Cost of living in Mandalay

Mandalay, a major city in Myanmar, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant local life. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mandalay, 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 $3 on average, with a range between $2 and $4.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $15, with prices ranging from $10 to $18.46.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.75 to $1, imported beer $1 to $1.5, cappuccino $1.2 to $1.5, and Coke/Pepsi $0.3 to $1.2.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $1.5 per liter, averaging $1.25.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $1.2, with an average price of $1.1.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.96 to $1.2, averaging $1.08.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.2 per kg, while oranges are priced at $1.3 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes and lettuce are priced at $1.3 per kg and $0.4 per head, respectively.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $0.8 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares cost $0.4 per km, with an hourly waiting charge of $4.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $200 to $312, averaging $256.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $210.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $300 to $520, averaging $410.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $350.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $12.5.
  • Internet - Internet services average $102.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 7 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$15.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.25
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.75
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.65
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.36
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.25
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.10
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.08
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.16
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.30
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.00
Apples (1kg)
$4.20
Oranges (1kg)
$1.30
Potato (1kg)
$1.30
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.40
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.51
Tomato (1kg)
$0.70
Banana (1kg)
$1.00
Onion (1kg)
$1.20
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.80
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.40
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$256.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$210.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$410.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$350.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$12.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$102.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$6.67
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$18.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$51.13
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$325.00
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$238.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$5,714.28
OverviewJob Market
Mandalay Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Mandalay offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, with affordable dining and housing options.

Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.

While utilities and internet costs are higher, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mandalay presents an affordable living environment with reasonable costs across various categories.

Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without excessive financial strain, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.

Mandalay

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Mandalay
All cities in Myanmar