Only high-earning workers can afford to live in HCMC

A reader nicknamed donggoran shared: "It’s getting harder to find well-paying jobs in the city, so people are moving to other provinces like Binh Duong and Dong Nai (bordering HCMC). Back in my hometown in Binh Dinh, I see many young people relocating there."

He continued: "HCMC now only attracts high-quality workers who earn over VND20 million (US$800) per month and have opportunities for advancement. Factory jobs that require overtime but pay around VND10 million (US$394) per month don't appeal to people, as rent alone already costs VND1.5–2 million (US$59–79) monthly, not to mention problems such as health issues from yourself or your parents. You work hard but might have no savings at the end of the year.

"If you’ve worked in HCMC for a decade and your finances aren’t stable, it’s better to settle back in your hometown. I’ve lived in HCMC for nearly 15 years. I managed to buy a house and rent out a room but still struggled financially to raise my two kids. Each Tet, despite spending carefully, our family spent VND50 million (US$1,972) traveling back to our hometowns to visit relatives. People in the countryside seem to live more stable, fulfilling lives. Honestly, the quality of life in rural Binh Dinh is better than in HCMC for a couuple earning VND20 million a month with children."

Shifting employment trends

The 2023 Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI), which measures citizen experiences, found that job hunting (35.1%) and family reunification (35.4%) were the main reasons people moved to HCMC. However, the city lags behind other areas in public services, quality of life, and natural environment compared to places like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Can Tho.

Reader dangki.vcu highlighted a changing dynamics: "In the past, shoe and garment factories in HCMC, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai employed many manual laborers. But now, factories have opened in most provinces, even remote ones, so workers no longer need to move to cities. Even though wages are higher in cities, the difference is not enough to cover living and education costs for children.

"In my hometown, we no longer encourage dropouts to go to HCMC and its neighboring industrial hubs. Instead, we advise them to build a life locally or seek higher-paying jobs abroad."

Adapting to a new labor market

Beyond income, younger generations’ shifting career priorities are also driving people away from the city.

Reader ketoan.tri9x noted: "In places like Hanoi or HCMC, housing prices are too high, and affordable social housing isn’t available. Rent takes up nearly all of a person’s income. If you earn VND10 million (US$394) and spend VND2 million (US$79) on rent, that’s already 20% of your earnings for a basic room far from the city center.

"Most people now choose alternatives like: Working abroad to benefit from higher wages while gaining language skills; Doing remote work with companies that allow work-from-home options; Staying in their hometowns, where jobs are now more available, although salaries are still low."

Reader sanlin0405 observed: "This trend is both a challenge and an opportunity for HCMC to transition its growth model. Low-skilled industries should move to more rural provinces, making room for higher-expertise industries. These sectors will generate added value, ensuring stable livelihoods and creating a foundation for sustainable development. Neither businesses nor the city can support low-skilled workers long-term due to limited resources and the need to stay competitive."