Basing on Consumer price index (CPI) of the GSO. We surveyed general price level of 5 major cities: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh city, Hue and Da Nang with the base year is chosen as the data starting point (10/2004). The price level of 5 cities compared with the national average price. That means the horizontal axis 0% is the national average price. If Hai Phong is higher 2.5%, that means the price level of Hai Phong is more 2.5% expensive than the national average price. This interpretation applies to all graphs in this article.
What‘s the resullt? Ho Chi Minh city is the cheapest place and Hanoi stands as the second place. Citizen of Ho Chi Minh city has another reason to proud of their hometown: Ho Chi Minh city is the economic centre of Vietnam where has the lowest price level. Ho Chi Minh city is cheaper more than 6% over the whole country. What’s about the most expensive place? It’s Hue. The ex capital has oustripped four remaining cities. Its price level is more 9% expensive than the whole country and 16% expensive than Ho Chi Minh city.
Why do people keep thinking that Hanoi is so expensive? It’s probably from the food. Indeed, the food price and service price have increased over the country from the second half of 2008 until now. The Hanoi food price is more 13% expensive than the national average price. In contrast, Hue food price is the cheapest. That’s why the tourists don’t realize the true.
There are 2 reasons that explain Ho Chi Minh city is the cheapest city. First of all, house prices and construction materials have steadily declined since 2010. Secondly, the price of medical service has increased and now is nearly 30% lower than the national average price.