Cost Of Living in Bangladesh 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Bangladesh

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bangladesh

Whether you're living in Bangladesh or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BDT
2,000 26,000 260,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $240 $2,400

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: BDT
2,600 18,000 120,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $170 $1,100

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: BDT
10,000 30,000 160,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$93 $280 $1,500

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: BDT
14,000 41,000 260,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $370 $2,400

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: BDT
2,000 14,000 91,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $120 $820
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bangladesh is 18,000 BDT. Expenses can range from 2,600 BDT at the minimum level to 120,000 BDT at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Bangladesh is 30,000 BDT. Expenditure can range from 10,000 BDT to 160,000 BDT per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Bangladesh is 41,000 BDT per month. Families spend anywhere from 14,000 BDT to 260,000 BDT.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bangladesh is 14,000 BDT. Students spend from 2,000 BDT to 91,000 BDT per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Bangladesh


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Bangladesh

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

26 BDT 52 BDT 87 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.48 $0.79

Restaurant meal for one

87 BDT 130 BDT 260 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.2 $2.4

Fine dining meal for one

170 BDT 260 BDT 1,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $9.5

Cappuccino or latte

22 BDT 35 BDT 52 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.32 $0.48

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

17 BDT 21 BDT 26 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.19 $0.24

12 eggs

13 BDT 17 BDT 26 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.16 $0.24

Fresh whole chicken

30 BDT 38 BDT 54 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.35 $0.50

Pack of beef

35 BDT 52 BDT 100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.48 $0.95

Medium bag of rice

14 BDT 19 BDT 27 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.17 $0.25

Bag of tomatos

5.2 BDT 7 BDT 13 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.06 $0.12

Bag of apples

9.3 BDT 12 BDT 20 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.18
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Bangladesh

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

22 BDT 26 BDT 52 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.24 $0.48

Average car full tank

130 BDT 170 BDT 350 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $3.2

Average car 1-day rental

130 BDT 170 BDT 260 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.4

Average car price

65,000 BDT 130,000 BDT 170,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $1,200 $1,600

Bus ticket one way

4.4 BDT 6.5 BDT 13 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.04 $0.06 $0.12

Car Service

170 BDT 260 BDT 520 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $4.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Bangladesh

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

150 BDT 1,100 BDT 7,300 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $10 $67

Utility Bill - Couple

410 BDT 1,400 BDT 8,900 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $12 $81

Utility Bill - Family

710 BDT 2,000 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $19 $120

Internet and cable

130 BDT 260 BDT 350 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.4 $3.2

Mobile phone charges

100 BDT 170 BDT 520 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.95 $1.6 $4.8

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

65 BDT 87 BDT 130 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.79 $1.2

One month gym membership

210 BDT 260 BDT 520 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.4 $4.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Bangladesh

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

150 BDT 220 BDT 330 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2 $3

Woman dress

150 BDT 200 BDT 650 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.8 $5.9

Woman shoes

140 BDT 190 BDT 440 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $4

Men's shoes

120 BDT 150 BDT 290 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $2.6

Men suit

130 BDT 160 BDT 870 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $7.9

Regular t-shirt

65 BDT 87 BDT 260 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.79 $2.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Bangladesh

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

2,200 BDT 3,300 BDT 8,700 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $79

1-bedroom apartment

3,300 BDT 5,200 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120

2-bedroom apartment

4,400 BDT 6,500 BDT 17,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $59 $160

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

440,000 BDT 650,000 BDT 1.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $5,900 $12,000

1-bedroom apartment

520,000 BDT 870,000 BDT 3.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $7,900 $30,000

2-bedroom apartment

870,000 BDT 2.6M BDT 5.2M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,900 $24,000 $48,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Bangladesh

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

2,600 BDT 3,300 BDT 4,400 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $30 $40

Double Bed

1,700 BDT 2,600 BDT 3,300 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $30

Single Bed

1,500 BDT 2,000 BDT 2,600 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $24

Living Room

2,900 BDT 3,700 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $34 $120

Dining Table

1,300 BDT 1,700 BDT 3,300 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $30

Sofa or Couch

1,700 BDT 2,400 BDT 5,200 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $48
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Bangladesh

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

1,700 BDT 2,600 BDT 5,200 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $48

Fridge or Freezer

1,500 BDT 2,400 BDT 3,300 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $22 $30

Washing Machine

2,000 BDT 2,900 BDT 5,200 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $26 $48

