Nomads Data

ho chi minh city, Vietnam

Asia · Tropical

Rank: 69 | Index: 87.0

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam that has become a popular destination for digital nomads. The city's low cost of living, fast internet speeds, and growing expat community make it an attractive place to live and work remotely. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to experience the best of Vietnam while still being connected to the rest of the world.

Budget FriendlyFast InternetFood ParadiseDN HubAdventure BaseHistoric CityNature Escape
Monthly Cost
$378
Single · No rent
Internet
262.5Mbps
Fixed broadband
Safety
50
Quality of Life
38.175

At a Glance — ho chi minh city

Nomad Index
Rank: 69 | Index: 87.0
Climate
Tropical · 28°C avg · 218 rainy days/yr
Health
62.91 / 100
Pollution
92.11 / 100
Traffic
118.5 / 100
Rent (1BR)
Centre $569.46 · Outside $260.89
Power Grid
100% electricity access
Coworking
0 spaces
DN Visa
Not available
Data from Numbeo, Ookla, Open-Meteo, World Bank & more

City Personality

Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-paced and vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture.

Best For

  • digital nomads
  • expatriates
  • entrepreneurs

Less Suitable For

  • those seeking a relaxed pace
  • families with young children
Lifestyle: Urban, fast-paced, and vibrant
Pace: Fast-paced

Cost of Living in ho chi minh city

The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is relatively low compared to other major cities in Asia. Monthly expenses excluding rent are around $378, which is a reasonable amount for a digital nomad. However, housing costs can vary greatly depending on the location and type of accommodation. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $569 per month, while a similar apartment outside the center costs around $261 per month. This makes Ho Chi Minh City an attractive destination for digital nomads who want to live comfortably without breaking the bank.

Low monthly expenses excluding rentAffordable housing options outside the city centerVariety of accommodation types available
Total Monthly Cost
$947
Restaurants
$707%
Groceries
$13014%
Transport
$879%
Utilities
$364%
Clothing
$263%
Leisure
$293%
Rent
$56960%
Living $378+Rent $569=$947
International flights and trip insurance not included.
Numbeo — Cost of Living data

Cost Comparison: Cities in Vietnam

ho chi minh city vs hanoi

ho chi minh city
ho chi minh city
$378
/mo
vs
-$21
cheaper
hanoi
hanoi
$357
/mo
Full Comparison

ho chi minh city vs da nang

ho chi minh city
ho chi minh city
$378
/mo
vs
-$27
cheaper
da nang
da nang
$351
/mo
Full Comparison

Internet Speed in ho chi minh city

Ho Chi Minh City has fast and reliable internet speeds, making it suitable for remote work. The average mobile download speed is 212.1 Mbps, while the average fixed download speed is 262.5 Mbps. The average mobile upload speed is 39.6 Mbps, and the average fixed upload speed is 205.2 Mbps. Latency is also relatively low, with an average mobile latency of 23.4 ms and an average fixed latency of 4.6 ms. This means that digital nomads can work comfortably without worrying about internet connectivity issues.

Fast mobile and fixed internet speedsLow latency for smooth video calls and cloud development

Fixed Broadband

Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment

Download
263 Mbps
Upload
205 Mbps
Latency
5 ms
Excellent

Mobile Data

4G/5G cellular network

Download
212 Mbps
Upload
40 Mbps
Latency
23 ms
Good

Remote Work Readiness

Video Calls
HD calls supported
Screen Sharing
Smooth sharing
Cloud Development
Low latency
Ookla Speedtest Intelligence — Q1 2026

Visa Options for ho chi minh city, Vietnam

Vietnam does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but several tourist visa options are available.

Vietnam offers a visa-free stay of 90 days for citizens of certain countries. However, there is no specific digital nomad visa available. Digital nomads can still apply for a tourist visa or a business visa, which can be extended for a longer stay. It's essential to research and understand the visa requirements before moving to Ho Chi Minh City.

Visa-free stay of 90 days for certain countriesTourist and business visas available for longer stays
Visa types available
  • Visa-free (90 days)
Passport Checker — Vietnam

See what visa you need for ho chi minh city based on your passport

Pick your passport above to see the visa requirement instantly
Digital Nomad Visa Database — visa policy information

Is ho chi minh city Safe?

Ho Chi Minh City has a moderate safety level, with a safety index of 50.19. Petty crime and corruption are common issues, but violent crime is relatively rare. Digital nomads should take normal precautions to stay safe, such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables secure. The city's traffic advisory level is currently at Level 1, which means exercising normal precautions.

