Are you considering a move to Dhaka, Bangladesh, and wondering about the cost of living? Dhaka is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Dhaka and help you understand whether $813 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $271.18.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
1.81 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
9.05 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
4.53 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
-- |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.07 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.32 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.16 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.85 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.72 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.69 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.35 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.7 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
3.43 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
7.26 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.66 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.05 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.45 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.75 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.58 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.28 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
-- |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
-- |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.9 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.45 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
22.04 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.36 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.45 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
2.72 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.19 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
29412.85 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
29659.67 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
31.69 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
15.83 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
18.63 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
13.4 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
4.53 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
60.33 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
1429.92 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
17.58 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
20.63 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
48.17 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
37.54 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
132.99 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
74.95 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
359.86 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
191.03 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1136.88 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
575.87 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
271.18 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
9.75 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Dhaka come to a total of approximately $813. This includes an average monthly rent of around $132 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $39 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $378 per month.
Living in Dhaka appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $271.18. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Dhaka, you would likely need an income exceeding $271.18.
In Dhaka, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $271.18, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Dhaka is approximately $132. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $74.95 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Dhaka can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $311 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Bangladesh can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Bangladesh.
Dhaka is not the safest city to visit. However, it does have an extremely high rate of both petty and violent crime, though it's mainly ridden with petty street crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precautions measures to minimize the risk of getting hurt.
Public transport is also risky. If you're traveling in rickshaws, CNGs or taxis, especially at night, you may be particularly vulnerable to being attacked and robbed at gunpoint. Avoid public transportation when traveling alone.
Since Bangladesh is a very poor country, it is no surprise that pickpockets are extremely active in Dhaka. They are an everyday occurrence, so you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket.
Even though Bangladesh is susceptible to many natural disasters, Dhaka isn't too risky, when it comes to that. Tremors and earthquakes, usually minor ones, occur from time to time here.
Violent crime is also a common occurrence in Dhaka and you have to be very careful. Armed robbery is the second most common crime in Bangladesh so do everything you can do keep your valuables low profile.
There is a high probability of terrorists trying to carry out attacks in Bangladesh. The last terrorist attack occurred in March 2017 and it targeted security forces and there is a risk that future attacks could also occur in public places where public gatherings take place. Places where foreigners are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack, so be vigilant at all times.
Scams are an everyday occurrence in this city. As in most countries ridden with poverty, there are several scams performed on tourists, and it is no wonder that the locals use every situation to try and get money from you. Double-check everything, and negotiate everything in advance.
Though many women have visited Dhaka and encountered no problems at all, going to Dhaka alone has its risks. If you do, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.
Many countries do need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Bangladesh. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Bangladesh embassy.
Bangladeshi taka is the official currency in Dhaka. Dhaka is an extremely cheap place but, the city primarily operates on cash.
The climate in Dhaka is a subtropical monsoon climate that, depending on the season, varies in rainfall, high temperatures, and humidity. It has three distinct seasons: a hot, humid summer that lasts from March to June; a cool, rainy monsoon season from June to October, and a cool and dry winter from October to March.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, formerly known as Zia International Airport, is the largest airport serving Dhaka, and in the entire country of Bangladesh. It is located in Kurmitola in northern Dhaka.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Dhaka, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 76°F | 82°F | 89°F | 92°F | 92°F | 90°F | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 88°F | 84°F | 78°F |
| Temp | 65°F | 71°F | 80°F | 84°F | 85°F | 85°F | 84°F | 84°F | 84°F | 81°F | 75°F | 68°F |
| Low | 57°F | 62°F | 71°F | 76°F | 78°F | 80°F | 80°F | 81°F | 80°F | 76°F | 67°F | 60°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 24°C | 27°C | 31°C | 33°C | 33°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 28°C | 25°C |
| Temp | 18°C | 21°C | 26°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 23°C | 20°C |
| Low | 13°C | 16°C | 21°C | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 26°C | 24°C | 19°C | 15°C |