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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Vung Tau 2024
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Vung Tau, Vietnam


Cost of Living in Vung Tau

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Vung Tau 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 Vung Tau is around $400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $200 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Vung Tau 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 $50,000 to $100,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Vung Tau is inexpensive and convenient. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around $0.50. A one-way ticket on the train costs around $1.00. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $2.00.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Vung Tau is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $0.50. A liter of milk costs around $0.75. A dozen eggs costs around $1.00. A kilogram of rice costs around $1.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Vung Tau is relatively low. A meal at a cheap restaurant costs around $2.00. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $5.00. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $10.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Vung Tau is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around $0.20 per kWh. The average cost of water is around $0.50 per cubic meter. The average cost of internet is around $20 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Vung Tau varies depending on the school and the grade level. The average cost of preschool tuition is around $100 per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around $200 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around $300 per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around $400 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Vung Tau

"The cost of living in Vung Tau is considered to be quite affordable compared to other cities in the country. 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 are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants is also quite cheap, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Transportation costs are also low, with affordable public transportation options and inexpensive gasoline prices for those who drive. Healthcare in Vung Tau is also reasonably priced, with both public and private healthcare options available. Overall, the cost of living in Vung Tau is quite low, making it an attractive option for both locals and expats," said one expat living in Vung Tau.

Can I live in Vung Tau on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Vung Tau for a while 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 might have to make some sacrifices in terms of your housing and lifestyle choices.Firstly, you'll want to look for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods. I'd recommend checking out areas like Thang Tam, Thang Nhat, and Thang Ba. These neighborhoods are not as expensive as some of the more upscale areas like Front Beach or Back Beach, but they still offer a decent quality of life. You can find a nice apartment or house for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the size and location.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using motorbikes or bicycles instead of cars. The cost of owning and maintaining a car in Vietnam can be quite high, so it's better to stick to more affordable options. Plus, motorbikes and bicycles are more convenient for navigating the city's traffic.When it comes to food, you can save a lot by eating at local street food stalls and markets instead of dining at fancy restaurants. Vietnamese cuisine is delicious and diverse, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything. A meal at a local eatery can cost you as little as $1 to $3, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can easily set you back $10 or more.For entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Vung Tau. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit local parks, or explore the city's cultural attractions without spending a fortune. There are also plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a good time without breaking the bank.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of shopping. Imported goods and luxury items can be quite expensive in Vietnam, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits and stick to local products and markets.Overall, living in Vung Tau on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing more affordable neighborhoods, transportation options, and dining options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful coastal city," commented an expat living in Vung Tau.

Can I live in Vung Tau on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Vung Tau 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 an apartment in the Back Beach area, as it's a bit more affordable than the Front Beach area, which is more touristy and expensive. You can find a nice, modern apartment for around $500 to $800 a month, depending on the size and location.When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of affordable options in Vung Tau. You can find delicious local street food for just a couple of dollars, or you can go to a mid-range restaurant and spend around $10 to $15 per meal. If you want to cook at home, groceries are also quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Motorbike rentals are quite cheap, around $50 to $100 a month, and it's the most common mode of transportation in Vung Tau. Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive, especially if you use them frequently.As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options as well. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit local attractions like the Jesus Statue and the lighthouse, or explore the nearby countryside. There are also plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a good time without breaking the bank.However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make. For example, if you're used to having a gym membership or attending fitness classes, you might find that these are more expensive in Vung Tau. You might also have to give up some of the imported products you're used to, as they can be quite pricey here.Overall, living in Vung Tau on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending in certain areas," said one expat living in Vung Tau.

Can I live in Vung Tau on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Vung Tau for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. The cost of living in Vung Tau is generally lower than in bigger cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you can find a nice apartment or even a small house for a reasonable price. I'd recommend looking in the Back Beach area, which is popular with expats and has a good mix of local and Western amenities. You can find a decent apartment here for around $500 to $1,000 per month, depending on the size and location. If you want something more upscale, you can look in the Front Beach area, but the prices will be higher – around $1,500 to $2,500 per month for a luxury apartment or villa.For food, you can eat out at local restaurants for just a few dollars per meal, or you can splurge on Western-style restaurants and still not break the bank. Groceries are also quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets. I usually spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries and eating out.Utilities and transportation are also quite affordable. My monthly utility bills (electricity, water, and internet) usually come to around $100, and I spend about $50 per month on transportation, mostly using Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) or renting a motorbike.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Vung Tau without spending a fortune. You can enjoy the beaches, go hiking in the nearby hills, or visit the many parks and temples around the city. There are also several bars and clubs where you can have a good time without spending too much.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Vung Tau on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments, like getting used to the local cuisine or learning to navigate the city on a motorbike, but these are small sacrifices compared to the benefits of living in this beautiful coastal city," commented an expat living in Vung Tau.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.


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