Moderate safety levelPetty crime and corruption common issuesTake normal precautions to stay safe
Safety Index
50/ 100
Crime index: 49.81
Daylight Safety
67.23/100
Safe
Night Safety
41.99/100
Fair

What Residents Worry About

Home break-in
53.07
Mugged or robbed
55.21
Car stolen
47.47
Things stolen from car
52.71
Physically attacked
41.94
Harassment / insults
40.44
Discrimination
22.66

Crime Severity

Drugs
51.79
Property crimes
57.95
Violent crimes
44.44
Corruption
79.38

Safety Tips for ho chi minh city

  • Keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
  • Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
  • Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
  • Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
Travel Advisory: Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
Risks: health
View advisory details
Numbeo — Crime and safety data
Travel advisories — Government travel advisory data

ho chi minh city Climate & Weather

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from November to March, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. The wet season runs from May to October, with hot temperatures and heavy rainfall. Digital nomads should be prepared for the heat and humidity, and plan accordingly.

Dry season from November to MarchWet season from May to OctoberHot and humid weather

ho chi minh city has a Tropical climate.Warm all year with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Climate Type
Tropical
28.2°C avg · 218 rainy days/yr
Dry Days / Year
192
No rain (≥3 mm)
Daylight Range
11.4h – 12.6h
Varies by 1.2h across the year

Average Daily Temperature

Max TempMin Temp
☀️ Peak Season
Nov – Mar
Comfortable temperatures · Low rainfall
Shoulder Season
Apr
Warm or mild · Moderate rainfall
❄️ Off Season
May – Oct
Hot or cold · Heavy rainfall

Daylight Hours

DaylightNight
Open-Meteo Archive API

Healthcare Quality in ho chi minh city

Ho Chi Minh City has good healthcare services available, with a healthcare index of 62.91. The city's hospitals and medical facilities offer a range of services, from basic medical care to specialized treatments. However, digital nomads may still want to consider additional insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Good healthcare services availableRange of medical facilities and servicesAdditional insurance may be necessary
Healthcare Index
62.91/ 100

Quality Scores

Skill & Competency
66
Speed of Exams
61.18
Modern Equipment
63.57
Accuracy of Reports
62.87

Satisfaction Scores

Staff Friendliness
62.5
Responsiveness / Wait Times
53.77
Cost Satisfaction
63.67
Convenient Location
69
Numbeo — Healthcare quality data

Real Estate Market in ho chi minh city

The housing market in Ho Chi Minh City can be challenging for buyers, with a price-to-income ratio of 32.35. This means that property prices are relatively high compared to average incomes. However, rental prices are more affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $569 per month in the city center. Digital nomads should research and understand the housing market before making any decisions.

Challenging housing market for buyersAffordable rental pricesResearch and understand the housing market before making decisions
Price-to-Income Ratio
32.4years
Loan affordability: 0.3

Overview

1BR City Centre
$569
1BR Outside
$261
Avg Salary/Mo
$504
Mortgage Rate
8.6%

Buy vs Rent

Price-to-Income
32.4 yrs
Mortgage % Income
340.4%
Loan Affordability
0.3
Price-to-Rent Centre
35.2
Price-to-Rent Outside
27.8

Rental Yields & Returns

Gross Yield Centre
2.8%
Gross Yield Outside
3.6%

Apartment Prices

City Centre

1-Bedroom$569
3-Bedroom$1163
Price per sqm$4642

Outside Centre

1-Bedroom$261
3-Bedroom$669
Price per sqm$1885
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Buying property requires 32.4 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
  • Mortgage costs take up 340.4% of income — renting offers more flexibility.
  • Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Numbeo — Property data

Power Grid in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City has a reliable grid with a grid access of 99.8. However, the city's grid consumption is relatively high, with an average consumption of 2585.49 kWh per capita. Digital nomads should be aware of the city's energy usage and take steps to reduce their own energy consumption.

Reliable grid accessHigh grid consumptionOpportunities for energy efficiency
Electricity access
100%
of population in 2023
Firms facing outages
43%
of businesses
Consumption
2.6k
kWh per person
Reliability
Moderate
grid stability

Energy Mix

45%
10%
29%
Coal45%
Natural Gas10%
Hydro29%
Oil1%
World Bank — Power grid statistics

Traffic & Commute in ho chi minh city

Ho Chi Minh City has moderate traffic congestion, with a traffic index of 118.5. The city's roads can be busy, especially during rush hour, but digital nomads can still get around easily using taxis, motorbikes, or ride-hailing apps.

