A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Rome?

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 Rome can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful, busy, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient 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 to Rome because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rome travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Rome?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rome than Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is larger than Rome, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its music and impressive beauty, while Ho Chi Minh City attracts visitors for its theatre productions. Rome is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome 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 Rome?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Rome 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 Rome that are not to be missed. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Rome is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Rome is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Rome both to be amazing 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, Rome is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

The vibe at night is amazing in both Ho Chi Minh City and Rome.

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 Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome Better for Music?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Rome is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Rome?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Rome both offer plenty of amazing 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.

Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome More Beautiful?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Rome is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Rome because of it's amazing beauty. With its many beautiful landmarks and impressive architecture, this city has a lot of attractive places to visit. Don't miss Villa Borghese Park, Trastevere, Palazzo Madama, the Appian Way, and Piazza Navona.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Rome are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Ho Chi Minh City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Rome are amazing 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.

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rome Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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 Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Rome 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 Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City
Rome

Rome is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Ho Chi Minh City?

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Rome?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Rome. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ho Chi Minh City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rome than Ho Chi Minh City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.


  • How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ho Chi Minh City 3-4 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Rome?

Ho Chi Minh City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the popular big city of Rome. 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 Rome?

Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the fun-filled city of Rome. 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 Rome?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant big city of Ho Chi Minh City. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome 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 Rome?

The busy city of Ho Chi Minh City offers museums and theater. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Rome 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 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome or Ho Chi Minh City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ho Chi Minh City Prices
    Vietnam Prices
    Rome Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ho Chi Minh City $91
    Rome $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $91, while the average daily cost in Rome is $214. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $49
    Rome $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $98
    Rome $186
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Rome? 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.

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City


Hotels in Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $15
    Rome $22
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:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.40
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.97
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer (From Airport - Ho Chi Minh City (Private 16 Seats Car): $70
  • Airport Transfer (From Hotels in Ho Chi Minh to Airport) Private 4 Seats Car: $38
  • Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 4 Seats Car: $35
  • Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 7 Seats Car: $41
  • Airport Transfer: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) ⇄ Ho Chi Minh: $16
  • Airport Transfers From Airport to Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 7 seat Car: $46
  • Airport transfer Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat Airport to Mui Ne: $28
  • CONVENIENT AIRPORT TRANSFER by PRIVATE CAR or SCOOTERS | KissTour: $28
  • Cam Ranh Riviera to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • Can Tho: Bus transfer directly to/from Saigon City: $9.92
  • Duyen Ha Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • Golden Bridge Trip with guide, lunch &Transfer from Chan May Port: $199

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.09
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $47
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Sorrento to Rome 1-Way Private Transfer: $640
  • From Private Transfer to Naples or Vice Versa: $568
  • Transfer from Sorrento to Rome area & Guided Pompeii: $419
  • Private Transfer: from Amalfi to Rome: $357
  • Sorrento: Private Transfer to Rome City or Airport: $348
  • Civitavecchia(Rome's cruise port):Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino(FCO)airport: $296
  • Rome Airport (FCO or CIA) Departure Transfer from Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $296
  • Private Transfer from Civitavecchia Cruise Port to Rome: $296
  • Rome Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $295
  • Civitavecchia to Rome and back - Private Roundtrip Transfer: $295
  • Civitavecchia Port Private Transfer - To or From Rome: $295
  • The Best Transfer from Praiano to Rome area: $292

Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $25
    Rome $87
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Street Food Dinner (for Two)
    $4.27
  • Pizza
    $5.18
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.20
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.60
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.77
  • 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: $3.29
  • 1 hour Egg Coffee Cooking Class with Snack and Local Instructor : $13
  • HCM:Mekong Delta 4 Islands Boat Tuk Tuk Try KhotCake Cooking: $15
  • Ho Chi Minh city Walking Chinatown / HCM city walking food tour: $16
  • Midnight Street Food Tour In Saigon By Motorbike: $16
  • Saigon: City Day Sights & Local Food Tour|Opt: Ao Dai Riders: $24
  • HO CHI MINH Street Food Tour and Vietnamese Coffee: $25
  • Top Niche Walking Street Food Tour with Uni Student: $25
  • Saigon: Night Sights & Local Food Tour w Ao Dai Rider Option: $25
  • Private Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Scooter or Walking : $26
  • Saigon Food Tour & Highlight Hidden Gems on Scooter: $28
  • Saigon Private/Small Group Eleven-Tastings Food Tour by Scooter: $28

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.13
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.19
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.77
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $33
  • Cheese and bread
    $10
  • Espresso
    $2.09
  • Dinner
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Pizza Making Class with wine & Tiramisu: $30
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $31
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $31
  • Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $31
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $31
  • Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati: $31
  • Trastevere or Jewish Quarter Street Food Tour: $35
  • Roman Dinner after History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $36
  • Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $37
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $20
    Rome $38
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:


  • Massage
    $5.58

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Chinatown Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $0.55
  • Ho Chi Minh City Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $0.55
  • Explore Mekong Delta Tour With Local Guide: $0.82
  • Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers: $1.86
  • Walking Tour with Local Guide: $3.29
  • Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour: $4.07
  • Sightseeing Tour in Dalat Vietnam with Coffee: $4.46
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Vistra: $5.00
  • Ho Chi Minh City Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour by Vistra: $5.00
  • Saigon: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $7.00
  • Saigon: City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour: $7.00
  • Panoramic City Bus Tour: $7.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $72
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $35
  • Roma Pass
    $31
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $21
  • Segway Tour
    $78

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colosseum Arena Floor with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $80
  • Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $156
  • Doria Pamphilj Gallery Entry Ticket : $32
  • Exclusive Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Up to 6 people: $167
  • Express Highlights of Rome Tour in a Golf Cart: $53
  • Golf Cart Small-Group Guided Tour: Rome City Highlights: $104
  • Golf Cart Tour of 3h with local guide and gelato: $189
  • Golf Cart Tours Rome: $295
  • Kids and Families Fun & Educational Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour: $283
  • Official Rome Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $25
  • Palatine Hill and Colosseum Tour in Rome: $104
  • Pantheon Roma Skip-the-Line Tickets : $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $7.97
    Rome $19
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:


  • Beer
    $0.40

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $6.80
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.63
  • Beer
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $20
  • Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Experience in Rome: $27
  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $30
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $31
  • Cabaret and Burlesque Show Entry Ticket: $31
  • Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $40
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $51
  • Trastevere Wine Tasting with Food Pairing and Gelato: $51
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $53
  • Agricultural Brewery Tour in the Roman Countryside: $53
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $58
  • EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $63


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Rome?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Rome, 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.