Cost of Living in Vietnam

The cost of living in Vietnam varies with the location and the chosen lifestyle.
 

Housing Costs
Rent - shared house - $200/month
Rent - room only, including electricity - $200-$300/month
Rent - apartment or small house - $300-$400/month
Electricity (including air conditioning) - $20-30/month
Maid (cleaning, laundry, etc) - $25/month

Restaurants
Main course in a Vietnamese restaurant - $1-$4
Main course in a mid-range restaurant - $5
Main course in the "backpacker" area - 50c-$3
Coffee (depending on restaurant) - 30c-$1.50
Coke (depending on restaurant) - 20c-$1.50
Bottle of beer (depending on restaurant) - 50c-$2.50

Transportation
Motorbike rules the road in Vietnam. You can ride your own or hop into one of the motorbike taxis. There are also plenty of traditional taxi cabs.

Taxi - 80c-$1 flagfall, 50c per km after 2km
Motorbike taxi 60c for a short ride
Motorbike rental - $50-70/month
Bicycle - $40-$100

Medical Services
Visit to a local doctor - $5
Visit to an international health center or private hospital - $20-$65
Dental check-up & cleaning - $6-$12
Filling - $10-$15
Dental crown - $60