How Much Does It Cost to Live While Volunteering in Vietnam?

Volunteering is an incredibly meaningful and worthwhile experience, and understanding how much it costs to live while volunteering in Vietnam is an important part of preparing for your journey. 

Many people assume the expenses will be too high, but with the right planning and by choosing a reputable organization like Volunteering Solutions, the overall program and living costs can remain affordable. Beyond the program itself, the main consideration is the day-to-day cost of living in Vietnam.

You’ll need to consider accommodation costs, food and drink, transportation, tourist attraction fees, and more. This can all add up if you’re not careful, so planning properly beforehand is a must. Let’s explore how you can do this and the average amount of spending money you may need. 

Cost of Living in Vietnam

The monthly expenses for a single person in Vietnam are significantly lower than in Western countries, including common necessities such as groceries, transportation and dining. Some volunteers are surprised to note things cost a fraction of what they might be used to in the United States or the UK. 

The average estimated cost of living for a single person in Vietnam is 11,914,133 VND. This equates to $451.08 USD, or £334.92 GBP. However, the true amount of money you’ll need to budget for depends on things like meal preferences, activities and tourist hotspots, and transportation. 

Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries in Asia, which is amazing news for volunteers. You can expect to pay 50-70% lower living costs than in Japan, South Korea and Singapore! It’s an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers and volunteers. 

Costs to Consider When Volunteering in Vietnam

The costs incurred during your volunteering adventure determine how long you can volunteer and the recommended amount of savings needed for your travels. To properly prepare for the cost of volunteering in Vietnam, here are some key components to consider: 

Program Fees

Some volunteer organizations charge fees that cover part of the costs associated with your experience. For example, Volunteering Solutions charges a one-time fee that covers accommodation, meals, airport transport, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support. Our programs in Vietnam start at just $560.

Choosing to partner with a reputable organization means that instead of having to research the cheapest hostels, food places and public transport, you can relax knowing that it’s all being sorted for you. 

Living Expenses

Even with free accommodation and meals being provided as part of your volunteering program, you’ll need to budget for personal expenses. These include: 

• Transport: You may need to get public transport to and from your volunteering location, tourist sites, or anywhere else you want to explore in Vietnam. 
• Entertainment: You’ll have free time around your volunteering responsibilities, and tourist hotspots often cost money. 
• Toiletries: Depending on the duration of your volunteering, you may need to replenish your toiletries from a local grocery store. 
• Extra meals and snacks: Many organizations offer two meals a day, giving you the opportunity to try local cuisine from cafes and restaurants. 
• Memorabilia: If you want to buy a little keepsake from your time in Vietnam, make sure you budget for this before heading to a local market. 

Flights and Insurance

Most organizations don’t include flights in their program fees, as this gives you the flexibility to adjust your booking to suit your preferences. For example, when booking flights yourself, you’ll often be able to choose your own seat and meal preferences.

You’ll also need to consider the cost of your visa, travel insurance, and any vaccinations you may need before boarding your flight to Vietnam. The good thing is that these are start-up costs, so you don’t necessarily have to worry about them once you’ve begun your volunteering experience.  

Healthcare Costs

Public healthcare in Vietnam is often affordable, especially when you are protected by health insurance, which we highly recommend. To put this into perspective, here are some of the most common healthcare services you might require while volunteering: 

• Consultation with General Practitioner: $8 (public) to $15 (private hospital)
•  X-ray: $6 (public) to $12 (private hospital) 
• Ultrasound: $12 (public) to $23 (private hospital)
• Blood test: $8 (public) to $15 (private hospital) 

If you need to stay in the hospital overnight, you can expect to pay between $19 and $58 for a standard ward bed or between $58 and $192 for a private room. Prescriptions are just as inexpensive, with general antibiotics costing between $2 and $4. 

Factors Influencing the Cost of Living in Vietnam

There are several things that can influence how much you’ll need to budget for your volunteering excursion in Vietnam, including: 

• Location: Bigger cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, tend to cost a little more than rural areas of Vietnam, thanks to their tourism rates and amenities. 
• Season and weather: Flights, food, and activities will be most expensive during Vietnam’s peak dry season, which typically runs from December to March. Off-season typically runs from May to October.   
• Your lifestyle: How you like to spend your money will have a direct impact on your daily and weekly outgoings, as it’s your decision whether you live on a budget or more comfortably.  
• Program type: Certain volunteer roles, such as those requiring specialized equipment, training or experience, may have a higher program fee. 
• Experience duration: How long you choose to volunteer for will determine the program fee and how much you’ll need to save for living expenses. 
• Upgrades: Certain programs might come with the choice to upgrade certain things, such as your accommodation from a shared to a private room.

Cost vs. Value - How Long Should You Volunteer For? 

While there’s no set timeframe for how long you should volunteer, it’s worth considering the value of your adventure versus its cost. Organizations often offer discounts for subsequent weeks, so while the upfront cost may seem more expensive, the daily equivalent is a better value for money. 

Take the Childcare in Ho Chi Minh City program as an example:

• Two weeks: $40/day
• Three weeks: $33/day
• Four weeks: $30/day
• Five weeks: $28/day

The longer you’re able to volunteer, the more you can learn. For example, some volunteers feel like they have to rush their orientation and learning to actually get stuck into their program and make a contribution to the local community. Giving yourself more time to settle into volunteering allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Vietnam, making it a much better value for money. 

Making Your Budget Last Longer While Volunteering

Even though Vietnam is a relatively affordable country, making choices to stretch your budget allows you to make the most of the wonderful country and explore further during your downtime. To make the most of your budget and help yourself live comfortably while volunteering, consider: 

• Fundraise for your trip: Fundraising is a wonderful way of boosting your budget so you can volunteer for longer and improve your overall contribution. 
• Use the volunteer house amenities: Our volunteer house has private bathrooms, WiFi, washing machines, cooking equipment, and more, so you don’t have to pay to use them elsewhere. 
• Bulk buy at the grocery store: Instead of eating out every day, buy groceries at the local store and cook for yourself at the volunteer house. Create a list and stick to it to avoid going over budget.
• Ask your supervisor about travel: Your supervisor might be able to arrange travel for you and your peers to and from your volunteer shifts, rather than you having to cover the cost of taxis and buses.
• Consider community benefits: Certain places, such as cafes and museums, may offer discounts and offers for volunteers.
• Create a detailed budget: While getting ready to begin your volunteering journey, create a budget to track your spending and avoid financial strain. 
• Pack smart: Where possible, bring as many clothes and toiletries with you to avoid having to buy them in Vietnam. Pack extra toothpaste, deodorant and other necessities to prevent you from running out. 
• Explore locally first: Instead of booking activities without considering their proximity to where you’re staying, look for what’s around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City first. There are some amazing islands, villages and national parks to explore without spending too much on long-haul travel! 

Ready To Plan Your Volunteering Adventure in Vietnam? 

Vietnam is a fantastic place to explore, volunteer, and make a meaningful contribution to the local community. Not only is there beauty every way you turn, but it’s also one of the most affordable places to volunteer in Asia. While there are several factors contributing to the cost of living while volunteering in Vietnam, many people manage to live comfortably without making too many sacrifices. 

Check out our volunteer opportunities in Vietnam to find a program that genuinely excites you. Give us a call to see how we can help with your budgeting to make your dream a reality!