Cost of living in Hanoi — 2026 guide for foreigners (especially English teachers)

Hanoi in 2026 remains one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable capitals for foreigners. Monthly living costs for a single person typically range from ≈₫12–30 million VND (about $480–$1,200) depending on housing and lifestyle. English-teacher salaries vary widely by employer type; with careful budgeting many teachers can save a meaningful portion of their salary.

Realistic monthly costs (what to expect)

Below are practical figures you can use when planning your move. Prices reflect common 2025–2026 market levels and are shown in Vietnamese dong (VND) and approximate USD.

Category	Budget (VND / USD)	Comfortable (VND / USD)
Rent (studio / 1-bed outside centre)	₫4–8M (≈ $160–320)	₫10–18M (≈ $400–720)
Rent (central / Tay Ho 1-bed)	₫10–18M (≈ $400–720)	₫18–30M (≈ $720–1,200)
Utilities & Internet	₫700k–2M ($28–80)	₫1.5–3M ($60–120)
Food (local + some western)	₫2.5–6M ($100–240)	₫6–12M ($240–480)
Transport (motorbike / bus / taxi)	₫300k–1M ($12–40)	₫1–2.5M ($40–100)
Health insurance / misc.	₫500k–2M ($20–80)	₫2–6M ($80–240)

Typical totals:

• Budget teacher: ₫8–15M/month (~$320–600).

• Comfortable single: ₫18–35M/month (~$720–1,400).

(These are planning figures—specific costs vary by district, building age, and personal habits.)

Housing: where you’ll spend most

Rent is the single largest cost. Popular expat areas and rough price signals:

• Tây Hồ (West Lake): scenic, expat hub, cafés and international restaurants — 1-bed condos commonly ₫10–25M depending on building and view.

• Ba Đình / Hoàn Kiếm / Hai Bà Trưng: central, colonial character; 1-beds typically ₫8–18M.

• Cầu Giấy / Nam Từ Liêm / Đống Đa: newer developments and more space for lower rent ₫5–12M. 

Practical tip: Teachers often prioritize commute time over rent savings. A slightly higher rent near your school reduces transport stress and hourly lost time.

How much do English teachers earn in Hanoi?

Salaries depend heavily on the employer, qualifications, and experience:

• Local public schools / state system: many contracts around ₫12–30M/month, sometimes with smaller benefits.

• Language centres / private academies: typical full-time packages ₫15–40M/month, often with hourly pay and potential for evening/weekend shifts.

• International / bilingual schools: experienced, certified teachers may earn ₫40–80M+ (and up to higher depending on seniority).

Private tutoring remains a major top-up: hourly rates can range from ₫200k–₫600k+ per hour depending on student level and teacher reputation.

Savings scenarios — realistic examples

Below are sample monthly scenarios showing how much a teacher could save depending on salary and lifestyle.

1. Entry-level public school teacher

   • Salary: ₫18M / month

   • Spending (budget): ₫12M

   • Monthly savings: ₫6M → Yearly ≈ ₫72M (~$2,880)

2. Language-centre teacher (mid)

   • Salary: ₫30M

   • Spending (comfortable): ₫18M

   • Monthly savings: ₫12M → Yearly ≈ ₫144M (~$5,760)

3. International school teacher

   • Salary: ₫60M

   • Spending (comfortable family/single): ₫30–40M

   • Monthly savings: ₫20–30M → Yearly ₫240–360M (~$9,600–14,400)

4. Teacher with private tutoring (adds ₫8–15M/month)

   • Net effect: easily doubles savings for mid-range contracts.

These examples show that even modest teaching salaries allow for steady savings if you choose housing and food wisely.

Where to save (smart strategies)

1. Rent smart: share a 2-bed or live in Cầu Giấy / Nam Từ Liêm to lower rent by 30–50%.

2. Eat local: daily meals from markets or bun/chao stalls cost a fraction of Western restaurants.

3. Use motorbike or public transport: occasional taxi/Grab is fine, but daily taxis add up.

4. Tutor selectively: a few private lessons per week materially lift income and savings.

5. Choose local health insurance: local plans are very affordable and provide wide hospital access.

Neighborhood recommendations for teachers

• Tây Hồ (West Lake): best social life for expats and easy weekend options; higher rent.

• Ba Đình / Hoàn Kiếm: close to central Hanoi and many schools; good for those wanting walkable city life.

• Cầu Giấy / Nam Từ Liêm: modern apartment blocks, good value and shorter commutes to many international schools.

Final thoughts — is Hanoi a good option for English teachers in 2026?

Yes. Hanoi combines low everyday costs, accessible housing choices, and ample teaching opportunities. With modest choices—living outside the most expensive pockets, eating locally, and combining a full-time role with a few private lessons—many teachers can both live comfortably and build savings. For teachers seeking an affordable capital with strong cultural life and reliable services, Hanoi remains a compelling option in 2026.