Moving from Montevideo to Ho Chi Minh City (2026)

Ho Chi Minh City has a COL index of 38 vs 55 for Montevideo (100 = US average). You'd pay about 31% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$950/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
55 โ†’ 38
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$700 โ†’ $500
per month
State tax
12% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
55 โ†’ 38
31% cheaper

Salary needed in Ho Chi Minh City to match your Montevideo lifestyle

Based on the 31% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in MontevideoEquivalent in Ho Chi Minh City
$40K$27,636
$50K$34,545
$60K$41,455
$75K$51,818
$80K$55,273
$100K$69,091
$120K$82,909
$150K$103,636

Adjust your salary

Save ~$235/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Montevideo vs Ho Chi Minh City

ExpenseMontevideoHo Chi Minh City
Monthly take-home$3,991$4,741
1BR rent$700$500
Groceries$380$380
Transport$150$150
Utilities$70$50
Internet$30$15
Left after essentials$2,661$3,646

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $235 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$286,693

over 30 years compared to staying in Montevideo โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$235/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City cheaper than Montevideo?

Yes. Ho Chi Minh City has a cost of living index of 38 vs 55 for Montevideo (100 = US average). That's about 31% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Montevideo to Ho Chi Minh City?

On a $75K salary, moving from Montevideo to Ho Chi Minh City saves roughly $950/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,400/year.

What salary do I need in Ho Chi Minh City to match my Montevideo lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Montevideo, you'd need roughly $51,818/year in Ho Chi Minh City. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only