Medellín wins overall by ~8% (COL index)
Cost of living: Medellín vs Ho Chi Minh City (2026)
A $75,000 salary in Medellín buys roughly what $81,429 does in Ho Chi Minh City (COL-adjusted). Your real trade-offs are taxes, rent, and day-to-day prices — we break them down and personalize below.
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Estimated annual swing
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Favoring Medellín for this income & household (illustrative).
Run the numbers for your income — Medellín may still win on taxes or rent depending on your household.
| Category | Medellín Antioquia | Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City | Wallet Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |||
| Studio rent/mo | $380Best | $380 | Same |
| 1BR rent/mo | $500Best | $500 | Same |
| 2BR rent/mo | $820Best | $850 | A+$30/mo |
| Median home price | — | — | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | — | — | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $5 | $3Best | B−$2/mo |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $25 | $20Best | B−$5/mo |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | — | — | — |
| Gas price/gal | — | — | — |
| Car insurance/mo | — | — | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $55 | $50Best | B−$5/mo |
| Internet/mo | $30 | $15Best | B−$15/mo |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |||
| Median household income/yr | — | — | — |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 0.0% | Same |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 19.0% | 10.0%Best | B-9.0 pp |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | |||
| Movie ticket | — | — | — |
| Gym membership/mo | $28 | $25Best | B−$3/mo |
| Beer at restaurant | — | — | — |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 35Best | 38 | A+3 |
| Walk score / 100 | 72Best | 72 | Same |
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Tax-smart rewards
Maximize everyday spend in your new city
Medellín fits your move math — cash-back cards stack on groceries, gas, and dining you're already doing.
Home + auto bundle
New state — new insurance rates
Bundling often saves hundreds/yr. Compare before you sign a lease in Medellín.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Medellín cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. Medellín is 8% cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City based on overall cost of living indices (35 vs 38, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Medellín vs Ho Chi Minh City?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Medellín is $500/month and in Ho Chi Minh City is $500/month. Medellín is more expensive by 0%.
How much do I need to earn in Ho Chi Minh City to match a $75,000 salary in Medellín?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $81,429/year in Ho Chi Minh City to match a $75,000 salary in Medellín. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Medellín or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 0%. Ho Chi Minh City has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Medellín to Ho Chi Minh City?
It depends on your priorities. Medellín offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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