Can I Afford to Live in Hanoi vs São Paulo on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Hanoi, VN
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $450/mo (9% of take-home)
Very comfortable
São Paulo, BR
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $720/mo (14% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Expense
Hanoi
VN
São Paulo
BR
Monthly take-home (est.)$5,057$5,057
1BR rent$450$720
Groceries (est.)$380$380
Transport (est.)$150$150
Utilities$50$85
Internet$15$32
Left after essentials$4,012/month$3,690/month
Both Hanoi and São Paulo have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Hanoi?

At $80K/year in Hanoi, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $450/month, rent takes up 9% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $80K a good salary in São Paulo?

At $80K/year in São Paulo, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $720/month, rent takes up 14% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Hanoi leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,012/month vs $3,690/month in São Paulo.

Can I afford to live alone in Hanoi on $80K?

Yes. At $80K in Hanoi, rent takes 9% of your take-home, leaving $4,012/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Hanoi vs São Paulo

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only