Cost of Living in Phú Quoc Island
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Phú Quoc Island helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Cost |
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Apartment Rentals | Rental prices in Phú Quoc can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $300 - $500 per month, while the same outside the city center can cost around $200 - $350 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $600 - $1,000 per month, while the same outside the city center can cost around $400 - $700 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The price of buying an apartment in Phú Quoc can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per square meter, depending on the location and the condition of the apartment. |
Transportation | Public transportation is not very developed in Phú Quoc, so many people choose to rent or buy a motorbike. The cost of renting a motorbike can be around $5 - $10 per day. Taxis are also available and the starting price is around $0.50, with an additional $0.50 per kilometer. The cost of buying a new motorbike can range from $800 to $2,000. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Phú Quoc is relatively low compared to Western countries. For example, a liter of milk costs around $1.20, a loaf of bread costs around $0.50, a dozen eggs cost around $1.50, and a kilogram of chicken breasts costs around $3.50. Fruits and vegetables are also quite cheap, with a kilogram of apples costing around $2 and a kilogram of tomatoes costing around $1. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Phú Quoc can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $2 - $4, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $20 - $30. A domestic beer in a restaurant can cost around $1, while a cappuccino can cost around $1.50. |
Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $50 - $100 per month. Internet connection can cost around $10 - $20 per month. |
Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. Preschool can cost around $200 - $400 per month, while elementary school can cost around $300 - $600 per month. Middle school and high school can cost around $400 - $800 per month. Please note that these are rough estimates and the actual cost can be much higher depending on the school and the specific program. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Phú Quoc Island
"The cost of living in Phú Quoc Island is relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Accommodation can range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, with the cost varying depending on the location and amenities. Eating out is quite inexpensive, with local street food being very affordable, while dining in high-end restaurants will cost more. Transportation costs are also quite low, especially if you choose to travel by local bus or rent a motorbike. Groceries and other daily necessities are also reasonably priced. However, imported goods and luxury items can be more expensive. The cost of leisure activities can vary, with many natural attractions being free or low-cost, while guided tours and water sports may cost more. Overall, the cost of living is manageable for both locals and expats, but it can vary greatly depending on one's lifestyle and preferences," said one expat living in Phú Quoc Island.
Can I live in Phú Quoc Island on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Phú Quoc Island for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the US or Europe, but it's still important to budget wisely. Firstly, accommodation can vary greatly in price depending on the area and the type of housing. If you want to live in a modern apartment with all the amenities, you might have to pay around $500-$600 a month in areas like Duong Dong town, which is the main town and a bit more expensive. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out in areas like An Thoi or Cua Can, you can find cheaper options for around $300-$400 a month. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can get a meal for around $1-$2 at local food stalls. If you prefer western food, it's available but it's more expensive, around $5-$10 per meal. Transportation is also affordable. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 a month, which is the most common mode of transportation here. Taxis and Grab are also available but can add up if you use them frequently. As for utilities like electricity, water, and internet, they're quite affordable. You can expect to pay around $50-$100 a month for all of them. One thing to keep in mind is that while healthcare is cheap, it's not up to the standards you might be used to. There are hospitals and clinics on the island, but for serious medical issues, you might have to travel to Ho Chi Minh City. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable activities like visiting the beaches, hiking, or exploring the local markets. However, if you're into high-end dining or nightlife, that can get expensive. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Phú Quoc is doable, but it requires some sacrifices. You might have to live in a less central area, eat local food more often, and limit your spending on entertainment. But in return, you get to live in a beautiful island paradise with a laid-back lifestyle," commented an expat living in Phú Quoc Island.
Can I live in Phú Quoc Island on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Phú Quoc Island for a few years 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, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or stay in the most luxurious resorts. But, you can certainly afford a comfortable lifestyle. The cost of living here is quite low compared to Western countries. You can rent a decent apartment for around $300 to $500 a month. If you prefer to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Duong Dong, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $700 to $1,000 a month. But, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods like An Thoi and Cua Can where you can find cheaper accommodations. When it comes to food, local Vietnamese cuisine is very affordable. You can have a meal at a local restaurant for around $1 to $3. If you prefer Western food, it's also available but it's a bit more expensive, around $5 to $10 per meal. Transportation is also quite cheap. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 a month. Taxis are also affordable, especially if you use ride-hailing apps like Grab. As for utilities like electricity, water, and internet, they usually cost around $50 to $100 a month, depending on your usage. One thing you might have to sacrifice is shopping. Imported goods are quite expensive here. So, if you're used to buying branded clothes or electronics, you might have to cut back on that. But overall, I think you can live quite comfortably on $3,000 a month in Phú Quoc Island. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the local culture, and the delicious food without breaking the bank. Just be mindful of your spending and choose your neighborhood wisely," said one expat living in Phú Quoc Island.
Can I live in Phú Quoc Island on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Phú Quoc Island 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 many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice apartment or house in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $1,000 a month. The Duong Dong area is a great place to consider. It's the main town on the island and it's close to the beach, markets, and restaurants. If you prefer a quieter place, Ganh Dau is a small fishing village in the north of the island that's peaceful and has beautiful beaches. On the other hand, areas like Vinpearl and Novotel Resort areas are more expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a budget. As for food, local Vietnamese food is very affordable and delicious. You can eat out at local restaurants for around $1 to $5 per meal. Western food is also available but it's more expensive, usually around $10 to $15 per meal. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite cheap, usually costing around $50 to $100 a month. Transportation is also affordable. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 a month, which is the most common mode of transportation on the island. However, there are a few sacrifices you might have to make. For one, while healthcare in Vietnam is affordable, it might not be up to the standards you're used to. Many expats choose to get health insurance that covers treatment in international clinics or even medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Also, while Phú Quoc is developing rapidly, it's still a relatively small island and doesn't have the same level of infrastructure or amenities as a big city. For instance, there's no cinema or shopping mall, and while there are plenty of beautiful beaches, there aren't as many cultural or entertainment options as you might be used to. But overall, I've found that the lower cost of living and the relaxed island lifestyle more than make up for these minor inconveniences. It's a great place to live if you're looking for a slower pace of life and a chance to immerse yourself in a different culture," commented an expat living in Phú Quoc Island.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.