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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Hoi An 2024
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Ancient Town Hoi An, Vietnam (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)


Cost of Living in Hoi An

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Hoi An helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Hoi An is around $300-400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $500-600 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $200-300 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $400-500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Hoi An varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 to $200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $30,000 to $50,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $60,000 to $100,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Hoi An is inexpensive and convenient. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around $0.30. A one-way ticket on the train costs around $0.50. A taxi ride within the city center costs around $2-3. A taxi ride outside the city center costs around $4-5.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Hoi An is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $0.50. A liter of milk costs around $0.80. A dozen eggs costs around $1.50. A kilogram of rice costs around $1.50. A kilogram of chicken costs around $3.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Hoi An is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $2-3. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $5-7. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $10-15.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Hoi An is relatively inexpensive. The average monthly cost for electricity is around $20-30. The average monthly cost for water is around $5-10. The average monthly cost for internet is around $15-20.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Hoi An varies depending on the school and grade level. The average annual tuition for preschool is around $1,000-2,000. The average annual tuition for elementary school is around $2,000-3,000. The average annual tuition for middle school is around $3,000-4,000. The average annual tuition for high school is around $4,000-5,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Hoi An

"The cost of living in Hoi An is relatively low compared to Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Internet connection is reasonably priced and has good speed. The cost of groceries is low, with local markets offering fresh produce at very affordable prices. Eating out in Hoi An is also inexpensive, with local street food being very cheap, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable. Transportation costs are also low, with a one-way ticket on local transport being very cheap. Taxis are also affordable, especially when compared to Western standards. Healthcare in Hoi An is relatively cheap, with a short visit to a private doctor costing a fraction of what it would in many Western countries. Fitness club and gym memberships are also quite affordable. Overall, the cost of living in Hoi An is low, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads," said one expat living in Hoi An.

Can I live in Hoi An on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Hoi An for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. I recommend looking for a house or apartment in neighborhoods like Cam Chau, Cam An, or Tan An. These areas are more affordable and still close to the city center. You might want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like An Bang Beach or the Ancient Town, as the rent prices there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that it's much cheaper to get around by bicycle or motorbike rather than using taxis or ride-sharing services. You can easily rent a motorbike for around $50 a month, which will save you a lot of money in the long run. Plus, it's a great way to explore the city and its surroundings.Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local Vietnamese restaurants and street food vendors. You can find delicious meals for just a couple of dollars. However, if you're craving Western food, you'll have to be prepared to pay more, as these restaurants tend to be pricier. To save money, I recommend learning to cook some Vietnamese dishes at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.As for entertainment and socializing, there are plenty of affordable options in Hoi An. You can enjoy a night out at a local bar or cafe without breaking the bank, and there are often free or low-cost cultural events happening around town. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like spa treatments or guided tours.In terms of healthcare, you'll find that the cost of medical services is generally lower than in Western countries. However, the quality of care can vary, so it's a good idea to have health insurance that covers you for any potential medical emergencies.Overall, living in Hoi An on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using cost-effective transportation, and enjoying local food and entertainment options, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer," commented an expat living in Hoi An.

Can I live in Hoi An on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Hoi An for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable but still offers the amenities you're used to. I'd recommend looking for a house or apartment in neighborhoods like Cam Chau or Cam An, as they're close to the city center and have a good mix of local and expat residents. You can find a decent place to live for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location.If you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods, you might want to avoid areas like An Bang Beach or the Ancient Town, as they tend to be more expensive due to their popularity with tourists. Rent in these areas can easily go over $1,000 per month for a nice place.When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of affordable options in Hoi An. You can find delicious local food at street food stalls and small restaurants for just a few dollars per meal. However, if you prefer to eat at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you'll need to budget more for dining out, as these places can be quite expensive.Transportation is relatively cheap in Hoi An, especially if you're comfortable riding a motorbike. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 per month, which will allow you to get around the city easily and explore the surrounding areas. Taxis and Grab rides are also available, but they can add up if you use them frequently.As for entertainment and activities, there are plenty of things to do in Hoi An that won't break the bank. You can visit the local markets, take a stroll through the Ancient Town, or relax on the beach. However, if you're into more expensive hobbies like golf or spa treatments, you'll need to budget accordingly.In terms of sacrifices, you might need to adjust your expectations when it comes to the quality of certain services or products. For example, you might not have access to the same level of healthcare or the same variety of imported goods as you would in a more developed country. Additionally, you may need to be more mindful of your energy and water usage, as utilities can be expensive if you're not careful.Overall, living in Hoi An on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some adjustments to your lifestyle," said one expat living in Hoi An.

Can I live in Hoi An on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Hoi An for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might be surprised at how far your money can go here. There are some sacrifices you'll have to make, but overall, I think you'll find the quality of life to be quite good.First, let's talk about housing. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Hoi An where you can find a nice apartment or house for a reasonable price. I'd recommend looking in areas like Cam Chau, Cam An, or Tan An. These neighborhoods are close to the city center and have a good mix of locals and expats. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 per month for a decent place, depending on the size and location. If you want something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Cua Dai and An Bang, as they tend to be more expensive due to their proximity to the beach.As for utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll find that they're generally quite affordable. Electricity, water, and internet usually cost me around $100 per month, and I have a pretty high-speed internet connection. You might have to sacrifice a bit on the quality of your internet, as it can be a bit spotty at times, but it's usually good enough for streaming and video calls.When it comes to food, you'll have a wide variety of options to choose from. Eating out at local restaurants is very affordable, with meals costing anywhere from $1 to $5. If you prefer to cook at home, you can find fresh produce and other groceries at the local markets for a fraction of the price you'd pay back home. Of course, if you want to indulge in Western food or imported products, you'll have to pay a bit more, but it's still quite reasonable compared to what you might be used to.Transportation is another area where you can save a lot of money. Most people in Hoi An get around by motorbike, which is a very affordable mode of transportation. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 per month, and gas is quite cheap as well. If you're not comfortable riding a motorbike, you can also use taxis or Grab (similar to Uber) to get around, but it will be a bit more expensive.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and nightlife. While Hoi An has a decent number of bars and restaurants, it's not as lively as some other cities in Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. However, there are still plenty of things to do, like exploring the beautiful Old Town, visiting the nearby beaches, or taking day trips to the surrounding countryside.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Hoi An on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable. You'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices, but the low cost of living and the beautiful surroundings more than make up for it," commented an expat living in Hoi An.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Ancient Town Hoi An, Vietnam (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

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