This guide breaks down what you actually pay in 2026 across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Da Lat. It covers apartment categories, deposits, contract terms, and where to search.
Why rent an apartment in Vietnam
A furnished one-bedroom in Da Nang costs less than a hostel dorm in Amsterdam. A two-bedroom in Hanoi's Tay Ho district runs about what a studio costs in Chiang Mai. The math works for anyone staying more than three weeks.
Beyond price, apartments give you a kitchen, a washing machine, reliable wifi, and a neighborhood. You shop at local markets. You learn the alley where the banh mi lady sets up at 6am. You stop being a tourist.
The visa question matters here. Most nationalities enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days or obtain an e-visa for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, check the Vietnam E-Visa 2026 guide and the visa extension process before signing a lease. Landlords rarely care about your visa status. Immigration does.
Pro tip: Never sign a 12-month contract on a tourist visa. Start with a three-month lease, confirm you like the area, then negotiate an extension.
Apartment types explained
The Vietnamese rental market uses its own vocabulary. Understanding it saves confusion.
Phong tro (room rental): A single room in a shared house or motorbike garage conversion. Often 15 to 25 square meters. Shared bathroom sometimes. Popular with Vietnamese students and workers. Rarely marketed to foreigners.
Studio apartment: One open room with a kitchenette and private bathroom. Usually 25 to 40 square meters. Furnished studios dominate the expat market in Da Nang and Da Lat.
One-bedroom apartment: Separate bedroom, living area, kitchen, bathroom. Typically 40 to 60 square meters. The most common choice for solo renters and couples.
Two-bedroom apartment: 60 to 90 square meters. Standard for small families or friends sharing. Available in all major cities.
Three-bedroom or penthouse: 90 square meters and up. Found in serviced apartment buildings and new developments. Pools and gyms often included.
Serviced apartment: Hotel-style building with weekly cleaning, reception, and sometimes breakfast. Higher monthly rate but zero setup hassle.
Vietnamese-style house (nha nguyen can): An entire narrow house, often three to four floors. Common in Hoi An and Da Lat. You get space but also stairs and sometimes basic furnishings.
Monthly rent by city and apartment type
All prices below reflect 2026 market rates for furnished units in expat-friendly areas. Unfurnished units cost 20 to 35 percent less. Prices quoted in VND with USD equivalents.
| City | Studio | 1-bedroom | 2-bedroom | 3-bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi (Tay Ho, Ba Dinh) | 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($275 to $395) | 10,000,000 to 16,000,000 VND ($395 to $630) | 16,000,000 to 25,000,000 VND ($630 to $985) | 25,000,000 to 40,000,000 VND ($985 to $1,575) |
| Ho Chi Minh City (D1, D2, D7) | 8,000,000 to 12,000,000 VND ($315 to $475) | 12,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND ($475 to $790) | 18,000,000 to 30,000,000 VND ($710 to $1,180) | 30,000,000 to 50,000,000 VND ($1,180 to $1,970) |
| Da Nang (An Thuong, Son Tra) | 5,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND ($197 to $315) | 8,000,000 to 13,000,000 VND ($315 to $510) | 13,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND ($510 to $790) | 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 VND ($790 to $1,180) |
| Hoi An (Cam Chau, An Bang) | 4,500,000 to 7,000,000 VND ($177 to $275) | 7,000,000 to 11,000,000 VND ($275 to $435) | 11,000,000 to 18,000,000 VND ($435 to $710) | 18,000,000 to 25,000,000 VND ($710 to $985) |
| Da Lat (center, Tuyen Lam) | 4,000,000 to 6,500,000 VND ($157 to $255) | 6,500,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($255 to $395) | 10,000,000 to 16,000,000 VND ($395 to $630) | 16,000,000 to 24,000,000 VND ($630 to $945) |
Rates shift with building age, floor level, view, and distance from the center. A new tower with a pool in Da Nang's An Thuong area might charge 15,000,000 VND ($590) for a one-bedroom. A five-year-old building two streets back charges 9,000,000 VND ($355) for the same layout.
Warning: Prices quoted online often exclude management fees, electricity, water, and internet. Ask for the "all-in" monthly figure before committing.
City-by-city breakdown
Hanoi
The capital splits into distinct rental zones. Tay Ho (West Lake) draws expats with its cafes, international schools, and lake views. Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem offer central addresses near the Old Quarter. Cau Giay and Thanh Xuan attract long-term residents and Vietnamese families.