Stove or Cooker

1,900 BDT 2,400 BDT 3,300 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $22 $30

Mobile Phone

2,200 BDT 2,600 BDT 3,700 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $24 $34

Laptop or Computer

2,400 BDT 2,900 BDT 5,200 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $26 $48

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bangladesh

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Bangladesh

Spending to Income Ratio

87%

81% to 96%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%8%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%21%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bangladesh is 87% This means that on average, people spend around 87% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
86%

Couple
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
91%

Family
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Bangladesh

How do people spend their money in Bangladesh?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)

LOW$5.6   610 BDT
AVERAGE$72   7,900 BDT
HIGH$720   79,000 BDT
Per Month

People living in Bangladesh typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 7,900 BDT with expenditure ranging from 610 BDT to 79,000 BDT. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.93   100 BDT
AVERAGE$12   1,300 BDT
HIGH$120   13,000 BDT
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bangladesh ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,300 BDT with 100 BDT and 13,000 BDT being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$1.9   200 BDT
AVERAGE$24   2,600 BDT
HIGH$240   26,000 BDT
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 200 BDT to 26,000 BDT on commuting with 2,600 BDT being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$4.6   510 BDT
AVERAGE$60   6,600 BDT
HIGH$600   66,000 BDT
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bangladesh is 6,600 BDT. The cost of groceries can range between 510 BDT to 66,000 BDT. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$1.3   140 BDT
AVERAGE$17   1,800 BDT
HIGH$170   18,000 BDT
Per Month

People in Bangladesh allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 140 BDT to 18,000 BDT with 1,800 BDT being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.74   81 BDT
AVERAGE$9.6   1,100 BDT
HIGH$96   11,000 BDT
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 81 BDT to 11,000 BDT with 1,100 BDT being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$1.1   120 BDT
AVERAGE$14   1,600 BDT
HIGH$140   16,000 BDT
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,600 BDT per month with 120 BDT being the minimum spent amount and 16,000 BDT being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$2.4   260 BDT
AVERAGE$31   3,400 BDT
HIGH$310   34,000 BDT
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Bangladesh

How much money can you save in Bangladesh every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Bangladesh manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
53%
Not Saving
47%

Almost 53% of the surveyed people in Bangladesh said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 47% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bangladesh

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles55%45%
Couples50%50%
Families45%55%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Bangladesh

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 15% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

580 BDT
$5.3
7,600 BDT
$69
76,000 BDT
$690
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 8% to 28% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 7,600 BDT on average with savings ranging from 580 BDT to 76,000 BDT.

55% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 50% of couples said the same. 45% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Bangladesh?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

580 BDT
$5.3
5,200 BDT
$48
35,000 BDT
$320
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 11% to 30% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 5,200 BDT with 580 BDT and 35,000 BDT being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,900 BDT
$26
8,700 BDT
$79
46,000 BDT
$420
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 9% to 29% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 8,700 BDT with 2,900 BDT and 46,000 BDT being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 14% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,100 BDT
$37
12,000 BDT
$110
76,000 BDT
$690
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%40%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%4%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Bangladesh can save anywhere between 8% to 27% of their monthly income, with 14% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 12,000 BDT with 4,100 BDT and 76,000 BDT being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Bangladesh

Saving Challenges in Bangladesh

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bangladesh. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation14%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 14% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Bangladesh

Typical saving choices for people in Bangladesh

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Bangladesh

Affordable living in Bangladesh

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bangladesh?


Yes
45%
No
55%

Around 45% of surveyed residents think that living in Bangladesh is affordable with proper budgeting while 55% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Bangladesh

Low-cost alternatives in Bangladesh

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options54%

Few low-cost options46%


Based on the survey, 54% of the people living in Bangladesh have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 46% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Bangladesh whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes44%

No56%


Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Bangladesh said that they don't have an emergency fund while 44% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Bangladesh

Financial Literacy in Bangladesh

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy40%


We asked residents of Bangladesh whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 60% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 40% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Bangladesh have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 54% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 46% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance54%

Easily manages finances46%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Bangladesh

Financial goals of people in Bangladesh

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bangladesh, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction44%
Retirement Savings11%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence4%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 44% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bangladesh

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bangladesh and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Bangladesh is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bangladesh:
AgeAmount
2568,000 BDT
30140,000 BDT
35240,000 BDT
40340,000 BDT
45510,000 BDT
50710,000 BDT
55850,000 BDT
601.1M BDT
651.3M BDT

