Cost Comparison 2025

HanoivsLagos

Vietnam
Nigeria

Overall

💰

-4.8%

Hanoi is 4.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

+36.4%

Housing is 36.4% higher

Dining

🍽️

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Hanoi, Vietnam and Lagos, Nigeria reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Hanoi is more affordable than Lagos by approximately 4.8%. 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 Lagos by 27%. A one-bedroom apartment in Hanoi's city center costs around ₫12,000,000, while the same in Lagos is approximately NGN 800,000.

Dining out in Hanoi costs about the same compared to Lagos. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₫50,000 in Hanoi versus NGN 3,000 in Lagos.

Public transportation in Hanoi is more expensive, with monthly passes at ₫200,000 compared to NGN 20,000 in Lagos.

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 Lagos, the same lifestyle would cost around NGN 174,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₫16,870,000 monthly in Hanoi versus NGN 611,100 in Lagos. 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
Lagos, Nigeria

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₫12,000,000
NGN 800,000
1BR Outside Center
₫7,000,000
NGN 400,000
3BR City Center
₫25,000,000
NGN 2,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₫50,000
NGN 3,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₫400,000
NGN 15,000
Cappuccino
₫50,000
NGN 1,500
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₫25,000
NGN 800

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₫35,000
NGN 1,200
Bread (500g)
₫20,000
NGN 600
Eggs (12)
₫35,000
NGN 1,500
Cheese (1kg)
₫350,000
NGN 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₫8,000
NGN 500
Monthly Pass
₫200,000
NGN 20,000
Taxi Start
₫15,000
NGN 500
Gasoline (1L)
₫24,000
NGN 700

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₫2,000,000
NGN 40,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
₫200,000
NGN 25,000
Mobile Minute
₫2,000
NGN 50

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Hanoi, 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 Hanoi to Lagos 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

Lagos

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hanoi more expensive than Lagos?

The cost of living in Hanoi and Lagos is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Hanoi compared to Lagos?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 95% of your Lagos salary when living in Hanoi. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lagos, you'd need about $47,727 in Hanoi for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Hanoi and Lagos?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 27%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Hanoi vs Lagos?

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 Lagos, these figures are NGN 574,600 for singles and NGN 1,611,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Hanoi and Lagos in 2025 shows moderate 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 Lagos to maintain your lifestyle from Hanoi

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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