Cost Of Living in Bhutan 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bhutan
Whether you're living in Bhutan 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: BTN
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: BTN
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: BTN
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: BTN
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: BTN
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bhutan is 26,000 BTN. Expenses can range from 3,600 BTN at the minimum level to 170,000 BTN at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Bhutan is 43,000 BTN. Expenditure can range from 14,000 BTN to 230,000 BTN per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Bhutan is 58,000 BTN per month. Families spend anywhere from 20,000 BTN to 370,000 BTN.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Bhutan is 19,000 BTN. Students spend from 2,900 BTN to 130,000 BTN 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 Bhutan
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
| 250 BTN | 370 BTN | 1,500 BTN |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 93,000 BTN | 190,000 BTN | 250,000 BTN |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 220 BTN | 1,600 BTN | 10,000 BTN |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 580 BTN | 1,900 BTN | 13,000 BTN |
Utility Bill - Family
| 1,000 BTN | 2,900 BTN | 19,000 BTN |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
| 190 BTN | 230 BTN | 1,200 BTN |
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 3,100 BTN | 4,700 BTN | 12,000 BTN |
1-bedroom apartment
| 4,700 BTN | 7,500 BTN | 19,000 BTN |
2-bedroom apartment
| 6,200 BTN | 9,300 BTN | 25,000 BTN |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 620,000 BTN | 930,000 BTN | 1.9M BTN |
1-bedroom apartment
| 750,000 BTN | 1.2M BTN | 4.7M BTN |
2-bedroom apartment
| 1.2M BTN | 3.7M BTN | 7.5M BTN |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 3,700 BTN | 4,700 BTN | 6,200 BTN |
Double Bed
| 2,500 BTN | 3,700 BTN | 4,700 BTN |
Single Bed
| 2,200 BTN | 2,900 BTN | 3,700 BTN |
Living Room
| 4,200 BTN | 5,300 BTN | 19,000 BTN |
Dining Table
| 1,900 BTN | 2,500 BTN | 4,700 BTN |
Sofa or Couch
| 2,500 BTN | 3,400 BTN | 7,500 BTN |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 2,500 BTN | 3,700 BTN | 7,500 BTN |
Fridge or Freezer
| 2,200 BTN | 3,400 BTN | 4,700 BTN |
Washing Machine
| 2,900 BTN | 4,200 BTN | 7,500 BTN |
Stove or Cooker
| 2,700 BTN | 3,400 BTN | 4,700 BTN |
Mobile Phone
| 3,100 BTN | 3,700 BTN | 5,300 BTN |
Laptop or Computer
| 3,400 BTN | 4,200 BTN | 7,500 BTN |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bhutan
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.
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% | 9% |
| 60% - 70% | 15% |
| 70% - 80% | 25% |
| 80% - 90% | 20% |
| 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 Bhutan 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%
How do people spend their money in Bhutan?
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 | $10 860 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $140 11,000 BTN |
| HIGH | $1,400 110,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
People living in Bhutan typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 11,000 BTN with expenditure ranging from 860 BTN to 110,000 BTN. 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 | $1.7 140 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $23 1,900 BTN |
| HIGH | $230 19,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bhutan ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,900 BTN with 140 BTN and 19,000 BTN being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.5 290 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $45 3,700 BTN |
| HIGH | $450 37,000 BTN |
| 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 290 BTN to 37,000 BTN on commuting with 3,700 BTN 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 | $8.7 720 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $110 9,400 BTN |
| HIGH | $1,100 94,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bhutan is 9,400 BTN. The cost of groceries can range between 720 BTN to 94,000 BTN. 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 | $2.4 200 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $32 2,600 BTN |
| HIGH | $320 26,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
People in Bhutan 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 200 BTN to 26,000 BTN with 2,600 BTN being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $1.4 120 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $18 1,500 BTN |
| HIGH | $180 15,000 BTN |
| 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 120 BTN to 15,000 BTN with 1,500 BTN 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 | $2.1 170 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $27 2,200 BTN |
| HIGH | $270 22,000 BTN |
| 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 2,200 BTN per month with 170 BTN being the minimum spent amount and 22,000 BTN being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $4.5 370 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $59 4,900 BTN |
| HIGH | $590 49,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Bhutan 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 Bhutan manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 55% of the surveyed people in Bhutan said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 45% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bhutan
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 58% | 43% |
| Couples | 53% | 48% |
| Families | 48% | 53% |
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.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
860 BTN
$10 | 11,000 BTN
$130 | 110,000 BTN
$1,300 |
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 11,000 BTN on average with savings ranging from 860 BTN to 110,000 BTN.
58% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 53% of couples said the same. 48% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Bhutan?