A furnished one-bedroom in Tay Ho runs 12,000,000 to 16,000,000 VND ($475 to $630). The same apartment in Cau Giay costs 9,000,000 to 12,000,000 VND ($355 to $475). You trade a shorter commute for lower rent.
Hanoi's rental market moves fast. Good units in Tay Ho disappear within days. Landlords prefer tenants who commit to six months or longer. If you want to understand the neighborhoods before signing, read the Hanoi travel guide and the Old Quarter street guide.
Wifi speeds in Hanoi average 80 to 150 Mbps. Power outages are rare in expat buildings.
Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon charges the highest rents in Vietnam. District 1 offers walkable access to restaurants and offices. District 2 (Thao Dien) has villas, international schools, and a family-friendly pace. District 7 (Phu My Hung) is clean, planned, and popular with Korean and Japanese families.
A one-bedroom in Thao Dien costs 14,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND ($550 to $790). District 3 and District 10 offer cheaper alternatives at 10,000,000 to 14,000,000 VND ($395 to $550). The trade-off is noise, traffic, and fewer Western amenities.
For context on daily costs beyond rent, see the Ho Chi Minh City travel costs guide and the District 1 versus the rest comparison.
Serviced apartments in Saigon start around 18,000,000 VND ($710) per month for a studio with cleaning and utilities included.
Da Nang
Da Nang has become the default base for remote workers in Vietnam. The city offers beaches, mountains, fast internet, and rents 30 to 40 percent below Saigon.
An Thuong, the expat enclave near My Khe beach, has the highest concentration of furnished apartments. A modern one-bedroom with a pool runs 10,000,000 to 13,000,000 VND ($395 to $510). Older buildings without a pool charge 7,000,000 to 9,000,000 VND ($275 to $355).
Son Tra peninsula offers quieter streets and sea views at similar prices. Hai Chau district suits people who want city life over beach life.
Da Nang's rental market is competitive. New buildings open every month. Landlords negotiate, especially for six-month commitments. For neighborhood detail, read the Da Nang area guide and the Da Nang travel guide.
Hoi An
Hoi An is smaller and quieter than Da Nang. The rental market centers on Cam Chau, Cam Thanh, and the area between the old town and An Bang beach.
A furnished one-bedroom house or apartment costs 7,000,000 to 11,000,000 VND ($275 to $435). Two-bedroom houses with gardens run 12,000,000 to 16,000,000 VND ($475 to $630). Many rentals come with bicycles.
The trade-off: fewer modern apartment buildings, slower internet in some areas, and a smaller expat community. People who love Hoi An accept these limits. For daily cost context, see the Hoi An daily budget guide and the old town versus beach comparison.
Da Lat
Da Lat sits at 1,500 meters in the Central Highlands. Temperatures stay cool year-round. The city attracts Vietnamese honeymooners, coffee farmers, and a growing number of foreign remote workers.
Rents are the lowest of the five cities. A furnished one-bedroom near Xuan Huong Lake costs 6,500,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($255 to $395). A two-bedroom house with a garden runs 10,000,000 to 14,000,000 VND ($395 to $550).
The catch: Da Lat has fewer modern apartment buildings. Many rentals are Vietnamese-style houses with basic kitchens and no air conditioning (you will not need it). Internet is reliable in the center but patchy in outlying areas. For neighborhood guidance, see the Da Lat area guide and the Da Lat travel guide.
Deposits, contracts, and hidden costs
Vietnamese rental terms follow patterns that surprise first-time renters.
Deposit: One to two months' rent. Two months is standard for furnished apartments. You get it back when you leave, minus deductions for damage or unpaid bills. Get the deposit terms in writing.
Payment schedule: Monthly, usually due on the same date. Some landlords ask for quarterly payments. Never pay more than three months upfront to someone you have not verified.
Contract length: Six to twelve months is typical. Short-term rentals of one to three months exist but carry a 10 to 20 percent premium. Negotiate.
Electricity: Charged separately at 3,500 to 4,500 VND ($0.14 to $0.18) per kWh. Air conditioning drives this cost up fast. A one-bedroom with heavy AC use can hit 1,500,000 VND ($60) per month in summer.
Water: Usually 100,000 to 200,000 VND ($4 to $8) per month. Sometimes included.
Internet: 200,000 to 300,000 VND ($8 to $12) per month. Often bundled.
Management fee: 200,000 to 500,000 VND ($8 to $20) per month in serviced buildings.
Cleaning: Weekly or biweekly cleaning included in serviced apartments. Not included in standard rentals.
Pro tip: Take photos of every room, appliance, and piece of furniture on move-in day. Note existing scratches, stains, and broken items. Email the photos to your landlord. This protects your deposit.
