Bus 109 (SGN to District 1) Cheapest way to get to the city center; runs every ~20 minutes. Cost is ~$0.58 / ₫15,116. | $0.58 ₫15,116 |
| Grab Car (Airport to District 1) Price includes the 10,000 VND airport toll. Approximately $6.4 / ₫166,271. | $6.4 ₫166,271 |
| Metro Line 1 (Single Trip) Max fare is ~$0.77 / ₫20,051. Line 1 connects Ben Thanh Market to Suoi Tien. | $0.77 ₫20,051 |
| Grab Bike (Short City Trip) Most efficient way to beat traffic. A 3km ride costs ~$0.97 / ₫25,295. | $0.97 ₫25,295 |
Accommodation (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Sakura Hostel Saigon - Dormitory Bed (District 1) Low-end budget hostel rate in District 1. Approximately $11 / ₫283,802 per night. | $10 ₫261,283 |
| Grandma Lu's Saigon Signature - Standard Bed (District 1) Higher-quality hostel experience for international backpackers. Roughly $12 / ₫313,107. | $11 ₫287,195 |
| Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint - Deluxe Room Standard mid-range hotel in a central District 1 location. Approximately $76 / ₫1,965,018. | $76 ₫1,964,401 |
| Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel - Deluxe Room (District 1) Premium 5-star hotel in District 1. Approximately $215 / ₫5,583,488. | $198 ₫5,145,755 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| War Remnants Museum Entry Fee Standard adult rate for international visitors. Roughly $1.56 / ₫40,411. | $1.56 ₫40,411 |
| Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) Entry Fee Comprehensive ticket including all exhibits. Approximately $2.52 / ₫65,398. | $2.52 ₫65,398 |
| A O Show at Saigon Opera House - Ooh! Tier Intermediate tier seating. Roughly $33 / ₫846,161. | $33 ₫846,161 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is dominated by vibrant street food where a bowl of pho costs around $2.52 / ₫65,398 and a traditional iced coffee is just $1.35 / ₫35,167. For those seeking a sit-down experience, a mid-range restaurant dinner typically averages $17 / ₫453,157, reflecting the city's blend of casual grit and rising culinary sophistication.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
$2.64–$2.91 / ₫68,483–₫75,578District 1 · Bakery
One sandwich is huge and easily shared by two people for a ~$2.61 / ₫67,866 lunch.
Pho Quynh
$3.1–$3.68 / ₫80,513–₫95,629Bui Vien / District 1 · Local chain
Try the 'Pho Bo Kho' (beef stew pho) for a richer flavor; costs ~$3.68 / ₫95,629.
Banh Xeo 46A
$4.26–$6.2 / ₫110,744–₫161,027District 3 · Street food area
Sit by the open kitchen to watch them fry the pancakes on massive woks.
The Lunch Lady (Nguyen Thi Thanh)
$1.75–$2.33 / ₫45,347–₫60,462District 1 (Da Kao) · Street food area
She serves only ONE type of soup per day; check her schedule before going.
Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo
$1.35–$1.75 / ₫35,167–₫45,347District 1 / District 10 · Local chain
Incredible value for ~$1.37 / ₫35,475; the bowl includes grilled pork, spring rolls, and noodles.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is highly economical, with a 3km Grab Bike trip costing roughly $0.97 / ₫25,295 and the Metro Line 1 charging a maximum of $0.77 / ₫20,051. For airport transfers, the 109 Bus is a bargain at $0.58 / ₫15,116, while a Grab Car offers a more comfortable ride for approximately $6.4 / ₫166,271.
Accommodation Overview
Budget travelers can find clean, social spaces like Sakura Hostel Saigon for $10 / ₫261,283 per night, while mid-range seekers will find value in central spots like Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint at $76 / ₫1,964,401. The luxury tier is well-represented by 5-star properties like the Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel, which averages $198 / ₫5,145,755.
Accommodation Budget in Ho Chi Minh City
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Take the 109 Airport Bus for $0.58 / ₫15,116 instead of private taxis to reach District 1 from the terminal.
- 2 Use Grab Bike for solo travel across the city; at roughly $0.97 / ₫25,295 per short trip, it is faster and cheaper than cars.
- 3 Eat at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa in District 1 for a massive $2.38–$3.56 / ₫61,696–₫92,544 sandwich that is large enough to share or save for two meals.
