Cost of Living in Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu has a cost of living index of 25/100 (New York = 100). It is 75% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

25/100
Cost Index
$1,800/mo
Median Income
72/100
Safety Index
subtropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 18/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$290/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$145/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$580/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 12/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.8/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.1/kg
Dining OutScore: 13/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$3.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$15/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$6/meal
TransportationScore: 14/100
Monthly Transit Pass$28/month
One-Way Ticket$0.3/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.1/km
UtilitiesScore: 15/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$35/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$18/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$10/month
HealthcareScore: 16/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$25/visit
Dentist Visit$35/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 12/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$4/ticket
Theater Ticket$10/ticket
Museum Entry$5/ticket
FitnessScore: 13/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$18/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$7/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$2.5/entry
Personal CareScore: 14/100
Haircut (Men)$4/cut
Haircut (Women)$8/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$2.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 18/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$28/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$20/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$45/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

25 Mbps
Internet Speed
$120
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
60/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Thamel, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kathmandu cheap to live in?

Kathmandu has a cost of living index of 25/100, where New York = 100. It is 75% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $500–$700 per month.

How much does rent cost in Kathmandu?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Kathmandu costs approximately $290/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $145/month.

Is Kathmandu good for digital nomads?

Kathmandu has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 25 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $120/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Kathmandu?

The median net monthly salary in Kathmandu is approximately $1,800 USD. The income tax rate is around 20%.

How does Kathmandu compare to New York for cost of living?

Kathmandu (cost index 25) is 75% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,875/month by moving from New York to Kathmandu.

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