Where to look for apartments
The search process differs from what you might expect. Most rentals never appear on international platforms.
Facebook groups: The primary channel for expat rentals. Search for "Hanoi apartments," "Da Nang rent," or "Saigon expat housing." Post what you need and landlords respond within hours.
Vietnamese listing sites: Batdongsan.com.vn and Nhatot.com (formerly Chotot) list thousands of units. Most listings are in Vietnamese. Use Google Translate or a translation app. See the translation apps guide for options.
Local brokers (moi gioi): They charge one month's rent as a commission, usually paid by the landlord. They know available units before they hit the market.
Walking the neighborhood: In Da Nang and Hoi An, many buildings post "cho thue" (for rent) signs. Walk the streets you like and call the numbers.
Serviced apartment websites: Brands like Citadines, Somerset, and local operators list units directly. Higher prices but no broker fees and flexible terms.
Coworking spaces: Notice boards in Da Nang and Saigon coworking spaces often have rental listings from departing members.
Avoid paying any deposit before viewing the apartment in person or through a video call. Rental scams exist, though they are less common in Vietnam than in some neighboring countries. For broader safety context, see the Vietnam safety rankings guide and the common scams guide.
Best times to rent and negotiate
The rental market has seasonal rhythms.
High season (June to August, December to January): Demand peaks. Landlords hold firm on prices. Good units disappear quickly. Avoid if you can.
Low season (March to May, September to November): More supply, softer prices. Landlords negotiate on deposit, contract length, and minor repairs. This is the best window to sign a lease.
Tet (January or February): The lunar new year disrupts everything. Landlords travel. Offices close. Do not plan a move during the two weeks around Tet. See the Tet survival guide for details.
Negotiation is expected. Ask for a lower monthly rate if you commit to six months. Ask the landlord to fix the air conditioning before you move in. Ask whether the management fee is included. Small requests add up.
Practical considerations for long stays
Visas: Tourist visas limit your stay. For longer rentals, consider a business visa or the new digital nomad visa if your nationality qualifies. Check the visa exemption list and the digital nomad guide.
Motorbike parking: Most buildings include parking. Confirm before signing. Some charge a small monthly fee.
Neighborhood noise: Construction happens everywhere. Visit the apartment at different times of day. Listen for karaoke bars, dog kennels, and early morning markets.
Utilities setup: Landlords usually handle electricity and water accounts. You may need to set up internet yourself. Viettel, FPT, and VNPT offer monthly plans.
Furniture: Furnished means different things. Some units include a bed, wardrobe, and air conditioner only. Others have full kitchens, sofas, and washing machines. Ask for a video walkthrough.
Health and safety: Know where the nearest international clinic is. See the hospitals and clinics guide and the travel insurance guide.
FAQ
Q: Can foreigners legally rent an apartment in Vietnam? Yes. Foreigners can rent residential property without restriction. You need a valid passport and visa. The landlord registers your stay with local police, which is a standard procedure.
Q: How much should I budget for a one-bedroom apartment in Da Nang? Expect 8,000,000 to 13,000,000 VND ($315 to $510) per month for a furnished one-bedroom in An Thuong or Son Tra. Add 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND ($40 to $80) for electricity, water, and internet.
Q: Is it cheaper to rent in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? Hanoi is slightly cheaper for equivalent neighborhoods. A one-bedroom in Tay Ho costs 12,000,000 to 16,000,000 VND ($475 to $630). The same standard in Thao Dien, Saigon, costs 14,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND ($550 to $790).
Q: Do I need a Vietnamese bank account to rent? No. Most landlords accept cash in VND. Some accept bank transfers to a Vietnamese account. A few accept international transfers, but this is rare for monthly rent.
Q: What happens to my deposit if I leave early? You usually forfeit it. Some landlords return a portion if you give 30 days' notice and help find a replacement tenant. Get the early termination terms in writing before signing.
Q: Can I rent for just one month? Yes, but expect to pay a premium. Short-term furnished rentals cost 10 to 20 percent more per month than six-month contracts. Serviced apartments cater to this market.
Q: How do I avoid rental scams? Never pay a deposit before viewing the apartment. Use a broker with a physical office. Ask for the landlord's ID and the property's red book (so do). If the deal feels rushed, walk away.
Q: Which city is best for a first-time long stay? Da Nang. It offers the best combination of low rents, fast internet, beaches, good food, and a large expat community. Hanoi and Saigon suit people who want big-city energy. Da Lat and Hoi An work for those who prefer quiet.