Moderate traffic congestionBusy roads during rush hourEasy to get around using taxis or ride-hailing apps
Traffic Index
118.5
Avg commute: 32.05 min / 9.09 km

Overview

Avg Commute
32.05 min
Avg Distance
9.09 km
55.3%
Top Mode
Motorcycle
CO₂ Index
3,554

Traffic Indexes

Time Index
32.0
Time Exp. Index
234.2
Inefficiency Index
133.0
CO₂ Emission Index
3553.8

Commute Mode Split

Work from Home
4.8%
Walking
5.8%
Bicycle
17.5%
Car
8.7%
Bus
7.8%
Motorcycle
55.3%
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
  • Bicycle infrastructure is well-used — consider bringing or renting a bike for daily trips.
Numbeo — Traffic data

Pollution & Environment in ho chi minh city

Ho Chi Minh City has poor air quality, with an air quality index of 92.11. The city's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and waste burning. Digital nomads should take precautions to minimize their exposure to air pollution, such as wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution times.

Poor air qualityAir pollution caused by traffic congestion and industrial emissionsTake precautions to minimize exposure
Pollution Index
92.11/ 100
Cleanliness: 8/100

Overview

Air Quality
13/100
Very poor quality
Drinking Water
38/100
Poor quality
Green Spaces
34/100
Poor quality
Noise Level
30/100
Noisy

Pollution Levels — Lower is better

Air pollution
87.5
Drinking water pollution
61.83
Noise & light pollution
69.76
Water pollution
78.48
Dirty / untidy
77.37

Quality Metrics — Higher is better

Air quality
12.5
Drinking water quality
38.17
Garbage disposal
19.78
Clean & tidy
22.63
Water quality
21.52

Livability

Green & parks quality
33.82
Comfortable to walk
25.52
Quiet at night
30.24
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Consider an air purifier for your apartment, especially during high-pollution months.
  • Stick to bottled or filtered water — tap water quality is a concern.
  • Look for accommodation on quiet streets or higher floors to escape noise and light pollution.
  • Green spaces are limited — plan weekend trips outside the city for nature.
  • Avoid swimming in local rivers or lakes — water pollution levels are elevated.
  • Some areas may be less tidy — research neighborhoods before committing to a longer stay.
Numbeo — Pollution data

Frequently Asked Questions About ho chi minh city

What is the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City?
The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is relatively low, with monthly expenses excluding rent around $378. Housing costs vary, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $569 per month in the city center.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for digital nomads?
Ho Chi Minh City has a moderate safety level, with a safety index of 50.19. Digital nomads should take normal precautions to stay safe.
What are the visa requirements for digital nomads in Ho Chi Minh City?
Vietnam offers a visa-free stay of 90 days for citizens of certain countries. Otherwise, digital nomads can apply for a tourist visa or business visa.
What is the quality of healthcare in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has good healthcare services available, with a healthcare index of 62.91. However, additional insurance may be necessary.
What are the best areas to live in Ho Chi Minh City?
The best areas to live in Ho Chi Minh City depend on personal preferences and budget. Popular areas include District 1, District 2, and District 7.
What is the traffic like in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has moderate traffic congestion, with a traffic index of 118.5. Digital nomads can still get around easily using taxis or ride-hailing apps.
What are the nearby places to visit from Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is close to several destinations, including Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Digital nomads can easily take a weekend trip to explore nearby cities.
What is the weather like in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from November to March, and the wet season runs from May to October.
What are the coworking spaces like in Ho Chi Minh City?
Unfortunately, there are no coworking spaces listed in Ho Chi Minh City. Digital nomads can find alternative workspaces such as cafes or business centers.
What is the internet speed like in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has fast and reliable internet speeds, with an average mobile download speed of 212.1 Mbps and an average fixed download speed of 262.5 Mbps.
What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City offers a range of activities, including visiting historical landmarks, trying local cuisine, and exploring the city's vibrant culture.

Key Takeaways

Quick insights for each category

Affordable Living with a Caveat: Understanding Ho Chi Minh City's Cost

Ho Chi Minh City offers a low cost of living, but housing costs can vary greatly depending on the location.

Fast and Reliable Internet for Remote Work

Ho Chi Minh City has fast and reliable internet speeds, suitable for remote work.

A Limited but Growing Coworking Scene

Ho Chi Minh City has a limited coworking scene, but alternative workspaces are available.

Understanding Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads

Vietnam offers a visa-free stay of 90 days, but no specific digital nomad visa is available.

A City with Moderate Safety and Security

Ho Chi Minh City has a moderate safety level, with petty crime and corruption being common issues.

A Tropical Climate with Distinct Wet and Dry Seasons

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Good Healthcare Services Available

Ho Chi Minh City has good healthcare services available, but additional insurance may be necessary.

A Challenging Housing Market for Buyers

The housing market in Ho Chi Minh City can be challenging for buyers, but rental prices are more affordable.

A Reliable Grid with Room for Improvement

Ho Chi Minh City has a reliable grid, but room for improvement in energy efficiency.

Moderate Traffic Congestion

Ho Chi Minh City has moderate traffic congestion, but digital nomads can still get around easily.

Poor Air Quality

Ho Chi Minh City has poor air quality, with high levels of air pollution.

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