Cost of Living in Bangkok vs. Hanoi vs. Manila: A Complete 2025 Comparison

Being aware of the cost of living in Bangkok, Hanoi or Manila is vital to the travelers, expats, and digital nomads looking to move to Southeast Asia. These are the three rapidly developing cities that provide a variety of living standards, economic standards, and lifestyles. Hanoi is the least expensive city with affordable accommodation and food. Living standards in Manila are moderate and acceptable between the poor and rich. Although the most developed of the three, Bangkok is also the highest-priced city, particularly regarding the cost of living, particularly the housing and transport costs. This is a comparison where rent, utilities, food, transport, and entertainment are broken down to allow you to select the best city that fits your budget.

Hanoi: The Most Affordable Capital in Southeast Asia

Hanoi is the most affordable among the three, which is why it is suitable to students, cost-saving expats, and telecommuters.

• Rent: The average one-bedroom apartment in the city center is 8,624,264 VND a month.
• Food: The average restaurant meal will be approximately 50,000 VND and 600,000 VND for a mid-range dinner of two people.
• Utilities: 2,047,175 VND per month is the cost of basic utilities in a rented apartment of middle size.
• Transportation: A monthly transportation ticket will only cost 200,000 VND.
• Leisure: A movie ticket will cost approximately 110,000 VND, and entertainment is very cheap.

Manila: Mid-Range Costs With Modern Comforts

The cost of living has been moderate in Manila, as compared to Hanoi, yet cheap compared to Bangkok.

• Rent: one-bedroom apartment in the city-center will cost approximately 27,810 PHP monthly.
• Food: the cheap food costs 300 PHP on average and a middle-range meal will cost 1,750 PHP.
• Utilities Monthly utilities are about 8,155 PHP.
• Transport: It is estimated to spend 582 PHP/month in a transport pass.
• Leisure: Tickets to the cinemas cost 435 PHP on average.

Bangkok: The Most Expensive Yet Most Developed

Bangkok is the most expensive one with high-quality infrastructure and lifestyle.

• Rent: An apartment of one-bedroom in the center area is around 20,697 THB a month.
• Food: A mid-range dinner of two people should cost about 1,000 THB and a simple meal should cost about 100 THB.
• Utilities: Utility is on average 3,078 THB per month.
• Transportation: A monthly ticket is approximately 1300 THB.
• Leisure: The cost of cinema tickets is approximately 250 THB.

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