In 2020, Hanoi had the most expensive cost of living index while Hau Giang province was the cheapest, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

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The Spatial Cost of Living Index (SCOLI) compiled by GSO indicated Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were the two most expensive cities in Vietnam to live in.

GSO evaluated the cost of living index in 63 provinces and cities based on surveys and comparison of prices of 11 essential commodities including food and catering services; beverages and tobacco; apparel, hats and footwear; housing, electricity, water, fuel and construction materials; household appliances; medicine and medical services; transportation; post and telecommunication; education; entertainment and tourism; other goods and services.

Hanoi had SCOLI of 100%. The second place went to HCMC (99,05%), Hai Phong (97,38%), Da Nang (97,11%) and Lao Cai (96,25%).

Regarding the education fees, HCMC was more expensive than Hanoi as tuition of its private schools and vocational schools was higher than those in the capital city.

Nevertheless, HCMC was cheaper than Hanoi in food and beverage services, tobacco, home appliances, medicine and medical services, transportation, telecommunications, entertainment.

Hau Giang was the cheapest city to live in, with its cost of living only equivalent to 89.68% of that of Hanoi.

Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Ha Nam, and Dong Thap were also included in the list of the cheapest places to live in.

Data released earlier this year by user-contributed database Numbeo showed that HCMC, Da Nang, and Hanoi are among Southeast Asia's 20 most expensive cities. It estimated the average monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, at $469, $445, and $438 in HCMC, Da Nang, and Hanoi, respectively.

Localities enjoying the low cost of living was mainly due to the low prices in food and catering services; apparel, hats and footwear; housing; household appliances; transportation; post and telecommunication; education and entertainment.

By economic region, the Southeast had the most expensive cost of living, followed by the Northern Midlands and Mountains, North Central and Central Coast, Red River Delta, Central Highlands, and Mekong River Delta.

Malie Nguyen