Cost Comparison 2025

HanoivsKuwait City

Vietnam
Kuwait

Overall

💰

+42.9%

Hanoi is 42.9%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+104.5%

Housing is 104.5% higher

Dining

🍽️

+71.4%

Restaurants 71.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+22.2%

Food shopping 22.2% more

Comparing the cost of living between Hanoi, Vietnam and Kuwait City, Kuwait reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Hanoi is more expensive than Kuwait City by approximately 42.9%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Hanoi are lower than in Kuwait City by 51%. A one-bedroom apartment in Hanoi's city center costs around ₫12,000,000, while the same in Kuwait City is approximately KWD 450.

Dining out in Hanoi offers significant savings compared to Kuwait City. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₫50,000 in Hanoi versus KWD 3 in Kuwait City.

Public transportation in Hanoi is more expensive, with monthly passes at ₫200,000 compared to KWD 15 in Kuwait City.

Purchasing power in Kuwait City is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Hanoi.

Grocery shopping in Hanoi is more affordable by approximately 18%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Hanoi can expect to spend approximately ₫4,820,000 per month (excluding rent), while in Kuwait City, the same lifestyle would cost around KWD 170. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₫16,870,000 monthly in Hanoi versus KWD 595 in Kuwait City. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Hanoi, Vietnam
Kuwait City, Kuwait

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₫12,000,000
KWD 450
1BR Outside Center
₫7,000,000
KWD 300
3BR City Center
₫25,000,000
KWD 900

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₫50,000
KWD 3
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₫400,000
KWD 15
Cappuccino
₫50,000
KWD 2
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₫25,000
KWD 4

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₫35,000
KWD 1
Bread (500g)
₫20,000
KWD 0
Eggs (12)
₫35,000
KWD 1
Cheese (1kg)
₫350,000
KWD 3

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₫8,000
KWD 0
Monthly Pass
₫200,000
KWD 15
Taxi Start
₫15,000
KWD 1
Gasoline (1L)
₫24,000
KWD 0

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₫2,000,000
KWD 25
Internet (60 Mbps)
₫200,000
KWD 25
Mobile Minute
₫2,000
KWD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Hanoi to Kuwait City, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Kuwait City to Hanoi requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Hanoi

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index28

Kuwait City

Cost of Living Index60
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hanoi more expensive than Kuwait City?

Yes, Hanoi is approximately 42.9% more expensive than Kuwait City overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Hanoi compared to Kuwait City?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your Kuwait City salary when living in Hanoi. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Kuwait City, you'd need about $71,429 in Hanoi for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Hanoi and Kuwait City?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 51%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Kuwait City offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Kuwait City provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Hanoi if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Kuwait City for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Hanoi vs Kuwait City?

In Hanoi, a single person needs approximately ₫11,820,000 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ₫31,870,000. In Kuwait City, these figures are KWD 470 for singles and KWD 1,195 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Hanoi and Kuwait City in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Kuwait City to maintain your lifestyle from Hanoi

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers