Cost Of Living For a Couple in Bhutan 2025
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: BTN
Average monthly spending for couples in Bhutan
How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Bhutan?
Couples in Bhutan spend around 43,000 BTN per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 14,000 BTN or as high as 230,000 BTN. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.
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 - Couple
| 580 BTN | 1,900 BTN | 13,000 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 |
Couple expenditure to income ratio in Bhutan
Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live 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. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.
Spending to Income Ratio
83%
77% to 91%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Couples in Bhutan spend around 83% of their monthly income.
Some couples spend as low as 77% of their income while some as high as 91%.
How do couples spend their money in Bhutan?
We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.
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 and accomodation expenditure for couples
Accomodation Cost26%
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 |
Couples in Bhutan typically spend from 19% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 15,000 BTN with expenditure ranging from 4,900 BTN to 78,000 BTN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.
Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples
Cost of utilities8%
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 |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bhutan ranges from 6% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,900 BTN with 580 BTN and 13,000 BTN being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.
Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples
Cost of transport and fuel9%
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 |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 1,700 BTN to 28,000 BTN in a month on commuting with 5,200 BTN being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 14%.
Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples
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 |
The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Bhutan is 6,100 BTN. The cost of groceries can range between 2,000 BTN to 32,000 BTN. Couples spend on average about 17% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 22% respectively.
Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples
Cost of healthcare14%
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 |
Couples in Bhutan allocate 8% to 18% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 14%. The range of medical expenses range from 1,600 BTN to 25,000 BTN with 4,800 BTN being the norm for most couples.
Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples
Cost of leisure and shopping3%
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 |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 860 BTN to 14,000 BTN with 2,600 BTN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most couples.
Education and schooling expenditure for couples
Cost of education and schooling1%
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 |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 860 BTN per month with 290 BTN being the minimum spent amount and 4,600 BTN being the maximum.
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 |
What percentage of couples in Bhutan are able to save money and how much can they save?
Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money
Almost 53% of surveyed couples in Bhutan said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 48% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.
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.
How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?
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.
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 that are able to save money can put anywhere from 9% to 29% of their monthly income to their savings, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 13,000 BTN with 4,300 BTN and 68,000 BTN being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Bhutan
Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping couples 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 couples 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% of couples 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 couples 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 couples one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Bhutan?
Around 48% of surveyed couples 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 couples 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 couples 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 For Couples
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 couples of Bhutan whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes47%
No53%
Based on the survey, 53% of the couples 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 couple guardians and parents in 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 couples 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 couples 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 couples 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.
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bhutan
Percentage of couples who are in debt
According to the survey, 30% of the couples 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 a couple'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 couples 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 / Couple
| 580 BTN | 1,900 BTN | 13,000 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 energy and water consumption of couples is around 1,900 BTN. The cost of internet and WiFi 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 couples 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 couples
Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 2,000 BTN to 32,000 BTN with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.
