Cost of Living Comparison Between Vietnam and the Philippines 2024

If you are planning to work overseas or maybe to take a summer trip to Vietnam or the Philippines, a crucial factor in your decision will likely be the cost of living. Recent cost of living surveys suggest Vietnam may offer slightly more affordable options, but the Philippines remains a budget-friendly destination. Stay with Giscoo to dive into a detailed breakdown comparing essential expenses in Vietnam and the Philippines (all prices listed in USD).

1. Accommodation

• Vietnam:
  • Studio apartment (city center): $300-$500/month
  • One-bedroom apartment (city center): $400-$700/month
  • One-bedroom apartment (outside city center): $200-$400/month
• Philippines:
  • Studio apartment (city center): $350-$600/month
  • One-bedroom apartment (city center): $450-$800/month
  • One-bedroom apartment (outside city center): $250-$500/month

The Verdict: Accommodation costs are fairly similar across both countries. However, Vietnam offers a slight edge with slightly cheaper options, particularly outside major cities.

2. Monthly Utilities

Here's a breakdown of some common monthly utility costs:

Utility	Vietnam (USD)	Philippines (USD)
Electricity (studio apartment):	$30-$50	$35-$55
Water:	$3-$8	$5-$10
Basic internet:	$20-$30	$25-$35
Mobile phone SIM card (with data):	$5-$15	$7-$12

Household Furniture:

Finding furnished apartments is more common in the Philippines, while Vietnam often requires furniture rentals. Budgeting around $100-$200 for initial furniture setup in Vietnam might be necessary.

The Verdict: While electricity and water costs are fairly similar, internet and mobile plans can be slightly cheaper in Vietnam.

3. Transportation

• Vietnam:
  • Taxi (short ride): $2-$4
  • Motorbike rental (daily): $5-$10
  • Bus ticket (local): $0.30-$0.80
• Philippines:
  • Taxi (short ride): $3-$5
  • Motorbike rental (daily): $7-$12
  • Jeepney fare (local): $0.25-$0.50

The Verdict: Public transportation, particularly jeepneys in the Philippines, is significantly cheaper. However, motorbike rentals are more affordable in Vietnam.

4. Eating

• Vietnam:
  • Street food meal: $1-$4
  • Local restaurant meal: $3-$8
  • Western restaurant meal: $10-$20
• Philippines:
  • Street food meal: $2-$5
  • Local restaurant meal: $4-$7
  • Western restaurant meal: $8-$15

The Verdict: Both countries offer delicious and affordable street food. Local restaurants are slightly cheaper in the Philippines, while Western options are similar in price.

5. Sports

The cost of sports activities can vary depending on the specific activity. However, here's a general comparison:

• Gym membership: Vietnam ($15-$30/month) vs. Philippines ($25-$40/month)
• Yoga class: Vietnam ($5-$10/session) vs. Philippines ($7-$12/session)
• Team sports (registration fees): Similar pricing in both countries

The Verdict: Gym memberships are slightly cheaper in Vietnam, while yoga classes might be a bit more affordable in the Philippines. Team sports registration fees are relatively comparable.

6. Is Vietnam Cheaper Than the Philippines?

Overall, the cost of living is quite similar in both Vietnam and the Philippines. Here's a breakdown by category:

• Slightly cheaper in Vietnam: Accommodation (outside city center), utilities (internet, mobile plans)
• Slightly cheaper in the Philippines: Public transportation (jeepneys), local restaurants
• Similar costs: Street food, Western restaurants, sports activities.

The final verdict depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Here's a quick guide:

• Choose Vietnam if: You prioritize affordable accommodation, internet, and mobile plans, and plan to explore outside major cities.
• Choose the Philippines if: You rely heavily on public transportation and enjoy eating out at local restaurants frequently.

7. Additional Considerations:

Beyond the core expenses covered above, here are some additional factors to consider when comparing the cost of living:

• Groceries: Fresh produce and local staples are generally cheaper in both countries compared to Western imports. However, there might be slight variations depending on the specific items. Researching local markets is recommended.
• Entertainment: Movie tickets and nights out can be slightly more expensive in the Philippines, particularly in major cities like Manila.
• Visas: Visa costs and application processes can differ. Research the specific visa requirements for your situation in each country.
• Healthcare: Public healthcare is generally more affordable in Vietnam. However, private healthcare options might be more widely available in the Philippines, particularly in major cities. Budget for health insurance if you plan to rely on private healthcare.
• Taxes: Income tax rates are slightly lower in Vietnam compared to the Philippines.

Lifestyle and Preferences:

The cost of living is just one factor to consider. Here are some additional points to ponder:

• Language: Vietnamese can be a more challenging language to learn compared to Tagalog, the primary language in the Philippines.
• Climate: Both countries have tropical climates, but Vietnam has a wider range of temperatures depending on the region. The Philippines experiences more frequent typhoons.
• Culture: Both Vietnam and the Philippines boast rich cultures, but the specific traditions and customs vary. Consider which cultural aspects resonate more with you.

Finding the Right Fit:

Ultimately, the best way to determine which country offers a lower cost of living that aligns with your needs is to research further based on your specific circumstances. Here are some resources that can help:

• Travel Blogs: Many travel bloggers share their experiences living in Vietnam and the Philippines, often including insights on budgeting and daily living expenses.
• Online Forums: Expat forums can be a valuable resource to connect with people living in both countries and ask specific questions about the cost of living.

Conclusion

No matter which country you choose, Vietnam or the Philippines, you're sure to experience a vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes at a reasonable cost. By considering the factors outlined above, you can make an informed decision and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Southeast Asia.
Both Vietnam and the Philippines offer an incredible quality of life at a budget-friendly price. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on your priorities and budget. Consider what aspects of daily life are most important to you. Do you crave adventure and exploration, making frequent use of public transportation? Or do you prioritize a comfortable apartment with fast internet for remote work?

>> See more detailed information about cost of living in Vietnam 2024: Cost of living in Hanoi ; Cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City