The Cost of Living in Hanoi: Housing, Utilities, and More

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is a city where modern conveniences meet rich cultural heritage. For expats and newcomers, understanding the cost of living is crucial to budgeting effectively. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the major expenses you can expect when living in Hanoi in 2025.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is likely to be your biggest expense, with options ranging from modest local apartments to luxurious serviced residences. Below is an estimate of rental costs in key areas:

• Studio Apartments: $300 – $600/month
• 1-Bedroom Apartments: $400 – $800/month
• 2-Bedroom Apartments: $600 – $1,500/month
• Luxury Apartments or Villas: $1,500 – $5,000/month

Popular expat-friendly neighborhoods like Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, and Hoan Kiem tend to be pricier but offer amenities, proximity to international schools, and a vibrant community.

2. Utilities and Internet

Utilities in Hanoi are relatively affordable, but costs can vary based on apartment size and personal usage.

• Electricity: $50 – $150/month (higher if using air conditioning regularly)
• Water: $5 – $15/month
• Gas (for cooking): $10 – $20/month
• Internet: $10 – $20/month for high-speed fiber connections

Serviced apartments often include utilities and internet in the rental price, which can make budgeting more straightforward and convenient. However, it’s essential to clarify these deatils with your agent and review your lease agreement carefully to understand exactly what is covered. Some serviced apartments might provide a flat rate for utilities, while others may have a limit on electricity or water usage, with additional charges for exceeding the cap. Internet speeds and connection reliability can also vary, so it’s worth clarifying these details before signing. This transparency ensures you can plan your monthly expenses without unexpected surprises. For instance, some contracts may include a cap on electricity usage, with any excess charged separately. Clarifying these details upfront can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth living experience.

Have a look at these website for detailed cost breakdowns:

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Hanoi? and https://www.expatistan.com/price/utilities/hanoi?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. Transportation

Hanoi offers various transportation options to suit your budget:

• Motorbike Rental: $50 – $100/month
• Public Transport: $0.30 – $0.50 per bus trip; $0.50 – $1.00 per metro ride
• Ride-Hailing Apps: $1 – $5 per trip (Grab, Be, etc.)
• Taxi: $0.50 – $0.70 per km

For those planning to stay long-term, buying a motorbike can be a cost-effective option, with prices starting at $300 for second-hand bikes.

We recommend Phung Motorbike for rentals and sales: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Phung+Motorbike/@21.0295292,105.8488282,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3135ab9599d3e5cf:0xae8d90f1fdb49a70!8m2!3d21.0295292!4d105.8488282!16s%2Fg%2F12ml2yq52?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

4. Food and Groceries

Hanoi’s food scene is diverse and affordable, whether you prefer dining out or cooking at home:

• Street Food Meals: $1 – $3/meal
• Mid-Range Restaurants: $5 – $15/meal
• High-End Dining: $20 – $50+/meal
• Groceries:
  • Local Markets: $20 – $40/week for fresh produce
  • Supermarkets: $50 – $100/week for imported goods and packaged items

Have a look at our fav restaurants and bars here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LardVydTQncBKXMLA?g_st=ac

5. Health and Fitness

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is accessible in Hanoi:

• Gym Memberships: $30 – $100/month
• Yoga or Fitness Classes: $5 – $15/session
• Health Insurance: $50 – $150/month, depending on the provider and coverage

Gyms we love:

Nomad Muay Thai: https://nomadmuaythai.tilda.ws/

Fitness Village: https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Fitness+Village/@21.0579532,105.8382189,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3135aa5255c89bbd:0x282b48885d200a26!8m2!3d21.0579532!4d105.8382189!16s%2Fg%2F12hs4lw2v?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Elite: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Elite+Fitness/@21.0643273,105.8286239,16.48z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x3135aaf884c54d49:0xd8939cc34782d7f9!8m2!3d21.0641471!4d105.8280588!16s%2Fg%2F1jkwlnxz5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

California: https://www.google.com/maps/search/California+Fitness+%26+Yoga+T%C3%A2y+H%E1%BB%93,+Hanoi,+Vietnam/@21.0350616,105.8256265,13z/data=!3m1!4b1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

6. Entertainment and Leisure

Hanoi offers plenty of affordable leisure options:

• Cinema Tickets: $4 – $7
• Café Visits: $1.50 – $4/drink
• Live Music or Events: $5 – $20
• Day Trips or Tours: $20 – $50/person

Have a look what’s showing at the cinemas here: https://www.cgv.vn/

And for live music: https://www.noisehanoi.com/

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Other costs to factor into your budget include:

• Housekeeping Services: $30 – $100/month (for weekly cleaning)
• Laundry Services: $10 – $20/month (if not using an in-home washer)
• Mobile Phone Plans: $5 – $10/month for unlimited data and calls

Sample Monthly Budget

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single expat living in Hanoi:

Expense	Budget (USD)
Housing	$600
Utilities & Internet	$100
Transportation	$50
Food & Groceries	$250
Health & Fitness	$50
Entertainment	$100
Miscellaneous	$50
Total	$1,200

Final Thoughts

Hanoi is an affordable and dynamic city where you can tailor your lifestyle to suit your budget. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious apartment in Tay Ho or a cozy studio in Ba Dinh, understanding these costs will help you plan your finances effectively.

Need help finding the perfect property or designing your dream space? Get in touch with NEST—we’re here to make your transition to Hanoi seamless and stylish!