Ho Chi Minh Cityis 38% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (56/10) vs Phnom Penh "Good Deal" (55/10). Dorms avg $12/night vs $8/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★20 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $38/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $25/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $1.85, dorms avg $12
★★★★★Coffee $2.92, dorms avg $8
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $1.14, 20 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.50, 15 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City | 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $12 cheaper | $20 | $8/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $27 cheaper | $41 | $14/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $51 cheaper | $77 | $26/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City | 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $1.90 62% less | $5 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $11.30 43% less | $20 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.14 24% less | $1.50 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.85 37% less | $2.92 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.27 33% less | $0.40 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇻🇳56
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $12/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelThe Common Room Project (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$12/night
Total hostels20
🇰🇭55
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Very affordable dorms (avg $8/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelVilla Martial Arts Gym And Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$8/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
City to City
Getting Between Ho Chi Minh City & Phnom Penh
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City
🌧 Rainfall: 36mm/month
Best months: Jan, Dec
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City
1. Bia Tưởng Niệm Trận Đánh Tòa Đại Sứ MỹFree
2. Bia ghi công Mặt trận Cầu KiệuFree
3. Bảo Tàng TMAFree
4. HCMC Youth MuseumFree
5. Museum of GeologyFree
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Ho Chi Minh City vs Phnom Penh?+
Do I need a visa for Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh?+
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