Cost of living in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a vibrant hub of culture and history. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or travel to this bustling city.
The cost of living in Kathmandu can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and personal preferences. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect to encounter.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.55 on average, with a range between $1.11 and $3.7.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $19.99, with prices ranging from $12.58 to $37.01.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.66, with a range between $5.18 and $7.4.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.48 to $3.7, imported beer $2.22 to $5.92, cappuccino $0.93 to $2.96, and Coke/Pepsi $0.37 to $0.74.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $0.96 per liter, averaging $0.84.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.37 and $0.96, with an average price of $0.56.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.24 to $2.22, averaging $1.66.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.41 to $2.96 per kg, while oranges range from $0.74 to $2.15 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.3 and $0.74 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.19 to $0.96 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.19 and $0.37, with a monthly pass priced between $7.03 and $22.21.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.26 and $1.33 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.48, with a cost of $0.74 to $1.85 per km and $2.22 to $7.4 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $111.04 to $370.12, averaging $189.34.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $66.62 to $185.06, averaging $101.12.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $185.06 to $592.19, averaging $303.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $133.24 to $370.12, averaging $193.56.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1593.57 to $3701.19, averaging $2323.63.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1006.72 to $1480.48, averaging $1197.27.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $14.8 and $74.02, averaging $32.67.
- Internet - Internet services range from $6.66 to $18.51, with an average cost of $10.34.
Cost of Living Rankings
Kathmandu ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Nepal. The cost of living indices for Nepal 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 Nepal, 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"
Kathmandu offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western cities, making it an attractive option for expatriates and travelers.
Housing is particularly affordable, especially outside the city centre, where rent prices are significantly lower.
Dining out is inexpensive, with a wide range of options from street food to mid-range restaurants.
Transportation costs are minimal, with affordable public transport and taxi services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kathmandu provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
While some imported goods and services may be priced higher, the overall cost of living remains low, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.