Rio de Janeiro vs Kathmandu

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rio de Janeiro is roughly 3% more affordable than Kathmandu (index 17 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rio de Janeiro
More affordable overall
3% cheaper than Kathmandu · Cost index: 17 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

17Cost Index18
762Median Income /mo217
45Safety Index63
27.5Income Tax %5
65Internet (Mbps)71
350Coworking /mo175

Price Breakdown

Rio de JaneiroCategoryKathmandu
$680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
56% ← cheaper
$300/month
$1.13/liter
Meal for One
42% ← cheaper
$0.65/liter
$7.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
72% ← cheaper
$2/meal
$39/month
Monthly Transit Pass
49% ← cheaper
$20/month
$72/month
Utilities (Monthly)
58% ← cheaper
$30/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Rio de Janeiro

Internet65 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Kathmandu

Internet71 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro cheaper than Kathmandu?

Rio de Janeiro is cheaper than Kathmandu. Rio de Janeiro has a cost of living index of 17/100 compared to 18/100 for Kathmandu (New York = 100), making it roughly 3% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rio de Janeiro than Kathmandu?

Rio de Janeiro is approximately 3% cheaper than Kathmandu based on cost index scores (17 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Kathmandu could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,906/month in Rio de Janeiro.

What is the rent comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Kathmandu?

In Rio de Janeiro, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $680/month. In Kathmandu, the equivalent is around $300/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Rio de Janeiro or Kathmandu?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Rio de Janeiro offers 65 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Kathmandu offers 71 Mbps and coworking at ~$175/month. Rio de Janeiro has a cost advantage of 3%.

What is the average income in Rio de Janeiro vs Kathmandu?

The median net monthly salary in Rio de Janeiro is approximately $762 USD, compared to $217 USD in Kathmandu.

Compare Rio de Janeiro with…

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