Monthly Breakdown for Digital Nomads, Hybrid Workers, and Travellers.

Ah — Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. A city where scooters outnumber street signs, the food surprises in the best way possible, and every day feels like a sensory adventure. It’s modern, cultural, budget-friendly, and surprisingly walkable — if you know where to stay.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD1,200
→ District 4 Airbnb, 10–15 minutes’ walk to Takashimaya
🍜 Food: <SGD40/day
→ Ate out daily at a mix of restaurants and cafes
🚕 Transport: SGD60
→ Minimal use of Grab; mostly walked
💄 Personal Expenses: ~SGD400
→ Shopping, massages, and grooming

Total: ~SGD2,900 (excluding activities)

📌 I wasn’t pinching pennies — if you’re on a tighter budget, you can absolutely spend less.

🏡 Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh: Best Mid-Range Options

I stayed in District 4, just across a bridge from the city centre. It gave me the best of both worlds — walkable access to District 1, minus the chaos.

✔️ District 4 – Find an apartment near a main bridge. It’s convenient, quieter, and lined with local food gems. Mine even had a convenience store downstairs.
✔️ District 1 – Right in the thick of things. Great if you love buzz and easy access, though it gets noisy.

Should You Book an Airbnb or Long-Term Rental?

✅ Airbnb pros: Easier for short stays (1–3 months), WiFi and utilities included.
✅ Long-term rentals: Save 20–30% if you stay 3+ months and can negotiate directly with landlords.

If convenience matters more than cost, Airbnb is still a solid choice.

🍽️ Food and Grocery Expenses (~SGD40/day)

While my Airbnb had a kitchen, eating out was just too easy (and good).

My favourites:

✔️ Pho SOL – Their puffy fried pho noodles are glorious. Don’t miss the bone marrow pho.
✔️ Takashimaya Basement – Great selection of international eats in an air-conditioned space — a lifesaver on hot days.

📌 Budget Tip: Meals under SGD5 are common, but opt for clean, well-frequented stalls for peace of mind.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD60 for the Month)

I kept things walkable, which made it easy to skip ride-shares.

✔️ Grab only for airport trips and the occasional night out
✔️ Most tours included hotel pick-up, which was a huge plus

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

Same setup as always — I used SIMBA’s SuperRoam Plan from Singapore with 15GB overseas data. I worked from my Airbnb (WiFi was solid), so I didn’t need co-working spaces.

If you do:

✔️ Home WiFi – Free with most Airbnbs
✔️ Coworking spaces – available (~SGD100/month) if you need a change of scene

🎟️ Activities and Day Trips From Ho Chi Minh

🛣️ Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A long, lively pedestrian street flanked by cafes, boutiques, and music performances. Come in the evening for the full buzz.

☕ Café Hopping by the River
Sit near the Tran Hung Dao Statue — plenty of cafes overlook the river. Great for people-watching and relaxing after a busy day.

🕳️ Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta (SGD60, transport included)

An unforgettable day of history and landscapes. You’ll visit both the war-era tunnels and the lush Mekong Delta.

• Cruise along the Mekong River
• Learn about wartime traps and tactics
• Crawl through preserved tunnels

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD2,900 Worth It?

✔️ Perfect for a balanced, mid-range lifestyle
✔️ You could live on half that with smart choices
✔️ It’s an underrated city with serious charm and practicality

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Digital nomads looking for affordability with amenities
• Solo travelers who love walkable, lively cities
• Curious explorers ready to see more than just Hanoi or Ha Long Bay