Cost of Living in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh · Asia
$650
Monthly Cost
avg/person
24
Cost Index
NYC=100
20
Rent Index
NYC=100
40
Quality of Life
Below Average
38
Safety Index
Below Average
10.3M
Population
BDT
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $1.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $7 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.6 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.9 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $6 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $35 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $10 |
| Fitness Club/month | $12 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $250/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $140/mo |
| 3BR Center | $600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $330/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $550/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $300 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
View Cost of Living in Bangladesh
Cost of Living in Dhaka — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Dhaka, Bangladesh is approximately $650 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Dhaka has a cost index of 24, making it around 76% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Dhaka costs around $140/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $250/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $600/month. The rent index is 20 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Dhaka scores 40/100 on the quality of life index and 38/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 45/100. The climate index is 48/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Dhaka is approximately $300/month. With a purchasing power index of 28/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BDT, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Dhaka
The average monthly salary in Dhaka is approximately $300. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $650, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 28/100.
Healthcare Costs in Dhaka
Healthcare quality in Dhaka is rated 45/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Dhaka
Dhaka has a quality of life score of 40/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Dhaka
Students living in Dhaka should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Dhaka
Expats moving to Dhaka often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Dhaka, Bangladesh is approximately $650 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 24 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Dhaka
Living in Dhaka offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 24 and a quality of life score of 40/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $300 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Dhaka provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Bangladesh and around the world.
Key Facts About Dhaka
- Average Monthly Cost: $650
- Cost Index: 24
- Rent Index: 20
- Average Salary: $300
- Quality of Life: 40/100
- Safety Score: 38/100
- Country: Bangladesh
- Currency: BDT
Is Dhaka Expensive?
Dhaka has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Dhaka compare to other cities?
Dhaka is located in Asia with a population of approximately 10.3M. At a cost index of 24 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Dhaka stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dhaka?
The average cost of living in Dhaka, Bangladesh is approximately $650 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 24 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Dhaka?
Rent in Dhaka varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 20 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Dhaka alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Dhaka expensive to live in?
Dhaka has a cost index of 24 compared to New York City (100). At 24, Dhaka is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $650.
What is the quality of life in Dhaka?
Dhaka has a quality of life index of 40/100 and a safety index of 38/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Dhaka compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Dhaka with any city worldwide. Dhaka's cost index is 24 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Dhaka?
Many residents live comfortably in Dhaka with a monthly budget of around $650 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Dhaka good for expats?
Dhaka is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Dhaka?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $650 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Dhaka.
Is Dhaka cheaper than New York?
Yes, Dhaka has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Dhaka?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Dhaka.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Dhaka
Cheapest Ways to Live in Dhaka
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Dhaka typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $140/month compared to $250/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Is Dhaka Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 28/100 and a quality of life score of 40/100, Dhaka is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 24 relative to New York City, Dhaka remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Bangladesh has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Dhaka Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Dhaka", "Dhaka monthly expenses 2026", and "is Dhaka affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $650, a safety score of 38/100, and healthcare rated 45/100, Dhaka offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Bangladesh.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026