Which place is cheaper, Paris or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
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 Ho Chi Minh City and Paris can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a busy, diverse, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.
Paris
Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
Ho Chi Minh City and Paris: Pros and Cons
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less theater options
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
Paris
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Popular at Christmas
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Eiffel Tower
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Paris than Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is larger than Paris, Paris has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Paris is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Ho Chi Minh City is well known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities.
The Eiffel Tower
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Paris?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Paris and Ho Chi Minh City.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ho Chi Minh City has many famous sights for visitors. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Paris is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for theatre.
The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a number of shows and performances. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Paris both to be world-class destinations.
Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
The vibe at night is world-class in both Ho Chi Minh City and Paris.
People head to Ho Chi Minh City just to party. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.
The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Music?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Paris is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Paris both offer plenty of world-class spots.
Many people travel to Ho Chi Minh City specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Christmas?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not offer Christmas activities.
With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.
Ho Chi Minh City does not offer Christmas activities.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either Ho Chi Minh City or Paris.
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.
Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Paris is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Paris are world-class places to visit.
A large number of backpackers visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.
Paris is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Paris is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
Ho Chi Minh City is a good city to visit for students. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Paris is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.
With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
Public transit is generally limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Paris a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Paris
Paris is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat walkable. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.
For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Paris or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Ho Chi Minh City. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.
Families should spend more time in Paris than Ho Chi Minh City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Ho Chi Minh City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Ho Chi Minh City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Paris.
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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Paris 3-7
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Each neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
You'll find theater and nightlife around the iconic big city of Paris. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the bustling city of Paris. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the big city destination of Ho Chi Minh City. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Paris is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
You'll find theater and nightlife around the diverse big city of Ho Chi Minh City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $81Paris $252
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, while the average daily cost in Paris is $252. 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Paris in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Paris $164
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Paris $328
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Paris
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Paris? 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 and Paris Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Paris $23
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$1.40
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Taxi From Airport$7.99
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh: $358
- Private Taxi transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $358
- Private Taxi Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phnom Penh: $289
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Nha Trang: $272
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Nha Trang Cang Pha Vinpearl : $272
- Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City - Chau Doc/Rach Gia: $268
- Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $259
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Cam Ranh: $258
- Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Center/ Airport - Mui Ne/Phan Thiet: $258
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phang Rang Thap Cham: $234
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
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Metro$6.93
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Train from Airport$9.75
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Metro tickets$7.37
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Train$22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,554
- Private Transfer to or from Toulouse: $1,383
- From Le Havre/Honfleur: Private Transfer to Versailles: $1,382
- Romantic Photoshoot in Paris with Champagne & Transfers: $1,063
- Private Transfer to or from Lyon: $958
- Private Transfer to or from Strasbourg: $958
- Private Photoshoot Tour with Louvre & hotel Transfers: $957
- Paris by Vintage Car Day and Night Tour with hotel Transfers: $957
- Private Photoshoot and shopping Tour with Hotel Transfers: $850
- Luxury Mercedes Transfer to Deauville or Le Havre: $798
- Private Transfer from CDG and Orly Airports in Paris to Le Havre: $298
- Private Airport Transfer Paris - Round Trip: $272
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Prices for flights to both Paris and Ho Chi Minh City 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 dayHo Chi Minh City $14Paris $45
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)$4.27
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Pizza$5.19
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Sweet Rice$1.20
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Pork Sandwich$0.60
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.78
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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 Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Motorbike/ Car with Student : $19
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $25
- Private Saigon Street Food Tour On SCOOTER OR WALKING TOUR: $26
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $28
- Saigon Private Eleven-Tastings Food Tour by Scooter: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
Typical Food Prices in Paris
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
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Ice Cream$8.67
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Breakfast$7.58
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Breakfast for 2$32
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Dinner on River Cruise$93
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Dinner$62
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Cheese$14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
- Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $43
- Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $49
- Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $52
- Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $56
- Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $57
- Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
- No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $67
- 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $67
- Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
- Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour -Kids friendly-: $70
- Dinner with Customized Wine Selection: $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Paris $84
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$5.59
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- From Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne 3 Days Tour | 4 Star Beach Resort : $170
- Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $70
- Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
- Mekong Vespa Tour 5 hours: $92
- Mui Ne,Fairy Spring, Sand dunes, Fishing Village, Private Tour: $290
- Private Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour: $65
- Private Tour Water Puppet Show And Cruise Tour On Saigon River : $65
- Saigon Vegetarian Tour by Motorbike and Scooter: $39
- Small Group Tour to Cu Chi Tunnels and cruise Mekong Delta in a day: $48
- Vietnam Classic Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh with Cu Chi Tunnels: $18
- 'Cost-Saving' Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour: $65
- 'Cost-Saving' Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour: $54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Louvre Entry for Two$19
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Admission to Pantheon$5.42
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Catacombs (2)$25
Tours and Activities in Paris
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
- A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $207
- Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $48
- Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour: $56
- Napoleon Walking Tour From Empire to Exile : $38
- Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS: $22
- Paris Christmas Market Tour: $294
- Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $93
- Private Tour in Medieval Paris with Latin Quarter and Panthéon: $248
- Small Group Tour of An Artistic Odyssey at the Louvre : $146
- Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour: $74
- Île de la Cité – Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie Tour: $242
- Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter & Seine River Cruise: Private Tour: $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.98Paris $26
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$0.40
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
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Wine$15
Sample the Local Flavors in Paris
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
- Original Paris Pub Crawl : $16
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $20
- Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $21
- Paris Bar Crawl: $24
- Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
- Paris Pub Crawl: $25
- Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $31
- Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $38
- Paris Nation wine tasting: $42
- Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $49
- Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Paris is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ho Chi Minh City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Paris Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Paris?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Paris, 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.