City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Vietnam
COL index 30.8
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Ho Chi Minh City vs Lisbon — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Ho Chi Minh City is 56.7% cheaper than Lisbon for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Ho Chi Minh City | Metric | Lisbon | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.8 | Cost of living index | 71.2 | +131.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €43,700 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,496 | -25.6% |
| €540 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,450 | +168.5% |
| €838 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,014 | +140.3% |
| €141,883 | PPP — net / COL | €45,641 | -67.8% |
| 12.6% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 35.0% | +177.8% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Vietnam = €3,642 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Lisbon, you would need roughly €195,509 gross in Portugal (≈ €8,418 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€540)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 31)
- +Favourable tax rate (12.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
The verdict
Across the data, Ho Chi Minh City delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Ho Chi Minh City carries a lower cost-of-living index; Ho Chi Minh City has the lighter effective tax burden; Ho Chi Minh City wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Ho Chi Minh City edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Ho Chi Minh City cheaper than Lisbon?+
Ho Chi Minh City is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Ho Chi Minh City 30.8, Lisbon 71.2 — a 56.7% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Ho Chi Minh City and Lisbon?+
Ho Chi Minh City sits at 30.8 on our COL index, Lisbon at 71.2. That works out to roughly 56.7% — Ho Chi Minh City being the cheaper of the two.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a good place to live compared to Lisbon?+
It depends on priorities. Ho Chi Minh City delivers €43,700 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 12.6% effective tax rate. Lisbon delivers €32,496 at 35.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €540 vs €1,450.
How do salaries compare in Ho Chi Minh City vs Lisbon?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €43,700/year (€3,642/month) in Ho Chi Minh City and €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon.
Which city has lower taxes, Ho Chi Minh City or Lisbon?+
Vietnam has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Vietnam 12.6%, Portugal 35.0%.