The SCOLI measures price differences for essential consumer goods and services across localities at the same point in time, typically on an annual basis.

At the regional level, the Red River Delta continued to record the highest cost of living nationwide, followed by the Southeastẻn region. Using the Red River Delta as the baseline (SCOLI = 100), the Southeastẻn region posted an index of 98.88%, while the Northern Midlands and Mountainous region reached 98.63%. The Central Highlands and Central Coastal region stood at 96.59%, the North Central region at 96.11%, and the Mekong Delta recorded the lowest level at 95.11%.

The gap between the highest- and lowest-cost regions was relatively small at 4.89 percentage points, indicating limited variation in living costs nationwide.

According to the statistics agency, the Red River Delta’s high cost of living is driven by its role as a key economic hub in northern Vietnam and the country’s political and administrative centre, anchored by Hanoi. The region benefits from strong connectivity, relatively well-developed infrastructure, high population density and rapid urbanization, all of which contribute to elevated price levels.

Consumer spending patterns in the region also lean heavily toward services such as housing, health care, education and dining out. Rising real estate prices in Hanoi and other major urban centres, amid limited land supply and strong demand, have pushed up rental and living costs. The concentration of high-quality healthcare and education services has further driven up the SCOLI index.

Higher input costs, including rent, labour and services in major cities, have also increased production and business expenses, contributing to higher consumer prices.

At the provincial level, Hanoi ranked as the most expensive locality nationwide in 2025. Quang Ninh followed with a SCOLI of 98.56%, Hai Phong (98.43%), Ho Chi Minh City (97.96%) and Da Nang (97.89%).

At the other end of the spectrum, Vinh Long recorded the lowest cost of living, with a SCOLI of 91.47% compared to Hanoi. Prices for different categories of goods in the province ranged from 75.7% to 114.99% of those in the capital. Gia Lai and Ca Mau were among the next lowest-ranking localities, with SCOLI levels of 92.62% and 92.97%, respectively.

The statistics agency noted that overall price differences across regions and localities remain modest. Higher living costs are concentrated in major economic centres with rapid urbanisation and strong consumer demand, while areas with abundant food supply and lower living expenses continue to maintain lower price levels.

The development of distribution systems, logistics and especially e-commerce has helped improve market transparency, increase competition and narrow price gaps between regions.

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