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
860 BTN
$10 | 7,700 BTN
$93 | 51,000 BTN
$620 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 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 7,700 BTN with 860 BTN and 51,000 BTN being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
4,300 BTN
$52 | 13,000 BTN
$150 | 68,000 BTN
$830 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 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 13,000 BTN with 4,300 BTN and 68,000 BTN being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
6,000 BTN
$72 | 17,000 BTN
$210 | 110,000 BTN
$1,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 40% |
| 10% - 20% | 31% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 4% |
| 40% - 50% | 3% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Bhutan can save anywhere between 8% to 26% of their monthly income, with 14% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 17,000 BTN with 6,000 BTN and 110,000 BTN being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Bhutan
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bhutan. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 5% |
| High Expenses | 8% |
| Debt and Loans | 13% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 12% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 21% |
| Inflation | 13% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
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. 13% 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.
Typical saving choices for people in Bhutan
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 13% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 21% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 4% |
| Bonds | 5% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
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.
Affordable living in Bhutan
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Bhutan?
Around 48% of surveyed residents think that living in Bhutan is affordable with proper budgeting while 52% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Bhutan
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 options55%
Few low-cost options45%
Based on the survey, 55% of the people living in Bhutan have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% 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 Bhutan whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes47%
No53%
Based on the survey, 53% of the people living in Bhutan said that they don't have an emergency fund while 47% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Bhutan
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 Leteracy43%
We asked residents of Bhutan whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 57% 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 43% 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 Bhutan have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 51% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 49% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance51%
Easily manages finances49%
Financial goals of people in Bhutan
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bhutan, 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 Fund | 8% |
| Debt Reduction | 43% |
| Retirement Savings | 10% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 6% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 14% |
| Financial Independence | 5% |
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 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% 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 Bhutan
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bhutan and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Bhutan 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:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bhutan:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 97,000 BTN |
| 30 | 190,000 BTN |
| 35 | 340,000 BTN |
| 40 | 490,000 BTN |
| 45 | 730,000 BTN |
| 50 | 1M BTN |
| 55 | 1.2M BTN |
| 60 | 1.5M BTN |
| 65 | 1.8M BTN |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Bhutan about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 12% |
| Savings | 23% |
| Investments | 12% |
| Social Security | 7% |
| Annuities | 7% |
| Part-time Job | 15% |
| Real Estate | 18% |
| Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bhutan 2,100 BTN
$26 | 19,000 BTN
$230 | 130,000 BTN
$1,500 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bhutan
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 30% of the people in Bhutan have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Bhutan
Debt to income ratio
32%
24% 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 Bhutan goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 18% |
| 40% - 50% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 17% |
| 20% - 30% | 10% |
| 10% - 20% | 12% |
| 0% - 10% | 25% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bhutan pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% 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 Bhutan
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 8% |
| Auto Loan | 15% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 30% |
| Personal Loan | 43% |
8% of debtors in Bhutan 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 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Bhutan.
About credit score and debt managementManaging 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 Bhutan
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Bhutan 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 |
|---|
| Never | 50% |
| Once a year | 24% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bhutan
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Bhutan
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 3,100 BTN | 4,700 BTN | 12,000 BTN |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 4,700 BTN | 7,500 BTN | 19,000 BTN |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 6,200 BTN | 9,300 BTN | 25,000 BTN |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 7,500 BTN | 12,000 BTN | 34,000 BTN |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 15,000 BTN | 37,000 BTN | 75,000 BTN |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 12,000 BTN | 19,000 BTN | 53,000 BTN |
House monthly rent cost
| 15,000 BTN | 37,000 BTN | 75,000 BTN |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 19,000 BTN | 47,000 BTN | 75,000 BTN |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bhutan ranges between 3,100 BTN and 12,000 BTN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 4,700 BTN to 19,000 BTN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 6,200 BTN and 25,000 BTN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 7,500 BTN to 34,000 BTN. The average rent of a townhouse in Bhutan is around 19,000 BTN while house rental costs can be as high as 37,000 BTN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 19,000 BTN to 75,000 BTN per month.
Apartment and house prices in Bhutan
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 620,000 BTN | 930,000 BTN | 1.9M BTN |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 750,000 BTN | 1.2M BTN | 4.7M BTN |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 1.2M BTN | 3.7M BTN | 7.5M BTN |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 4.2M BTN | 6.2M BTN | 19M BTN |
Townhouse price
| $64,000 | $150,000 | $560,000 |
House price
| $75,000 | $450,000 | $640,000 |
Villa price
| $90,000 | $500,000 | $750,000 |
The average price of a studio apartment in Bhutan can range from 620,000 BTN to 1.9M BTN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 750,000 BTN to 4.7M BTN. A villa can cost you 42M BTN on average with prices ranging from 7.5M BTN to 62M BTN.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bhutan 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
| 30 | x83 monthly income | 190 |
Property prices in Bhutan can be x83 to x190 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x83 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bhutan.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Bhutan 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.
