Cost Of Living in Kathmandu 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Kathmandu
Whether you're living in Kathmandu 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: NPR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: NPR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: NPR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: NPR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: NPR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Kathmandu is 64,000 NPR. Expenses can range from 8,900 NPR at the minimum level to 430,000 NPR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Kathmandu is 110,000 NPR. Expenditure can range from 35,000 NPR to 570,000 NPR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Kathmandu is 140,000 NPR per month. Families spend anywhere from 50,000 NPR to 920,000 NPR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Kathmandu is 47,000 NPR. Students spend from 7,100 NPR to 310,000 NPR 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 Kathmandu
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
| 590 NPR | 890 NPR | 3,500 NPR |
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
| 420 NPR | 560 NPR | 1,100 NPR |
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 210,000 NPR | 420,000 NPR | 560,000 NPR |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 620 NPR | 930 NPR | 1,900 NPR |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 540 NPR | 3,800 NPR | 26,000 NPR |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 1,400 NPR | 4,800 NPR | 31,000 NPR |
Utility Bill - Family
| 2,500 NPR | 7,100 NPR | 46,000 NPR |
Internet and cable
| 420 NPR | 850 NPR | 1,100 NPR |
Mobile phone charges
| 340 NPR | 560 NPR | 1,700 NPR |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
| 740 NPR | 930 NPR | 1,900 NPR |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 550 NPR | 770 NPR | 1,200 NPR |
Woman dress
| 520 NPR | 710 NPR | 2,300 NPR |
Woman shoes
| 490 NPR | 660 NPR | 1,500 NPR |
Men's shoes
| 420 NPR | 520 NPR | 1,000 NPR |
Men suit
| 460 NPR | 580 NPR | 3,100 NPR |
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 7,700 NPR | 12,000 NPR | 31,000 NPR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 12,000 NPR | 19,000 NPR | 46,000 NPR |
2-bedroom apartment
| 15,000 NPR | 23,000 NPR | 62,000 NPR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 1.5M NPR | 2.3M NPR | 4.6M NPR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1.9M NPR | 3.1M NPR | 12M NPR |
2-bedroom apartment
| 3.1M NPR | 9.3M NPR | 19M NPR |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 8,500 NPR | 11,000 NPR | 14,000 NPR |
Double Bed
| 5,600 NPR | 8,500 NPR | 11,000 NPR |
Single Bed
| 5,000 NPR | 6,500 NPR | 8,500 NPR |
Living Room
| 9,400 NPR | 12,000 NPR | 42,000 NPR |
Dining Table
| 4,200 NPR | 5,600 NPR | 11,000 NPR |
Sofa or Couch
| 5,600 NPR | 7,700 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 5,600 NPR | 8,500 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Fridge or Freezer
| 5,000 NPR | 7,700 NPR | 11,000 NPR |
Washing Machine
| 6,500 NPR | 9,400 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Stove or Cooker
| 6,000 NPR | 7,700 NPR | 11,000 NPR |
Mobile Phone
| 7,100 NPR | 8,500 NPR | 12,000 NPR |
Laptop or Computer
| 7,700 NPR | 9,400 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Kathmandu
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
99%
89% to 110%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 5% |
| 50% - 60% | 9% |
| 60% - 70% | 16% |
| 70% - 80% | 25% |
| 80% - 90% | 19% |
| 90% - 100% | 10% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Kathmandu is 99%
This means that on average, people spend around 99% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 16% 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
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
97%
Couple
94%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%
Family
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
94%
110%
How do people spend their money in Kathmandu?
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 Expenditure24%
24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)
| LOW | $16 2,100 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $210 28,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $2,100 280,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
People living in Kathmandu typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 28,000 NPR with expenditure ranging from 2,100 NPR to 280,000 NPR. 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, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $2.7 350 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $35 4,600 NPR |
| HIGH | $350 46,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kathmandu ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 4,600 NPR with 350 NPR and 46,000 NPR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $5.3 710 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $69 9,200 NPR |
| HIGH | $690 92,000 NPR |
| 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 710 NPR to 92,000 NPR on commuting with 9,200 NPR 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 | $13 1,800 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $170 23,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,700 230,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Kathmandu is 23,000 NPR. The cost of groceries can range between 1,800 NPR to 230,000 NPR. 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 | $3.7 500 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $49 6,400 NPR |
| HIGH | $490 64,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
People in Kathmandu 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 500 NPR to 64,000 NPR with 6,400 NPR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)
| LOW | $2.1 280 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $28 3,700 NPR |
| HIGH | $280 37,000 NPR |
| 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 280 NPR to 37,000 NPR with 3,700 NPR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.2 430 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $42 5,500 NPR |
| HIGH | $420 55,000 NPR |
| 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 5,500 NPR per month with 430 NPR being the minimum spent amount and 55,000 NPR being the maximum.
Other Expenses13%
13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $6.9 920 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $90 12,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $900 120,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 68% of the surveyed people in Kathmandu said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Kathmandu
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 68% | 32% |
| Couples | 62% | 38% |
| Families | 56% | 44% |
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
2,200 NPR
$16 | 28,000 NPR
$210 | 280,000 NPR
$2,100 |
For most people, 13% to 36% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 21% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 28,000 NPR on average with savings ranging from 2,200 NPR to 280,000 NPR.
68% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 62% of couples said the same. 56% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Kathmandu?
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
2,200 NPR
$16 | 20,000 NPR
$150 | 130,000 NPR
$990 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 31% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 14% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 38% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 20,000 NPR with 2,200 NPR and 130,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
11,000 NPR
$82 | 33,000 NPR
$250 | 180,000 NPR
$1,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 35% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 9% |
| 40% - 50% | 7% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 37% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 33,000 NPR with 11,000 NPR and 180,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
15,000 NPR
$120 | 44,000 NPR
$330 | 280,000 NPR
$2,100 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 38% |
| 10% - 20% | 30% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 6% |
| 40% - 50% | 4% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Kathmandu can save anywhere between 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 44,000 NPR with 15,000 NPR and 280,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Kathmandu
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Kathmandu. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 5% |
| High Expenses | 8% |
| Debt and Loans | 14% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 11% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 20% |
| 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. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 11% 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. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% 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 Kathmandu
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 12% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 20% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 5% |
| 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 Kathmandu
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Kathmandu?
Around 61% of surveyed residents think that living in Kathmandu is affordable with proper budgeting while 39% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Kathmandu
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 options65%
Few low-cost options35%
Based on the survey, 65% of the people living in Kathmandu have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 35% 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 Kathmandu whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes61%
No39%
Based on the survey, 39% of the people living in Kathmandu said that they don't have an emergency fund while 61% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Nepal
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 Leteracy48%
We asked residents of Nepal whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 52% 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 48% 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 Nepal have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 42% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 58% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance42%
Easily manages finances58%
Financial goals of people in Kathmandu
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kathmandu, 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 | 40% |
| Retirement Savings | 10% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 7% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 7% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 13% |
| Financial Independence | 6% |
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 40% 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. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Kathmandu
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Kathmandu and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Nepal 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 Kathmandu:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 240,000 NPR |
| 30 | 480,000 NPR |
| 35 | 840,000 NPR |
| 40 | 1.2M NPR |
| 45 | 1.8M NPR |
| 50 | 2.5M NPR |
| 55 | 3M NPR |
| 60 | 3.7M NPR |
| 65 | 4.5M NPR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Kathmandu 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 | 14% |
| Real Estate | 18% |
| Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Kathmandu 5,200 NPR
$39 | 47,000 NPR
$350 | 310,000 NPR
$2,400 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kathmandu
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 31% of the people in Kathmandu have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Kathmandu
Debt to income ratio
36%
25% to 45%
( 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 36% of the people's monthly income in Kathmandu goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 17% |
| 40% - 50% | 14% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 20% - 30% | 11% |
| 10% - 20% | 13% |
| 0% - 10% | 26% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kathmandu pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Kathmandu
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 9% |
| Auto Loan | 17% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 29% |
| Personal Loan | 42% |
9% of debtors in Kathmandu confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Kathmandu.
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 Kathmandu
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Kathmandu 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 | 51% |
| Once a year | 23% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kathmandu
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Kathmandu
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 7,700 NPR | 12,000 NPR | 31,000 NPR |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 12,000 NPR | 19,000 NPR | 46,000 NPR |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 15,000 NPR | 23,000 NPR | 62,000 NPR |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 19,000 NPR | 31,000 NPR | 84,000 NPR |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 37,000 NPR | 93,000 NPR | 190,000 NPR |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 31,000 NPR | 46,000 NPR | 130,000 NPR |
House monthly rent cost
| 37,000 NPR | 93,000 NPR | 190,000 NPR |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 46,000 NPR | 120,000 NPR | 190,000 NPR |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kathmandu ranges between 7,700 NPR and 31,000 NPR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 12,000 NPR to 46,000 NPR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 15,000 NPR and 62,000 NPR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 19,000 NPR to 84,000 NPR. The average rent of a townhouse in Kathmandu is around 46,000 NPR while house rental costs can be as high as 93,000 NPR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 46,000 NPR to 190,000 NPR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Kathmandu
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 1.5M NPR | 2.3M NPR | 4.6M NPR |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 1.9M NPR | 3.1M NPR | 12M NPR |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 3.1M NPR | 9.3M NPR | 19M NPR |
3-bedroom apartment price
| $78,000 | $120,000 | $350,000 |
Townhouse price
| $100,000 | $230,000 | $870,000 |
House price
| $120,000 | $700,000 | $1,000,000 |
Villa price
| 19M NPR | 100M NPR | 150M NPR |
The average price of a studio apartment in Kathmandu can range from 1.5M NPR to 4.6M NPR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.9M NPR to 12M NPR. A villa can cost you 100M NPR on average with prices ranging from 19M NPR to 150M NPR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kathmandu 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
| 39 | x112 monthly income | 228 |
Property prices in Kathmandu can be x112 to x228 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x112 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kathmandu.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Kathmandu is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 46% 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
32% 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.
