The International Schools Review Forum

I'm wondering about lifestyle and salary/housing allowance in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. What would be a decent salary/housing allowance there? How is the life with young children?

Thanks!

Lifestyle is easy. You can find housekeepers that will take care of your kids when needed...and it's cheap. That being said, HCMC is a crazy city and air quality isn't always great...although its better than many SE Asian cities. Some might choose not to take small children in this environment, I reckon. You will have to rely on taxis and the city is getting more and more congested with traffic. You can ride a motorbike too...but depends on your abilities. I know people that raised/are raising kids there. It's a very dynamic place. Fun expat community.

Depends on the school with salaries and allowances...but if you are making 50k+ with $800 housing allowance, you are living the life of luxury. $30k + $600 is very doable but not much left over after doing some travel. It all kinda depends on your wants/needs.

@tommypizza

I'm assuming before taxes correct?

@neoeagle

I am not sure how thrifty you are but I would say that those numbers ($30k + $600) should be after tax - especially with a family.

Taxes are high in Vietnam if you earn a Western-style salary - a $30k yearly salary puts you into the 30% (progressive) tax bracket, which would take a good chunk out of your monthly pay. I'd estimate you would take home around $2000/month or less on a $30k gross salary. More info here: https://www.gbs.com.vn/index.php/en/faq ... income-tax

PIT rates

Taxable Income per year (VND) Tax rate

VND 0 - 60,000,000 5%
VND 60,000,000 - 120,000,000 10%
VND 120,000,000 - 216,000,000 15%
VND 216,000,000 - 384,000,000 20%
VND 384,000,000 - 624,000,000 25%
VND 624,000,000 - 960,000,000 30%
Above VND 960,000,000 35%

Could you do it on that much? Of course, Vietnam has a very low cost-of-living - but you would be living more like a local and not like an expat. It all depends on your personal preferences/budget.

my school paid the taxes...

yes...my figures were before taxes...straight salary

@santacruzin1

Got it, thank you! Very informative!

@tommypizza

Damn, you mean they filed/helped you with the taxes, or the base salary + perks were laid out as the net sum you would get and they dealt with the taxes? I saw one of the upper tier schools in HCMC offering some sort of shared tax burden, but I still think they were asking the employee to pay for some. Good on you though!

And that makes sense regarding gross income, 50K plus housing in Vietnam is a very comfortable package! If you are still there I hope you are enjoying Tet!