Mr. Hau’s Life as a Worker in Hanoi
Mr. Hau currently resides in Hau Duong village, Thien Loc commune (Hanoi City), where he rents a small room. For over 20 years, he has worked as a laborer far from home, accustomed to a frugal lifestyle. However, in recent years, managing expenses has become increasingly challenging as his income is stretched thin across numerous essential costs.
Monthly Income and Financial Strain
With a monthly salary of around 16 million VND, Mr. Hau faces various obligatory expenditures, including rent, living expenses, children’s education, and remittances to support his family back home. After paying off fixed costs, the amount left for savings is minimal. Mr. Hau lamented, “The salary seems adequate, but it disappears quickly due to countless expenses, leaving little to save.”
Living Conditions and Challenges
In his cramped room, every item is carefully organized to maximize space. Mr. Hau reflects on the difficult reality of workers living away from home, indicating that the burdens of hard work are compounded by ongoing financial pressures. An unexpected expense can throw off his meticulously crafted monthly budget.
The Shared Struggles of Industrial Workers
Mr. Hau’s experience is not unique; the struggle to make ends meet is a shared reality for many workers in industrial parks around Hanoi. Ms. Ha Thi Huyen, a worker at Thang Long Industrial Park, has faced similar challenges over nearly four years of employment. Despite both she and her husband working, their income must cover multiple obligations, from rent to supporting their young children and elderly parents back home.
Balancing Expenses
“Each month, my husband and I send nearly 8 million VND back home. Our rent is 1.4 million VND, excluding utilities and other necessities. After covering all expenses, little remains,” Ms. Huyen shared. The couple prioritizes sending money home, leaving them with limited discretionary income to manage their own needs.
Statistics on Worker Income
A survey conducted by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor indicated that the average income for workers in 2025 reached 8.4 million VND/month, with enterprise workers averaging about 9.76 million VND/month. However, for out-of-province workers, non-salary expenses such as rent, commuting, and family support significantly diminish their actual disposable income.
Strategic Spending Plans
In light of these challenges, many workers find it essential to create detailed spending plans on a weekly or even daily basis. They must calculate in advance how much to allocate for rent, food, and remittances. An unexpected cost can necessitate adjustments across all expense categories, making financial planning a tenuous balancing act.
Long-Term Dreams and Future Aspirations
This financial strain often hampers workers’ ability to save effectively, even after years of labor. Aspirations like homeownership, securing a stable future, or preparing for health emergencies remain distant dreams for many. It highlights the critical need for addressing worker compensation and living conditions to ensure financial security for those toiling away from home.
