Moving from Seoul to Ho Chi Minh City (2026)
Ho Chi Minh City has a COL index of 38 vs 73 for Seoul (100 = US average). You'd pay about 48% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Ho Chi Minh City to match your Seoul lifestyle
Based on the 48% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seoul | Equivalent in Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|
| $40K | $20,966 |
| $50K | $26,207 |
| $60K | $31,448 |
| $75K | $39,310 |
| $80K | $41,931 |
| $100K | $52,414 |
| $120K | $62,897 |
| $150K | $78,621 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Seoul vs Ho Chi Minh City
| Expense | Seoul | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,803 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $900 | $500 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $80 | $50 |
| Internet | $25 | $15 |
| Left after essentials | $2,268 | $3,646 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $440 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Seoul — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ho Chi Minh City cheaper than Seoul?
Yes. Ho Chi Minh City has a cost of living index of 38 vs 73 for Seoul (100 = US average). That's about 48% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seoul to Ho Chi Minh City?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seoul to Ho Chi Minh City saves roughly $1,338/month on core expenses. That's ~$16,056/year.
What salary do I need in Ho Chi Minh City to match my Seoul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seoul, you'd need roughly $39,310/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 · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only