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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Can Tho 2024
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Cost of Living in Can Tho

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

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

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city center $250 - $350 per month
1-bedroom apartment outside city center $150 - $250 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center $1,000 - $1,500
Price per square meter outside city center $500 - $800
Transportation One-way local transport ticket $0.30 - $0.50
Monthly local transport pass $10 - $15
Gasoline (1 liter) $0.80 - $1.00
Taxi (1 km) $0.50 - $0.70
Groceries Milk (1 liter) $0.80 - $1.20
Bread (500g) $0.50 - $1.00
Rice (1 kg) $0.50 - $0.80
Chicken breasts (1 kg) $3.00 - $4.50
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $1.50 - $3.00
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant $15 - $25
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) $0.50 - $1.00
Cappuccino $1.00 - $2.00
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment $50 - $100 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) $10 - $20 per month
Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans) $0.05 - $0.10
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) $1,500 - $3,000 per year
Elementary School $3,000 - $6,000 per year
Middle School $4,000 - $8,000 per year
High School $5,000 - $10,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Can Tho

"The cost of living in Can Tho is relatively low compared to other major cities in the world. 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, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries are also inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood at very reasonable prices. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, while dining at more upscale restaurants can be more expensive. Public transportation in Can Tho is also quite cheap, with buses being the most common mode of transport. Taxis are also available and are reasonably priced. Healthcare in Can Tho is relatively affordable, with both public and private hospitals offering services at reasonable prices. However, it's worth noting that the quality of healthcare can vary.Overall, the cost of living in Can Tho is quite low, making it an attractive place for those looking to live in a vibrant city while keeping their living costs down," said one expat living in Can Tho.

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

"I've been living in Can Tho 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 to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants or go on expensive trips every weekend. But overall, the cost of living in Can Tho is quite affordable, especially when compared to bigger cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in affordable neighborhoods like An Binh, An Khanh, or An Hoa. These areas are not too far from the city center, and you can find a decent apartment for around $300 to $400 a month. On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Cai Khe or Ninh Kieu, as the rent prices there can be significantly higher.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using a motorbike or bicycle instead of relying on taxis or Grab (the local equivalent of Uber). This will not only help you save money but also give you a more authentic experience of living in Vietnam.For groceries and other daily necessities, I'd recommend shopping at local markets instead of supermarkets. The prices are usually lower, and you can find fresh produce and other items at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it's a great way to practice your Vietnamese and interact with the locals.Eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local street food and small restaurants. A delicious bowl of pho or a plate of rice with meat and vegetables can cost you as little as $1 to $2. However, if you're craving Western food or want to dine at fancier establishments, be prepared to pay more.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Can Tho. You can visit the beautiful parks, take a boat tour of the floating markets, or explore the city's many temples and pagodas. However, if you're into nightlife and clubbing, you might find the options in Can Tho a bit limited compared to bigger cities.Overall, living in Can Tho on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using local transportation, shopping at local markets, and enjoying the many low-cost activities the city has to offer, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Can Tho," commented an expat living in Can Tho.

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

"I've been living in Can Tho 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 want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in Can Tho include An Binh, An Khanh, and An Hoa. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Cai Khe and Ninh Kieu, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that using a motorbike is the most affordable and convenient option. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab can add up quickly, so it's best to stick to a motorbike if you're comfortable with it. Plus, it's a great way to explore the city and its surroundings.Eating out can be quite affordable in Can Tho, especially if you stick to local street food and small restaurants. However, if you're craving Western food or dining at more upscale restaurants, the costs can add up. So, it's a good idea to cook at home as much as possible and save dining out for special occasions.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Can Tho. You can visit local markets, parks, and temples for free or at a low cost. However, if you're into nightlife and fancy bars, you might have to cut back on those expenses to stay within your budget.In terms of healthcare, it's essential to have good health insurance, as the local hospitals might not be up to the standards you're used to. There are some international clinics in Can Tho, but they can be quite expensive without insurance.Overall, living in Can Tho on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. But in return, you'll get to experience the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of Vietnam," said one expat living in Can Tho.

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

"I've been living in Can Tho for a while now, and I can confidently say that it's possible for an expat who is used to modern amenities to live comfortably on $5,000 a month. In fact, you might even find that you can save a good portion of that income while still enjoying a high quality of life.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is adjusting to the local culture and way of life. This includes getting used to the local cuisine, which is delicious but might be different from what you're used to. You'll also need to adapt to the local customs and traditions, as well as the language barrier if you don't speak Vietnamese.As for housing, there are several affordable neighborhoods in Can Tho that you can consider. Some of the more popular areas for expats include An Binh, An Khanh, and Cai Khe. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local and Western amenities, and you can find modern apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices. For example, you can find a nice 2-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $300 to $500 per month.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you're trying to stick to a budget. These include areas like Ninh Kieu and Hung Loi, which are known for their high-end housing options and upscale amenities. Renting a similar 2-bedroom apartment in these areas can cost you anywhere from $800 to $1,200 per month.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using local options like motorbike taxis, buses, or even renting a motorbike for yourself. This can be a more affordable and convenient way to get around compared to using taxis or private cars.Overall, living in Can Tho on a $5,000 monthly budget is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments and be open to embracing the local culture and way of life," commented an expat living in Can Tho.

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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