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Bangladesh about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job15%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bangladesh

1,500 BDT
$14
14,000 BDT
$120
91,000 BDT
$820
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Bangladesh

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bangladesh


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
30%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 30% of the people in Bangladesh have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Bangladesh

Debt-to-income ratio in Bangladesh

Debt to income ratio

32%

25% to 41%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 32% of the people's monthly income in Bangladesh goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%19%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%11%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bangladesh pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 19% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bangladesh

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan14%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan44%

8% of debtors in Bangladesh confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 14% of people and personal loans rose at 44%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Bangladesh.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bangladesh

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Bangladesh how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Bangladesh

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bangladesh

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bangladesh

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

2,200 BDT 3,300 BDT 8,700 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $79

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,300 BDT 5,200 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

4,400 BDT 6,500 BDT 17,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $59 $160

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

5,200 BDT 8,700 BDT 24,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $79 $220

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

10,000 BDT 26,000 BDT 52,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $240 $480

Townhouse monthly rent cost

8,700 BDT 13,000 BDT 37,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $120 $340

House monthly rent cost

10,000 BDT 26,000 BDT 52,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $240 $480

Villa monthly rent cost

13,000 BDT 33,000 BDT 52,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $300 $480

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bangladesh ranges between 2,200 BDT and 8,700 BDT, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 3,300 BDT to 13,000 BDT. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 4,400 BDT and 17,000 BDT per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 5,200 BDT to 24,000 BDT. The average rent of a townhouse in Bangladesh is around 13,000 BDT while house rental costs can be as high as 26,000 BDT per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 13,000 BDT to 52,000 BDT per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bangladesh

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

440,000 BDT 650,000 BDT 1.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $5,900 $12,000

1-bedroom apartment price

520,000 BDT 870,000 BDT 3.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $7,900 $30,000

2-bedroom apartment price

870,000 BDT 2.6M BDT 5.2M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,900 $24,000 $48,000

3-bedroom apartment price

2.9M BDT 4.4M BDT 13M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $40,000 $120,000

Townhouse price

3.7M BDT 8.7M BDT 33M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $79,000 $300,000

House price

4.4M BDT 26M BDT 37M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $240,000 $340,000

Villa price

5.2M BDT 29M BDT 44M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48,000 $260,000 $400,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Bangladesh can range from 440,000 BDT to 1.3M BDT depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 520,000 BDT to 3.3M BDT. A villa can cost you 29M BDT on average with prices ranging from 5.2M BDT to 44M BDT.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bangladesh will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


29 x80 monthly income 188
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bangladesh can be x80 to x188 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x80 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bangladesh.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


18% 28% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bangladesh is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
26%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.8%
AVERAGE
2.8%
TO
3.8%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


41 BDT 530 BDT 5,300 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Bangladesh

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bangladesh

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

150 BDT 1,100 BDT 7,300 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $10 $67

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

410 BDT 1,400 BDT 8,900 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $12 $81

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

710 BDT 2,000 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $19 $120

Internet and cable cost

130 BDT 260 BDT 350 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.4 $3.2

Mobile phone bill and charges

100 BDT 170 BDT 520 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.95 $1.6 $4.8

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Bangladesh ranges between 150 BDT and 7,300 BDT with average being 1,100 BDT, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 1,400 BDT with 410 BDT and 8,900 BDT being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 2,000 BDT. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 130 BDT to 350 BDT with 260 BDT being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 170 BDT but can range between 100 BDT and 520 BDT depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


4% 7% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Bangladesh is around 7%. This means that people pay 7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Bangladesh

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Bangladesh

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

26 BDT 52 BDT 87 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.48 $0.79

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bangladesh is approximatly 52 BDT with meal cost ranging from 26 BDT to 87 BDT. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

87 BDT 130 BDT 260 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.2 $2.4

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 87 BDT and 260 BDT with 130 BDT being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bangladesh.

Fine dining meal for one price

170 BDT 260 BDT 1,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $9.5

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 170 BDT to 1,000 BDT with the average cost being 260 BDT for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bangladesh.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

22 BDT 35 BDT 52 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.32 $0.48

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bangladesh is around 35 BDT. Price ranges between 22 BDT and 52 BDT depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

17 BDT 21 BDT 26 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.19 $0.24

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bangladesh is 21 BDT. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 26 BDT and the minimum being 17 BDT depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

13 BDT 17 BDT 26 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.16 $0.24

A dozen eggs costs around 17 BDT on average with 13 BDT and 26 BDT being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

30 BDT 38 BDT 54 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.35 $0.50

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bangladesh is between 30 BDT and 54 BDT depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 38 BDT.

