Cost of Living in Nepal: A Detailed Breakdown (2024)

Nepal offers one of Asia's lowest costs of living, though prices vary significantly between Kathmandu and rural areas. Here's a comprehensive guide to expenses for both locals and foreigners.

Monthly Living Costs Overview

Lifestyle Single Person Couple Family of 4
Budget $250-$400 $400-$600 $700-$1,000
Mid-Range $500-$800 $800-$1,200 $1,500-$2,500
Luxury $1,000+ $1,500+ $3,000+

Housing Costs

  • Rent (Monthly)
    • Kathmandu/Pokhara:
      • 1BR apartment (city center): $150-$300
      • 1BR apartment (outside center): $80-$150
      • 3BR family home: $300-$600
    • Smaller Cities (Chitwan, Bharatpur):
      • 1BR apartment: $50-$120
      • Village Houses: $30-$80 (basic amenities)
  • Utilities (Monthly)
    • Electricity: $10-$30 (frequent power cuts in winter)
    • Water: $5-$15 (tankered water costs extra)
    • Internet (50Mbps): $20-$40
    • Mobile Data (unlimited): $5-$10

Food Expenses

  • Groceries (Monthly)
    • Rice (1kg): $0.50-$1
    • Chicken (1kg): $3-$5
    • Eggs (dozen): $1.50
    • Milk (1L): $1
    • Local cheese (1kg): $4
    • Fruits (seasonal): $0.50-$2/kg
  • Eating Out
    • Local meal (dal bhat): $1-$3
    • Mid-range restaurant: $5-$10 per person
    • Coffee (café): $1-$3
    • Beer (local): $2-$4

Transportation

  • Taxi (short ride): $2-$5
  • Bus (city): $0.20-$0.50
  • Motorbike rental: $100-$200/month
  • Gasoline (1L): $1.20

Healthcare

  • Doctor visit: $5-$20
  • Dental cleaning: $15-$30
  • Health insurance: $30-$100/month (for expats)

Education

  • International schools: $2,000-$8,000/year
  • Local private schools: $500-$2,000/year
  • University (public): $500-$2,000/year

Visa Costs (For Foreigners)

  • Tourist visa: $30-$125 (depending on duration)
  • Residence permit: $1,000+/year (requirements vary)

Regional Cost Differences

  • Kathmandu Valley: Most expensive (especially Thamel, Boudha)
  • Pokhara: 15-20% cheaper than Kathmandu
  • Terai Cities (Chitwan, Birgunj): 30-50% cheaper
  • Rural Areas: Extremely low costs but limited amenities

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat local (dal bhat is nutritious and cheap)
  • Use public transport (tempos, microbuses)
  • Bargain politely (especially in markets)
  • Avoid imported goods (heavily taxed)
  • Learn basic Nepali (reduces "foreigner prices")