Cost of living in Dhaka
Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a city known for its vibrant culture and rapid urbanization. Understanding the cost of living in Dhaka is crucial for both residents and newcomers, as it impacts daily life and financial planning.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Dhaka for 2024, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.09 on average, with a range between $1 and $4.18.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $12.54, with prices ranging from $7.52 to $20.9.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.18, with a range between $3.76 and $7.52.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.09 to $10.03, imported beer $2.93 to $10.03, cappuccino $0.84 to $3.34, and Coke/Pepsi $0.21 to $0.42.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.59 and $1 per liter, averaging $0.78.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.42 and $1.25, with an average price of $0.69.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1 to $1.59, averaging $1.31.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.67 to $3.34 per kg, while oranges range from $1.67 to $3.34 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.25 and $0.59 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.17 to $0.67 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.25 and $0.5, with a monthly pass priced between $8.36 and $41.81.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1 and $1.17 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.84, with a cost of $0.25 to $0.84 per km and $2.51 to $4.18 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $66.89 to $167.22, averaging $114.7.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $41.81 to $100.33, averaging $62.84.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $209.03 to $459.86, averaging $301.61.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $125.42 to $292.64, averaging $173.55.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $692.98 to $1439.96, averaging $989.82.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $404.99 to $836.11, averaging $514.82.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $16.72 and $58.84, averaging $29.72.
- Internet - Internet services range from $8.36 to $25.08, with an average cost of $13.34.
Cost of Living Rankings
Dhaka ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Bangladesh. The cost of living indices for Bangladesh are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Bangladesh, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Dhaka offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Housing is particularly affordable, with rental prices significantly lower than in many other capitals.
Transportation costs are minimal, especially for public transport, which is a cost-effective way to navigate the city.
Dining out is inexpensive, allowing residents to enjoy local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dhaka presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
While utilities and internet costs are reasonable, the overall cost of living remains low, making Dhaka an appealing choice for both locals and expatriates.
Potential residents should consider the city's vibrant culture and economic opportunities when evaluating their move to Dhaka.