On December 12, Time Out magazine announced its ranking of the "Most/Least Expensive Cities to Live Worldwide." Hanoi secured the sixth position in the "Most Affordable Cities" category, following Medellin (Colombia), Bogota (Colombia), Beijing (China), New Orleans (US), and Naples (Italy).
This finding aligns with the experiences of many international tourists in Vietnam. In a September 2024 blog post about Hanoi, Finding Alexx described the city as a "budget paradise" where foreign visitors' money goes furthest. He found very affordable hostels, with prices ranging from 75,000 to 150,000 VND per night in the city center.
The blogger affirmed: "Hanoi is clear proof that you can enjoy a rich vacation even with a tight budget."
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Tourists from TP HCM pose for photos at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi in October. Photo: *Hoang Giang* |
In January, digital nomad Matt also confirmed Hanoi as one of Asia's most accessible cities for travelers seeking long-term stays without high costs. A backpacker could live comfortably on a budget of about 600,000 VND per day for basic needs, including clean dormitory accommodation, three delicious street food meals, and public transport or walking.
Conversely, Seoul (South Korea) was voted the most expensive city overall, with only 30% of residents finding restaurant dining affordable, 21% for a night out, and 27% for drinks. Oslo (Norway) ranked even lower for dining out, with just 24% deeming it good value. London (UK) was rated by locals as the most expensive for a night out (16%) but the most reasonable for art, with 83% agreeing.
Time Out compiled the ranking by surveying over 18,000 residents in more than 100 cities globally. The survey asked about the cost of daily activities and entertainment, from coffee to nightlife.
The "most affordable" and "most expensive" cities were determined based on the percentage of respondents who considered these activities "cheap or free" and "affordable." The survey focused on the cost of entertainment within the city, excluding housing, rent, or daily food expenses.
| Most Expensive Cities | Most Affordable Cities |
| Seoul, South Korea | Medellin, Colombia |
| Istanbul, Turkey | Bogota, Colombia |
| Oslo, Norway | Beijing, China |
| Stockholm, Sweden | New Orleans, US |
| Kyoto, Japan | Naples, Italy |
| Athens, Greece | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Sydney, Australia | Chiang Mai, Thailand |
| Auckland, New Zealand | Shanghai, China |
| Munich, Germany | Lima, Peru |
| Brisbane, Australia | Jakarta, Indonesia |
Source: Hoai Anh (Time Out, Finding Alexx, Nomadic Matt)
