Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Bangalore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangalore or Ho Chi Minh City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bangalore and Ho Chi Minh City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bangalore or Ho Chi Minh City?
Bangalore
Bangalore is the capital city of the state of Karnataka, in India. It's also India's third largest city with a population of about 8.5 million. It's considered one of the most liveable cities in the country and was historically known for its many gardens and lush green spaces. Today those areas are all but gone, having given way to the growing population and sprawling metropolises. Bangalore is also the information technology hub of the country and is sometimes referred to as India's Silicon Valley.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, The Best 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangalore $44Ho Chi Minh City $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangalore is $44, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bangalore and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangalore $20Ho Chi Minh City $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangalore $40Ho Chi Minh City $100
Compare Hotels in Bangalore and Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for a hotel in Bangalore or Ho Chi Minh City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangalore $9.65Ho Chi Minh City $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore
Also for Bangalore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vineyard Tour to Beautiful Nandi Hills including Wine Tasting & Private Transfer: $238
- A Private Transfer: From Chennai to Bangalore Car & Driver: $179
- From Private Transfer to Hubli Car & Driver: $172
- From Mysore guided day tour with transfers: $166
- From One-Way Transfer to Wayanad Car & Driver: $143
- From Private Transfer to Chennai Car & Driver: $143
- From One-Way Transfer to Ooty Car & Driver: $134
- From Private Transfer to Chikmagalur Car & Driver: $124
- Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru City -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $81
- Bannerghatta Park Day Tour Safari with Private Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bengaluru International Airport to Bangalore Hotels: $54
- One-Way Private City Transfer Mysore & Bangalore: $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.42
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Taxi From Airport$8.13
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa Long Beach to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- VIP Tour: Mekong Delta River & Craft Village – Optional Transfer : $18
- VIP Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels – Discover History, Optional Transfer: $16
- VIP Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta River – Optional Transfer: $39
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cam Ranh HTL-APT (CXR): $18
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh HTL-APT (SGN): $15
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh APT-HTL (SGN): $15
- Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Airport Tan Sơn Nhat: $17
- The Anam Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport Transfer: $23
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport Private Transfer: $19
- Tan Son Nhat Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ho Chi Minh City: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangalore or Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Bangalore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBangalore $13Ho Chi Minh City $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bangalore : Street Food tour and Local Market Visit.: $17
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Family: $33
- Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with an Award Winning Chef: $54
- Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
- Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $62
- South Indian Cooking Class in Mysore with Devika: $66
- Private In-Home Cooking Demonstration and Meal in Bangalore: $68
- 3-Hour Private Cooking Lesson and Meal in a Bangalore Home: $74
- Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour: $101
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class: $149
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.35
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Pizza$5.28
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Sweet Rice$1.22
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Pork Sandwich$0.61
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.90
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Western Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Saigon: Street Food Tour and The Local Life: $4.23
- Saigon Unseen & Food Tour By scooter w Student | Saigon Adventure: $20
- Saigon: City Day Sights & Local Food Tour|Opt: Ao Dai Riders: $24
- Saigon: Night Sights & Local Food Tour w Ao Dai Rider Option: $25
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Saigon: Private Backstreets Walking Food Tour & 12+ Tastings: $27
- Ho Chi Minh city Street Food Tour By Motorbike/ Car + SAFE + FUN: $27
- Saigon Evening Street Food Tour with 6 Dishes : $28
- Saigon Private/Small Group Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $28
- Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangalore $11Ho Chi Minh City $20
Tours and Activities in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Full-Day Bangalore City Tour: $73
- Sacred Bull walking tour in Bangalore with guide: $47
- (Mysuru) Mysore Day Out - A Royal Experience Private Tour from Bangalore: $130
- 03 Nights / 04 Days, Bangalore with Ooty Hill Station Tour: $519
- 04 Days, Exclusive Bangalore and Ooty Hill Station Tour: $495
- 2 Days Bangalare and Mysore Private Tour by Car: $227
- Architecture Tour of Bangalore: $76
- Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts: $37
- Bandipur wildlife and Mysore experience in 2 days from Bangalore: $300
- Bangalore Basavanagudi Heritage Self Guided Walking Tour: $8.54
- Bangalore City Tour (Lunch, Pick up & drop at hotel): $100
- Bangalore City Tour By Tuk Tuk!: $109
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.69
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Chan May Port to Golden Bridge - BaNa Hills by Private Tour: $65
- Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
- Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $39
- Ho Chi Minh Afternoon Half Day City Tour : $26
- Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
- Mui Ne Desert Full Day Tour Sand Dunes with Seafood Lunch: $63
- Private Tour Water Puppet Show And Cruise Tour On Saigon River : $65
- Saigon Vegetarian Tour by Motorbike and Scooter: $39
- Urban and Local Gems: Private Walking tour Ho Chi Minh: $37
- Vietnam Classic Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh with Cu Chi Tunnels: $27
- 02 -Days: Experience Mekong Delta Countryside By Bike & Boat.: $216
- 1 Day Mekong Tour: My Tho - Ben Tre-Cai Rang Floating Market: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangalore $9.03Ho Chi Minh City $8.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bangalore:
- pub crawl Bangalore tours: $24
- Pub Crawl Bangalore (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $35
- Pub Crawl Bangalore: $39
- Pub Crawl with Welcome Drinks, Games & Discounts: $43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangalore and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Bangalore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangalore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangalore and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City than you might in Bangalore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangalore Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangalore or Ho Chi Minh City?
Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Bangalore and Ho Chi Minh City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.