How Much It Really Costs to Rent a Home in Saigon – Local Insights from a Quiet Life
How Much It Really Costs to Rent a Home in Saigon – Local Insights from a Quiet Life
I live in a quiet corner of Saigon now – in a home that’s truly mine. No landlord, no leases. Just the soft creak of wooden floors and the rhythm of daily life unfolding slowly, room by room.
But not long ago, I was the one always on the move.
From Vĩnh Long to Bangkok, from Singapore to Hanoi. I’ve lived out of suitcases, searched for windows that let in morning light, and helped countless friends – travelers, expats, and digital wanderers – figure out what it truly costs to rent a home in Saigon.
Today, I want to share what I’ve seen, what I’ve learned, and what I would choose if I had to start over.
🏠 A City of Contrasts – From Rooftops to Alleyways
Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as most locals still lovingly call it) is not one uniform place.
It’s a city of layers. Towering condos watch over narrow alley homes. Luxury apartments in District 1 sparkle above the noise, while in District 7, Korean families enjoy calm parks and wide roads. And deep inside District 4, where I live, the city hums in quieter, slower ways.
That’s why the cost of renting here can stretch from $150 to $2,000 a month, depending on where and how you want to live.
💡 The Essentials – Real Numbers from Real People
Though I don’t rent anymore, my job in the travel industry and my circle of international friends constantly bring me stories — and bills — of life on rent in Saigon.
Here’s what I’ve gathered over the years:
Type of Home Monthly Rent (USD) Typical Area
Shared Room in Local House $150–250 Bình Thạnh, District 3, Phú Nhuận
Studio or 1BR Apartment (Basic) $300–500 District 1, 3, 4, or near Thảo Điền
1BR/2BR in Newer Condo (with amenities) $600–1,000 District 2 (Thảo Điền), District 7
High-End Serviced Apartment $1,200–2,000 D1/D3 or expat compounds
📝 Note: These numbers include rent only. Utilities and internet typically add $50–$80/month.
What surprised most of my foreign friends was this: You can live well here – with sunlight, safety, and a sense of peace – without spending much. You just need to know where to look.
🌿 What I’d Choose If I Were Renting
If I had to rent again, I would look for:
- A quiet alley home in District 3 or 4 – where life still moves slowly
- A place with natural light and a small kitchen (because I always cook at home)
- Somewhere I can walk to a local market in the morning
- A neighborhood with sounds of children, birds, and coffee sellers – not traffic
I wouldn’t go for the newest, most polished buildings. Not anymore. I’d trade sleek marble floors for wooden ones that creak softly under barefoot mornings.
📍 Things to Know Before You Rent in Saigon
If you're considering renting here, here are a few quiet truths I think are worth knowing:
- Contracts are flexible. You can often negotiate 6-month or even 3-month terms.
- Deposits are common. Usually 1–2 months of rent.
- Avoid the noise. Some homes may look nice but sit next to karaoke bars. Always visit at night.
- Internet is fast. But ask your landlord which provider they use – some areas are better than others.
- You don’t need to rush. Unlike big Western cities, Saigon still allows time. Homes stay available longer than you think.
☕ A Final Thought – Home Is More Than a Place
Sometimes people ask me: “What’s the best neighborhood to live in Saigon?”
But I think it’s the wrong question.
Instead, I ask:
“Where will you feel calm at 7am? Where will you feel safe at 8pm?”
Because a rented house in Saigon isn't just a roof. It's a rhythm.
It’s where the sun filters through yellow curtains. Where the street vendor’s bell marks lunchtime. Where you wake up, slowly, to a city that may be noisy elsewhere but feels soft in your little corner.
More stories from quiet Vietnam at thekimngan.com
#thekimngan – Travel Quietly. Live Deeply.