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Cost of living in Punakha

Punakha, a picturesque city in Bhutan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.96 on average, with a range between $2.61 and $4.15.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $17.77, with prices ranging from $9.47 to $59.22.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $2.96, with a range between $2.96 and $3.55.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $2.96 to $10, imported beer $1.78 to $2.37, cappuccino $1.18 to $2.96, and Coke/Pepsi $0.3 to $0.95.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $0.59 and $0.95 per liter, averaging $0.83.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.24 and $1.78, with an average price of $0.53.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.09 to $3.13, averaging $1.71.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $1.18 to $5.33 per kg, while oranges range from $1.07 to $2.96 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.36 and $1.18 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.24 to $0.59 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.37.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.88 and $1.42 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.95, with a cost of $1.18 to $2.96 per km and $0.18 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $106.59.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $94.75.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $59.22 to $153.97, averaging $106.59.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $136.2.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3553.09.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $3316.22.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $11.84 and $31.61, averaging $21.73.
  • InternetInternet services range from $17.77 to $32.57, with an average cost of $17.77.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.96
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$17.77
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$2.96
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.48
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.37
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.56
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.19
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.54
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.83
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.53
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.71
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.38
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.33
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$3.26
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.72
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.02
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.55
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.14
Apples (1kg)
$2.37
Oranges (1kg)
$1.82
Potato (1kg)
$0.51
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.30
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.65
Tomato (1kg)
$0.82
Banana (1kg)
$1.45
Onion (1kg)
$0.57
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$3.55
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.37
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$21,318.53
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.95
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.78
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.18
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$26,055.98
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$106.59
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$94.75
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$106.59
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$136.20
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$21.73
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$17.77
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$35.22
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.55
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$26.65
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$11.84
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$56.26
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$41.45
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$3,553.09
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$3,316.22
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$272.40
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
9.6%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$247.24
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$681.01
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