According to assessments from the InterNations platform, the largest global network for people living and working abroad (expat), Vietnam is increasingly being considered an attractive destination in terms of cost. In the annual ranking of countries with the lowest spending in the world, Vietnam continues to top for the 5th consecutive year.
An InterNations survey shows that most foreigners living in Vietnam have a good assessment of the cost here: 89% expressed satisfaction with living expenses, and 87% said their income is enough to ensure comfortable living. In addition, because the Vietnamese Dong is lower in value than many strong currencies, European tourists, especially French, have a significant advantage in purchasing power when choosing Vietnam as a destination.
Vietnam stands out with delicious cuisine at affordable prices, along with extremely low travel and accommodation costs. It is not surprising that this destination is the most popular destination in Southeast Asia after Thailand and Malaysia. In 2025, Vietnam welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists.
The French newspaper Journaldunet assessed: "Vietnam stands out with delicious cuisine at affordable prices, along with extremely low travel and accommodation costs. It is not surprising that this destination is the most popular destination in Southeast Asia after Thailand and Malaysia".
In big cities like Hanoi, street food is a popular choice thanks to easy-to-reach prices. Many familiar dishes such as pho, banh mi or bun cha often range from about 1-3 euros (about 30,000-90,000 VND) per serving, suitable for both tourists and long-term guests.
Accommodation costs in Vietnam are also rated at a reasonable level. In the economical segment, a collective room bed at a motel can be priced from only 5 euros (more than 150,000 VND) per night. Meanwhile, hotels and mid-range accommodations usually cost about 8-20 euros (about 250,000-600,000 VND) per night, depending on location and service quality.
Urban transport in general does not create great financial pressure. Public transport monthly fares are about 7 euros (about 220,000 VND), convenient for long-term residents. Taxi prices are considered competitive, averaging less than 0.5 euros (about 15,000 VND)/km. Even fuel is low compared to many countries, with gasoline prices around 0.7 euros (about 22,000 VND)/liter.
In the field of experiential tourism, many products have quite "soft" prices. A two-day tour of Ha Long Bay costs about 100 euros (about 3 million VND), including accommodation on a boat, meals and some sightseeing activities.
In the Northern mountainous region, a two-day walking tour through terraced fields in Sa Pa usually costs about 60 euros (about 2 million VND), including a tour guide, meals and a night's stay at a local house.