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.
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 Bhutan
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bhutan
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 220 BTN | 1,600 BTN | 10,000 BTN |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 580 BTN | 1,900 BTN | 13,000 BTN |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 1,000 BTN | 2,900 BTN | 19,000 BTN |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
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 Bhutan ranges between 220 BTN and 10,000 BTN with average being 1,600 BTN, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 1,900 BTN with 580 BTN and 13,000 BTN 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 2,900 BTN. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 190 BTN to 500 BTN with 370 BTN being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 250 BTN but can range between 150 BTN and 750 BTN 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
The average utility-to-income ratio in Bhutan 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 Bhutan
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Bhutan
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bhutan is approximatly 75 BTN with meal cost ranging from 37 BTN to 120 BTN. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 120 BTN and 370 BTN with 190 BTN being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bhutan.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 250 BTN | 370 BTN | 1,500 BTN |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 250 BTN to 1,500 BTN with the average cost being 370 BTN for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bhutan.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bhutan is around 50 BTN. Price ranges between 31 BTN and 75 BTN depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bhutan is 30 BTN. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 37 BTN and the minimum being 25 BTN depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 25 BTN on average with 19 BTN and 37 BTN being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bhutan is between 42 BTN and 78 BTN depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 55 BTN.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 75 BTN. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Bhutan costs around 27 BTN on average with prices rangeing between 20 BTN and 39 BTN depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 7.5 BTN to 19 BTN. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 17 BTN 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
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bhutan 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 4,200 BTN per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 580 BTN and 28,000 BTN depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 6,100 BTN per month. That number can be get as low as 2,000 BTN or a high as 32,000 BTN. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 3,600 BTN to 67,000 BTN with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Bhutan
Housing cost for a single person29%
29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)
| LOW | $16 1,300 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $110 9,300 BTN |
| HIGH | $750 62,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $2.6 220 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $19 1,600 BTN |
| HIGH | $130 10,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.5 290 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $25 2,100 BTN |
| HIGH | $170 14,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $7 580 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $50 4,200 BTN |
| HIGH | $330 28,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $3.9 330 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $28 2,300 BTN |
| HIGH | $190 16,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $2.2 180 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $16 1,300 BTN |
| HIGH | $100 8,600 BTN |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $0.88 73 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $6.3 520 BTN |
| HIGH | $42 3,500 BTN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $7.9 650 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $56 4,700 BTN |
| HIGH | $380 31,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Bhutan
Housing cost for a couple26%
26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)
| LOW | $59 4,900 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $180 15,000 BTN |
| HIGH | $950 78,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $7 580 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $23 1,900 BTN |
| HIGH | $150 13,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $21 1,700 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $63 5,200 BTN |
| HIGH | $330 28,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $24 2,000 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $73 6,100 BTN |
| HIGH | $390 32,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $19 1,600 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $57 4,800 BTN |
| HIGH | $310 25,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $10 860 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $31 2,600 BTN |
| HIGH | $170 14,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $3.5 290 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $10 860 BTN |
| HIGH | $56 4,600 BTN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $30 2,500 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $89 7,400 BTN |
| HIGH | $470 39,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Bhutan
Housing cost for a family25%
25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)
| LOW | $78 6,500 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $220 18,000 BTN |
| HIGH | $1,400 120,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $12 1,000 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $35 2,900 BTN |
| HIGH | $230 19,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $24 2,000 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $70 5,800 BTN |
| HIGH | $450 37,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
| LOW | $44 3,600 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $130 10,000 BTN |
| HIGH | $810 67,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
| LOW | $22 1,800 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $70 5,800 BTN |
| HIGH | $360 30,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $12 1,000 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $35 2,900 BTN |
| HIGH | $230 19,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $34 2,800 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $97 8,100 BTN |
| HIGH | $630 52,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $19 1,600 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $56 4,600 BTN |
| HIGH | $360 30,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Bhutan
Housing costs for Student17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $8.3 690 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $56 4,600 BTN |
| HIGH | $370 31,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $1.4 120 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $9.3 770 BTN |
| HIGH | $62 5,100 BTN |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $2.4 200 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $16 1,300 BTN |
| HIGH | $110 9,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
| LOW | $7 580 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $46 3,800 BTN |
| HIGH | $310 26,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $2.1 170 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $14 1,200 BTN |
| HIGH | $93 7,700 BTN |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $1.7 140 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $12 960 BTN |
| HIGH | $77 6,400 BTN |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $6.6 550 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $44 3,700 BTN |
| HIGH | $290 24,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $5.2 430 BTN |
| AVERAGE | $35 2,900 BTN |
| HIGH | $230 19,000 BTN |
| Per Month |
