Cost of living in Dili

Dili, the capital city of Timor-Leste, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Dili is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you budget effectively and make informed decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5 on average, with a range between $5 and $10.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $40 to $60.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $7.5 and $8.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $2 to $5, imported beer $3 to $5, cappuccino $1.75 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi is consistently priced at $2.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $1 and $3 per liter, averaging $2.45.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $3, with an average price of $1.98.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2.4 to $3, averaging $2.7.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2 to $5 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $3 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1 and $2 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.5 to $1.5 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.25 and $5.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $1.64 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $2.5 to $7 per km and $15 to $20 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $500 to $1300, averaging $980.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $700 to $1000, averaging $875.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $4500, averaging $2320.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1200 to $2000, averaging $1550.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4000 to $5000, averaging $4500.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $4000.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $150, averaging $133.33.
InternetInternet services range from $30 to $150, with an average cost of $76.67.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 21 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$5.00

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$50.00

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$8.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.50

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.00

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.00

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56

Cappuccino (regular)

$3.75

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$2.45

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.98

Eggs (regular) (12)

$2.70

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.00

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.00

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$16.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.83

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$2.75

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.00

Apples (1kg)

$4.00

Oranges (1kg)

$2.63

Potato (1kg)

$1.33

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.17

Rice (white), (1kg)

$2.06

Tomato (1kg)

$2.25

Banana (1kg)

$1.83

Onion (1kg)

$2.00

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$16.00

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.25

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.52

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.00

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$4.00

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$17.50

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,166.67

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

5.37%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$375.00

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$11,000.00

Overview Job Market

Dili Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Dili offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other capital cities. Dining out is inexpensive, and local transportation is very affordable.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some imported goods costing more. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, though internet can be on the higher side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dili presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those who can adapt to local dining and transportation options.

While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more affordable alternatives. Overall, Dili is a viable option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life.