Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is an ideal Vietnamese destination for travellers and expats. If you are moving to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), finding accommodation should not be a difficult task.
Many types of housing with different levels of comfort are available all around the city. You can rent on a short or long-term basis, or even buy a home if you are planning to settle there more permanently. It is advised to locate the area which suits you best, and then you should choose your type of accommodation according to your situation and budget.
Neighbourhoods
When considering where to stay, you should determine whether you would prefer to live in the city centre or the surrounding suburbs. If you already have a job, it is advised that you research where this is located, and what your typical daily commute might look like from the various areas in this massive city. HCMC is divided into 259 districts, 58 communes, and 5 smaller towns.
Neighbourhoods with a high concentration of expatriates and tourists are Thao Dien, An Phu and Phu My Hung which are situated in the south of HCMC, as well Wards 1 and 3 which are located in the city centre. Rental prices here are relatively high compared to other districts. Tan Binh and Binh Tanh are also popular for their affordable housing prices, especially among international students.
Many real estate projects have been underway ' and more are in the pipeline ' for various neighbourhoods across the city, where you will find both traditional houses as well as modern furnished and often fully-equipped apartments available for rent.
Prices
Rent prices usually vary according to the type of housing, the size, and the neighbourhood. In the city centre, you will need around VND 15 million per month to rent a studio, around VND 20 million for a three-room apartment, and some VND 35 million for a five-room flat in the downtown area. The rental price for a villa starts at around VND 45 million.
In the surrounding suburbs, you can expect to pay around 20% less for each of the above options. There are also options for those moving to Ho Chi Minh City on a budget - there are plenty of share houses available throughout the city, in which expats can simply rent out a room in a house. It is a great way to meet others while saving some money in the process. This is a common choice among young, single expats and students.
Good to know:
Most houses, apartments, as well as some villas available in Ho Chi Minh City, are furnished and include wifi. You may also have air conditioning, a TV, a refrigerator, and a washing machine included. Luxury apartment complexes in District 2, 4 and 7 often include a gym and swimming pool as well as 24-hour security within the rent; a parking pass is generally extra.
Many of the serviced apartment options in town also come with a cleaner and sometimes laundry service throughout the week. Be sure to check for these when considering your options.
How to find housing in HCMC
Finding accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is possible both before and after your arrival. You can check the range of online classifieds/groups with up-to-date listings available. If already in the city, it is advised that you supplement your search by speaking to fellow expats and strolling around the neighbourhoods to get a feel of the region. The most common way people go about finding housing is by posting in Facebook groups what they're looking for. If you're planning on doing so, be sure to include exact information such as your budget, location, size and amenity requirements such as a pool, gym or balcony. Members in each of the Facebook groups include real estate agents, who often jump at the chance to showcase their properties.
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