Island in Hai Phong, Vietnam
Cost of living in Cat Ba
How much a month costs in Cat Ba
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $578–925 (₫15M–24M).
Prices in Cat Ba
Typical 2026 ranges in VND, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | VND | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₫5M–10M | $193–385 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₫3.5M–7M | $135–270 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₫150,000–350,000 | $5.8–13.5 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₫450,000–1.2M | $17–46 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₫40,000–80,000 | $1.5–3.1 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₫120,000–300,000 | $4.6–11.6 |
| Cappuccino | ₫35,000–65,000 | $1.3–2.5 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₫25,000–60,000 | $1.0–2.3 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₫10,000–30,000 | $0.4–1.2 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₫50,000–100,000 | $1.9–3.9 |
| Work and life | ||
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₫100,000–200,000 | $3.9–7.7 |
Value for money: 96/100
A value score of 96/100 means Cat Ba gives more quality of life per dollar than 95% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 64/100. It's the 8th most affordable of 21 places we cover in Vietnam.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Vietnam
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cao Bang | $462–694 | 99/100 |
| Mai Chau | $462–771 | 98/100 |
| Ha Giang | $539–848 | 94/100 |
| Phong Nha | $539–848 | 97/100 |
| Quy Nhon | $539–848 | 97/100 |
| Can Tho | $539–848 | 97/100 |
| Ninh Binh | $539–925 | 96/100 |
| Cat Ba | $578–925 | 96/100 |
| Sapa | $578–963 | 95/100 |
| Hue | $578–963 | 97/100 |
| Da Lat | $578–1,000 | 95/100 |
| Ha Long Bay | $616–1,080 | 94/100 |
| Mui Ne | $694–1,080 | 92/100 |
| Vung Tau | $694–1,080 | 90/100 |
| Nha Trang | $694–1,160 | 92/100 |
| Da Nang | $771–1,230 | 87/100 |
| Hoi An | $771–1,230 | 87/100 |
| Con Dao | $771–1,230 | 90/100 |
| Phu Quoc | $771–1,350 | 85/100 |
| Hanoi | $963–1,540 | 68/100 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | $1,080–1,730 | 64/100 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Cat Ba?
About $347–501 on a lean budget, $578–925 for a comfortable month and $1,160–1,930 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Cat Ba?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₫5M–10M ($193–385) a month in the center and ₫3.5M–7M ($135–270) outside it.
How much does food cost in Cat Ba?
A local meal is ₫40,000–80,000 ($1.5–3.1); a mid-range restaurant is ₫120,000–300,000 ($4.6–11.6) per person.
Is Vietnam expensive?
Prices in Vietnam are about 29% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Cat Ba
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
- Vinmec International Hospital
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.