Can I Afford to Live in Ho Chi Minh City vs Melbourne on $150K?
Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Ho Chi Minh City VN | Melbourne AU |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $8,944 | $6,000 |
| 1BR rent | $500 | $1,600 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $380 |
| Transport (est.) | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $50 | $130 |
| Internet | $15 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $7,849/month | $3,678/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Ho Chi Minh City?
At $150K/year in Ho Chi Minh City, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $150K a good salary in Melbourne?
At $150K/year in Melbourne, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,000. With 1BR rent around $1,600/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Ho Chi Minh City leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,849/month vs $3,678/month in Melbourne.
Can I afford to live alone in Ho Chi Minh City on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Ho Chi Minh City, rent takes 6% of your take-home, leaving $7,849/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
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