Is Hanoi cheaper than HCMC?

Hanoi vs. HCMC: Which city is more affordable to visit?

Okay, so Hanoi versus Ho Chi Minh City – the budget battle! Honestly, it's a close call. I found Hanoi slightly cheaper, but not by a huge margin. Think maybe 10-15% cheaper overall, based on my trip in March 2023.

Street food in Hanoi? Amazing and dirt cheap. A delicious bowl of bún chả cost me around $2. In HCMC, similar eats were maybe a dollar more. Accommodation, though – that's where it gets tricky.

Nice hotels in both cities can cost a bomb, obviously. But hostels and budget guesthouses? Pretty similar pricing. I paid about $10 a night in decent places in both. Transportation was basically the same. Grab rides were pretty much identical.

Long story short: Your spending habits matter way more than city choice. Backpacker budget? Either city's fine. Luxurious trip? Prepare for similar expenses in either.