City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Indonesia
COL index 30.2
Vietnam
COL index 30.8
Bali (Denpasar) vs Ho Chi Minh City — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Bali (Denpasar) is 1.9% cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Bali (Denpasar) | Metric | Ho Chi Minh City | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.2 | Cost of living index | 30.8 | +2.0% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €46,550 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,700 | -6.1% |
| €560 | Rent — 1BR centre | €540 | -3.6% |
| €850 | Monthly COL (single) | €838 | -1.4% |
| €154,139 | PPP — net / COL | €141,883 | -8.0% |
| 6.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 12.6% | +82.6% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Indonesia = €3,879 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Ho Chi Minh City, you would need roughly €54,319 gross in Vietnam (≈ €3,956 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Low overall cost of living (index 30)
- +Favourable tax rate (6.9%)
- +Lower rent (€540 vs €560)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 31)
- +Favourable tax rate (12.6%)
The verdict
Across the data, Bali (Denpasar) delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Bali (Denpasar) carries a lower cost-of-living index; Bali (Denpasar) has the lighter effective tax burden; Bali (Denpasar) wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Bali (Denpasar) edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Bali (Denpasar) cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City?+
Bali (Denpasar) is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Bali (Denpasar) 30.2, Ho Chi Minh City 30.8 — a 1.9% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Bali (Denpasar) and Ho Chi Minh City?+
Bali (Denpasar) sits at 30.2 on our COL index, Ho Chi Minh City at 30.8. That works out to roughly 1.9% — Bali (Denpasar) being the cheaper of the two.
Is Bali (Denpasar) a good place to live compared to Ho Chi Minh City?+
It depends on priorities. Bali (Denpasar) delivers €46,550 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 6.9% effective tax rate. Ho Chi Minh City delivers €43,700 at 12.6%. Centre 1-bed rent: €560 vs €540.
How do salaries compare in Bali (Denpasar) vs Ho Chi Minh City?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €46,550/year (€3,879/month) in Bali (Denpasar) and €43,700/year (€3,642/month) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Which city has lower taxes, Bali (Denpasar) or Ho Chi Minh City?+
Indonesia has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Indonesia 6.9%, Vietnam 12.6%.