| 140 NPR | 1,800 NPR | 18,000 NPR |
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 Kathmandu
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Kathmandu
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 540 NPR | 3,800 NPR | 26,000 NPR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 1,400 NPR | 4,800 NPR | 31,000 NPR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 2,500 NPR | 7,100 NPR | 46,000 NPR |
Internet and cable cost
| 420 NPR | 850 NPR | 1,100 NPR |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 340 NPR | 560 NPR | 1,700 NPR |
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 Kathmandu ranges between 540 NPR and 26,000 NPR with average being 3,800 NPR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 4,800 NPR with 1,400 NPR and 31,000 NPR 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 7,100 NPR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 420 NPR to 1,100 NPR with 850 NPR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 560 NPR but can range between 340 NPR and 1,700 NPR 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 Kathmandu is around 6.9%. This means that people pay 6.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.4% to 12% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kathmandu
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Kathmandu
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 Kathmandu is approximatly 170 NPR with meal cost ranging from 85 NPR to 280 NPR. 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 300 NPR and 890 NPR with 440 NPR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kathmandu.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 590 NPR | 890 NPR | 3,500 NPR |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 590 NPR to 3,500 NPR with the average cost being 890 NPR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kathmandu.
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 Kathmandu is around 110 NPR. Price ranges between 71 NPR and 170 NPR 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 Kathmandu is 68 NPR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 85 NPR and the minimum being 56 NPR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 56 NPR on average with 42 NPR and 85 NPR being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kathmandu is between 96 NPR and 180 NPR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 120 NPR.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 170 NPR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Kathmandu costs around 62 NPR on average with prices rangeing between 46 NPR and 88 NPR depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 17 NPR to 42 NPR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 40 NPR 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 Kathmandu is around 31%. This means that people spend 31% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 22% to 38% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 10,000 NPR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 1,400 NPR and 68,000 NPR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 15,000 NPR per month. That number can be get as low as 5,000 NPR or a high as 79,000 NPR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 8,900 NPR to 170,000 NPR 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 Kathmandu
Housing cost for a single person30%
30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)
| LOW | $24 3,200 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $170 23,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,200 150,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $4 540 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $29 3,800 NPR |
| HIGH | $190 26,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $5.4 720 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $38 5,100 NPR |
| HIGH | $260 34,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $11 1,400 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $77 10,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $510 68,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $6.1 800 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $43 5,700 NPR |
| HIGH | $290 38,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $3.4 450 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $24 3,200 NPR |
| HIGH | $160 21,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $1.3 180 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $9.6 1,300 NPR |
| HIGH | $64 8,500 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $12 1,600 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $87 11,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $580 77,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Kathmandu
Housing cost for a couple27%
27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)
| LOW | $91 12,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $270 36,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,500 190,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $11 1,400 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $36 4,800 NPR |
| HIGH | $230 31,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $32 4,300 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $96 13,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $510 68,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $37 5,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $110 15,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $600 79,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $29 3,900 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $88 12,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $470 62,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
| LOW | $16 2,100 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $48 6,400 NPR |
| HIGH | $260 34,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $5.3 710 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $16 2,100 NPR |
| HIGH | $85 11,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $45 6,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $140 18,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $730 96,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Kathmandu
Housing cost for a family26%
26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)
| LOW | $120 16,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $340 45,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $2,200 290,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | $19 2,500 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $53 7,100 NPR |
| HIGH | $350 46,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $37 5,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $110 14,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $690 92,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
| LOW | $67 8,900 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $190 26,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,200 170,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
| LOW | $34 4,500 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $110 14,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $560 74,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
| LOW | $19 2,500 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $53 7,100 NPR |
| HIGH | $350 46,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $52 6,900 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $150 20,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $970 130,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses15%
15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $30 4,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $85 11,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $560 74,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Kathmandu
Housing costs for Student18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $13 1,700 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $85 11,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $570 75,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $2.1 280 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $14 1,900 NPR |
| HIGH | $95 13,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $3.7 500 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $25 3,300 NPR |
| HIGH | $170 22,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
| LOW | $11 1,400 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $71 9,400 NPR |
| HIGH | $470 63,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $3.2 430 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $21 2,800 NPR |
| HIGH | $140 19,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $2.7 350 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $18 2,400 NPR |
| HIGH | $120 16,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $10 1,300 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $67 8,900 NPR |
| HIGH | $450 60,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $8 1,100 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $53 7,100 NPR |
| HIGH | $350 47,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
