Cost Comparison 2025

HanoivsNew York

Vietnam
United States

Overall

💰

+138.1%

Hanoi is 138.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+354.5%

Housing is 354.5% higher

Dining

🍽️

+185.7%

Restaurants 185.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+122.2%

Food shopping 122.2% more

Comparing the cost of living between Hanoi, Vietnam and New York, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Hanoi is more expensive than New York by approximately 138.1%. 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 New York by 78%. A one-bedroom apartment in Hanoi's city center costs around ₫12,000,000, while the same in New York is approximately $3,500.

Dining out in Hanoi offers significant savings compared to New York. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₫50,000 in Hanoi versus $20 in New York.

Public transportation in Hanoi is more expensive, with monthly passes at ₫200,000 compared to $127 in New York.

Purchasing power in New York 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 55%. 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 New York, the same lifestyle would cost around $779. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₫16,870,000 monthly in Hanoi versus $2,727 in New York. 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
New York, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₫12,000,000
$3,500
1BR Outside Center
₫7,000,000
$2,500
3BR City Center
₫25,000,000
$7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₫50,000
$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₫400,000
$120
Cappuccino
₫50,000
$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₫25,000
$8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₫35,000
$2
Bread (500g)
₫20,000
$4
Eggs (12)
₫35,000
$5
Cheese (1kg)
₫350,000
$15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₫8,000
$3
Monthly Pass
₫200,000
$127
Taxi Start
₫15,000
$5
Gasoline (1L)
₫24,000
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₫2,000,000
$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
₫200,000
$70
Mobile Minute
₫2,000
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Hanoi to New York, 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 New York 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

New York

Cost of Living Index100
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hanoi more expensive than New York?

Yes, Hanoi is approximately 138.1% more expensive than New York overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Hanoi compared to New York?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.4x of your New York salary when living in Hanoi. For example, if you earn $50,000 in New York, you'd need about $119,048 in Hanoi for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Hanoi and New York?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 78%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Hanoi vs New York?

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 New York, these figures are $3,279 for singles and $7,227 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Hanoi and New York 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 New York to maintain your lifestyle from Hanoi

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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