Pack of beef price

35 BDT 52 BDT 100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.48 $0.95

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 52 BDT. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

14 BDT 19 BDT 27 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.17 $0.25

A bag of rice in Bangladesh costs around 19 BDT on average with prices rangeing between 14 BDT and 27 BDT depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

5.2 BDT 7 BDT 13 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.06 $0.12

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 5.2 BDT to 13 BDT. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

9.3 BDT 12 BDT 20 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.18

A bag of apples costs 12 BDT on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


19% 27% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bangladesh is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 2,900 BDT per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 410 BDT and 19,000 BDT depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 4,300 BDT per month. That number can be get as low as 1,400 BDT or a high as 23,000 BDT. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 2,600 BDT to 48,000 BDT with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Bangladesh

Housing cost for a single person29%

29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)

LOW$8.4   920 BDT
AVERAGE$60   6,600 BDT
HIGH$400   44,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$1.4   150 BDT
AVERAGE$10   1,100 BDT
HIGH$67   7,300 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$1.9   200 BDT
AVERAGE$13   1,500 BDT
HIGH$89   9,700 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$3.7   410 BDT
AVERAGE$27   2,900 BDT
HIGH$180   19,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$2.1   230 BDT
AVERAGE$15   1,600 BDT
HIGH$100   11,000 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)

LOW$1.2   130 BDT
AVERAGE$8.3   910 BDT
HIGH$56   6,100 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$0.47   51 BDT
AVERAGE$3.3   370 BDT
HIGH$22   2,400 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$4.2   460 BDT
AVERAGE$30   3,300 BDT
HIGH$200   22,000 BDT
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Bangladesh

Housing cost for a couple26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW$31   3,500 BDT
AVERAGE$94   10,000 BDT
HIGH$500   55,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$3.7   410 BDT
AVERAGE$12   1,400 BDT
HIGH$81   8,900 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$11   1,200 BDT
AVERAGE$33   3,700 BDT
HIGH$180   19,000 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$13   1,400 BDT
AVERAGE$39   4,300 BDT
HIGH$210   23,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$10   1,100 BDT
AVERAGE$31   3,400 BDT
HIGH$160   18,000 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$5.6   610 BDT
AVERAGE$17   1,800 BDT
HIGH$89   9,700 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.9   200 BDT
AVERAGE$5.6   610 BDT
HIGH$30   3,200 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$16   1,700 BDT
AVERAGE$47   5,200 BDT
HIGH$250   28,000 BDT
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Bangladesh

Housing cost for a family25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$41   4,500 BDT
AVERAGE$120   13,000 BDT
HIGH$770   84,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$6.5   710 BDT
AVERAGE$19   2,000 BDT
HIGH$120   13,000 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$13   1,400 BDT
AVERAGE$37   4,100 BDT
HIGH$240   26,000 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$23   2,600 BDT
AVERAGE$67   7,300 BDT
HIGH$430   48,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$12   1,300 BDT
AVERAGE$37   4,100 BDT
HIGH$190   21,000 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$6.5   710 BDT
AVERAGE$19   2,000 BDT
HIGH$120   13,000 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$18   2,000 BDT
AVERAGE$52   5,700 BDT
HIGH$340   37,000 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$10   1,100 BDT
AVERAGE$30   3,200 BDT
HIGH$190   21,000 BDT
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Bangladesh

Housing costs for Student17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$4.4   490 BDT
AVERAGE$30   3,300 BDT
HIGH$200   22,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$0.74   81 BDT
AVERAGE$4.9   540 BDT
HIGH$33   3,600 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$1.3   140 BDT
AVERAGE$8.7   950 BDT
HIGH$58   6,300 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$3.7   410 BDT
AVERAGE$25   2,700 BDT
HIGH$160   18,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$1.1   120 BDT
AVERAGE$7.4   810 BDT
HIGH$49   5,400 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$0.93   100 BDT
AVERAGE$6.2   680 BDT
HIGH$41   4,500 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$3.5   390 BDT
AVERAGE$24   2,600 BDT
HIGH$160   17,000 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$2.8   300 BDT
AVERAGE$19   2,000 BDT
HIGH$120   14,000 BDT
Per Month
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