- 4 Avoid the $0.77–$3.8 / ₫20,051–₫98,714 ATM fees by using TPBank or VPBank machines, which often allow free withdrawals for certain international cards.
- 5 Visit the War Remnants Museum for the low entry fee of $1.56 / ₫40,411 to see one of the city's most significant historical sites.
- 6 Book the 'Ooh!' tier at the A O Show for $33 / ₫846,161 to experience the Saigon Opera House without paying the highest premium prices.
- 7 Shop at the Binh Tay Market in Cholon (District 5) for souvenirs and textiles at wholesale prices far below those at Ben Thanh Market.
- 8 Look for 'Com Tam' (broken rice) stalls for lunch, where a filling plate of pork and rice rarely exceeds $2.97 / ₫77,120.
- 9 Refill your water bottle at dedicated stations in eco-conscious cafes in District 2 to save on daily bottled water costs.
- 10 Visit the Independence Palace late in the afternoon to maximize your $2.52 / ₫65,398 ticket before it closes at 4pm.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb
+20-35%
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
-15-30%
Mar, Apr, Nov
Peak season aligns with dry, cooler weather (25–30°C / 77–86°F). During Tet, expect prices for transport to triple and many budget eateries to close.
Events to Watch
- ● Tet (Lunar New Year): +50% hotel rates and limited services
- ● April 30 (Reunification Day): Heavy domestic crowds
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Saigon Central Post Office (stunning French colonial architecture).
- 2 Nguyen Hue Walking Street (ideal for evening people-watching and light shows).
- 3 Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (viewing the historic red-brick exterior).
- 4 Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (a shaded, quiet pedestrian street perfect for photos).
- 5 Jade Emperor Pagoda (one of the city's most atmospheric and historic Taoist temples).
- 6 Ba Thien Hau Temple in Cholon (an ornate temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea).
- 7 September 23rd Park (watch locals practice Tai Chi or join a free outdoor workout).
- 8 Ho Thi Ky Flower Market (a sensory explosion of colors and scents in District 10).
- 9 Mariamman Hindu Temple (the city's only active Hindu temple with a vibrant facade).
- 10 Thu Thiem Bridge at sunset (offers one of the best free views of the city skyline).
- 11 Exploring the 'Hem' (hidden alleys) of District 3 to see authentic local residential life.
- 12 Viewing the contemporary street art and murals in the Thao Dien neighborhood.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Vespa Adventures After Dark Food Tour
Zip through traffic on vintage Vespas to hidden eateries; it is the ultimate way to see the city's nightlife safely. Costs ~$115 / ₫2,992,256.
Bonsai Legacy Dinner Cruise
A high-end buffet and live jazz on the Saigon River; significantly better food than the standard mass-tourist boats. Costs ~$63 / ₫1,634,944.
Secret Garden Restaurant (Rooftop Dining)
Hidden atop an old apartment building, it offers home-style cooking with a magical rooftop atmosphere. A full feast for two is ~$46 / ₫1,203,072.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City and what they cost
Cu Chi Tunnels
$17 / ₫453,157 by Minibus (Group Tour)
$4.85 / ₫125,860
$25 / ₫654,903
Mekong Delta (My Tho/Ben Tre)
$23 / ₫604,312 by Bus and Boat
Free
$29 / ₫755,468
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
1 $ ≈ 25,966 ₫
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants; cash is mandatory for street food, markets, and small cafes.
Not traditionally required but highly appreciated. Rounding up at local cafes or leaving ~$1.78–$3.56 / ₫46,272–₫92,544 for tour guides is standard.
Use TPBank or VPBank for lower fees (~$1.78 / ₫46,272). Withdraw large amounts (2–5 million VND) to minimize transaction costs.
Essential at Ben Thanh or Russian Market. Aim for 40–50% of the initial quote and walk away if they don't budge—often they will call you back.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$17 for 10GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $9.5–$14 / ₫246,784–₫370,176 for 30GB at Tan Son Nhat airport kiosks.
WiFi: Excellent in most cafes, malls, and mid-range hotels.
Buy a local Viettel SIM at the airport for the best rural coverage if leaving HCMC, otherwise Airalo/eSIM is more convenient.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Ho Chi Minh City.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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