Cost of Living in Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal · Asia
$600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
22
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
48
Quality of Life
Below Average
55
Safety Index
Moderate
1.4M
Population
NPR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.6 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $7 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.25 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $30 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $12 |
| Fitness Club/month | $15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $220/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $130/mo |
| 3BR Center | $520/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $300/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $550/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $280 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 11% |
Cost of Living in Kathmandu — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kathmandu, Nepal is approximately $600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kathmandu has a cost index of 22, making it around 78% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Kathmandu costs around $130/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $220/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $520/month. The rent index is 18 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kathmandu scores 48/100 on the quality of life index and 55/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 48/100. The climate index is 65/100. 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 Kathmandu is approximately $280/month. With a purchasing power index of 30/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is NPR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Kathmandu
The average monthly salary in Kathmandu is approximately $280. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 30/100.
Healthcare Costs in Kathmandu
Healthcare quality in Kathmandu is rated 48/100. 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 Kathmandu
Kathmandu has a quality of life score of 48/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Kathmandu
Students living in Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu
Expats moving to Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu, Nepal is approximately $600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 22 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Kathmandu
Living in Kathmandu offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 22 and a quality of life score of 48/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $280 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Kathmandu provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Nepal and around the world.
Key Facts About Kathmandu
- Average Monthly Cost: $600
- Cost Index: 22
- Rent Index: 18
- Average Salary: $280
- Quality of Life: 48/100
- Safety Score: 55/100
- Country: Nepal
- Currency: NPR
Is Kathmandu Expensive?
Kathmandu has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Kathmandu compare to other cities?
Kathmandu is located in Asia with a population of approximately 1.4M. At a cost index of 22 (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 Kathmandu stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kathmandu?
The average cost of living in Kathmandu, Nepal is approximately $600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 22 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Kathmandu?
Rent in Kathmandu varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 18 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Kathmandu alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Kathmandu expensive to live in?
Kathmandu has a cost index of 22 compared to New York City (100). At 22, Kathmandu is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $600.
What is the quality of life in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has a quality of life index of 48/100 and a safety index of 55/100. 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 Kathmandu compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Kathmandu with any city worldwide. Kathmandu's cost index is 22 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Kathmandu?
Many residents live comfortably in Kathmandu with a monthly budget of around $600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Kathmandu good for expats?
Kathmandu is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Kathmandu?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Kathmandu.
Is Kathmandu cheaper than New York?
Yes, Kathmandu has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Kathmandu?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Kathmandu.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Kathmandu
Cheapest Ways to Live in Kathmandu
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Kathmandu typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $130/month compared to $220/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 Kathmandu, Nepal.
Is Kathmandu Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 30/100 and a quality of life score of 48/100, Kathmandu is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 22 relative to New York City, Kathmandu remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Nepal has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Kathmandu Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Kathmandu", "Kathmandu monthly expenses 2026", and "is Kathmandu affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $600, a safety score of 55/100, and healthcare rated 48/100, Kathmandu offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Nepal.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Last reviewed: 7/15/2026