Cost Of Living in Pokhara 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Pokhara
Whether you're living in Pokhara 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 Pokhara is 59,000 NPR. Expenses can range from 8,200 NPR at the minimum level to 390,000 NPR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Pokhara is 98,000 NPR. Expenditure can range from 33,000 NPR to 520,000 NPR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Pokhara is 130,000 NPR per month. Families spend anywhere from 46,000 NPR to 850,000 NPR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Pokhara is 43,000 NPR. Students spend from 6,500 NPR to 290,000 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 Pokhara
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
| 560 NPR | 850 NPR | 3,400 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
| 570 NPR | 850 NPR | 1,700 NPR |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 490 NPR | 3,500 NPR | 24,000 NPR |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 1,300 NPR | 4,400 NPR | 29,000 NPR |
Utility Bill - Family
| 2,300 NPR | 6,500 NPR | 42,000 NPR |
Internet and cable
| 420 NPR | 840 NPR | 1,100 NPR |
Mobile phone charges
| 340 NPR | 560 NPR | 1,700 NPR |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
| 680 NPR | 850 NPR | 1,700 NPR |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 500 NPR | 710 NPR | 1,100 NPR |
Woman dress
| 470 NPR | 660 NPR | 2,100 NPR |
Woman shoes
| 450 NPR | 610 NPR | 1,400 NPR |
Men's shoes
Men suit
| 430 NPR | 530 NPR | 2,800 NPR |
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 7,100 NPR | 11,000 NPR | 28,000 NPR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 11,000 NPR | 17,000 NPR | 43,000 NPR |
2-bedroom apartment
| 14,000 NPR | 21,000 NPR | 57,000 NPR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 1.4M NPR | 2.1M NPR | 4.3M NPR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1.7M NPR | 2.8M NPR | 11M NPR |
2-bedroom apartment
| 2.8M NPR | 8.5M NPR | 17M NPR |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 8,400 NPR | 10,000 NPR | 14,000 NPR |
Double Bed
| 5,600 NPR | 8,400 NPR | 10,000 NPR |
Single Bed
| 4,900 NPR | 6,500 NPR | 8,400 NPR |
Living Room
| 9,300 NPR | 12,000 NPR | 42,000 NPR |
Dining Table
| 4,200 NPR | 5,600 NPR | 10,000 NPR |
Sofa or Couch
| 5,600 NPR | 7,600 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 5,600 NPR | 8,400 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Fridge or Freezer
| 4,900 NPR | 7,600 NPR | 10,000 NPR |
Washing Machine
| 6,500 NPR | 9,300 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Stove or Cooker
| 6,000 NPR | 7,600 NPR | 10,000 NPR |
Mobile Phone
| 7,000 NPR | 8,400 NPR | 12,000 NPR |
Laptop or Computer
| 7,600 NPR | 9,300 NPR | 17,000 NPR |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Pokhara
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
91%
82% to 99%
( 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 Pokhara is 91%
This means that on average, people spend around 91% 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
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
89%
Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
94%
Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
86%
100%
How do people spend their money in Pokhara?
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 | $15 2,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $190 25,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,900 250,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
People living in Pokhara typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 25,000 NPR with expenditure ranging from 2,000 NPR to 250,000 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 | $2.5 330 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $32 4,200 NPR |
| HIGH | $320 42,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Pokhara ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 4,200 NPR with 330 NPR and 42,000 NPR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.9 650 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $64 8,500 NPR |
| HIGH | $640 85,000 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 650 NPR to 85,000 NPR on commuting with 8,500 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 | $12 1,600 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $160 21,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,600 210,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Pokhara is 21,000 NPR. The cost of groceries can range between 1,600 NPR to 210,000 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 | $3.4 460 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $45 5,900 NPR |
| HIGH | $450 59,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
People in Pokhara 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 460 NPR to 59,000 NPR with 5,900 NPR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)
| LOW | $2 260 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $26 3,400 NPR |
| HIGH | $260 34,000 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 260 NPR to 34,000 NPR with 3,400 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 | $3 390 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $38 5,100 NPR |
| HIGH | $380 51,000 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 5,100 NPR per month with 390 NPR being the minimum spent amount and 51,000 NPR being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $6.4 850 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $83 11,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $830 110,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Pokhara 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 Pokhara manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 62% of the surveyed people in Pokhara said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 38% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Pokhara
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 62% | 38% |
| Couples | 57% | 43% |
| Families | 52% | 48% |
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
2,000 NPR
$15 | 26,000 NPR
$200 | 260,000 NPR
$2,000 |
For most people, 12% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 26,000 NPR on average with savings ranging from 2,000 NPR to 260,000 NPR.
62% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 57% of couples said the same. 52% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Pokhara?
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
2,000 NPR
$15 | 18,000 NPR
$140 | 120,000 NPR
$910 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 32% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 18,000 NPR with 2,000 NPR and 120,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
10,000 NPR
$76 | 30,000 NPR
$230 | 160,000 NPR
$1,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 7% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 34% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 30,000 NPR with 10,000 NPR and 160,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
14,000 NPR
$110 | 40,000 NPR
$300 | 260,000 NPR
$2,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 39% |
| 10% - 20% | 30% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 5% |
| 40% - 50% | 4% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Pokhara can save anywhere between 11% to 30% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 40,000 NPR with 14,000 NPR and 260,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Pokhara
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Pokhara. 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 Pokhara
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 13% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 20% |
| 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 Pokhara
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Pokhara?
Around 56% of surveyed residents think that living in Pokhara is affordable with proper budgeting while 44% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Pokhara
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 options60%
Few low-cost options40%
Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Pokhara have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% 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 Pokhara whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes56%
No44%
Based on the survey, 44% of the people living in Pokhara said that they don't have an emergency fund while 56% 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 Pokhara
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Pokhara, 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 | 41% |
| Retirement Savings | 10% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 7% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 7% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 13% |
| 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 41% 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 Pokhara
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Pokhara 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 Pokhara:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 220,000 NPR |
| 30 | 440,000 NPR |
| 35 | 780,000 NPR |
| 40 | 1.1M NPR |
| 45 | 1.7M NPR |
| 50 | 2.3M NPR |
| 55 | 2.8M NPR |
| 60 | 3.4M NPR |
| 65 | 4.1M NPR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Pokhara 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 Pokhara 4,800 NPR
$36 | 43,000 NPR
$330 | 290,000 NPR
$2,200 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Pokhara
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 29% of the people in Pokhara have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Pokhara
Debt to income ratio
33%
23% 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 33% of the people's monthly income in Pokhara 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 Pokhara 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 Pokhara
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 9% |
| Auto Loan | 16% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 29% |
| Personal Loan | 42% |
9% of debtors in Pokhara 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 16% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Pokhara.
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 Pokhara
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Pokhara 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 | 24% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Pokhara
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Pokhara
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 7,100 NPR | 11,000 NPR | 28,000 NPR |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 11,000 NPR | 17,000 NPR | 43,000 NPR |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 14,000 NPR | 21,000 NPR | 57,000 NPR |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 17,000 NPR | 28,000 NPR | 78,000 NPR |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 34,000 NPR | 85,000 NPR | 170,000 NPR |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 28,000 NPR | 43,000 NPR | 120,000 NPR |
House monthly rent cost
| 34,000 NPR | 85,000 NPR | 170,000 NPR |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 43,000 NPR | 110,000 NPR | 170,000 NPR |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Pokhara ranges between 7,100 NPR and 28,000 NPR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 11,000 NPR to 43,000 NPR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 14,000 NPR and 57,000 NPR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 17,000 NPR to 78,000 NPR. The average rent of a townhouse in Pokhara is around 43,000 NPR while house rental costs can be as high as 85,000 NPR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 43,000 NPR to 170,000 NPR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Pokhara
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 1.4M NPR | 2.1M NPR | 4.3M NPR |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 1.7M NPR | 2.8M NPR | 11M NPR |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 2.8M NPR | 8.5M NPR | 17M NPR |
3-bedroom apartment price
| $72,000 | $110,000 | $320,000 |
Townhouse price
| $92,000 | $210,000 | $810,000 |
House price
| $110,000 | $640,000 | $920,000 |
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Pokhara can range from 1.4M NPR to 4.3M NPR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.7M NPR to 11M NPR. A villa can cost you 95M NPR on average with prices ranging from 17M NPR to 140M NPR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Pokhara 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
| 36 | x103 monthly income | 210 |
Property prices in Pokhara can be x103 to x210 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x103 multiples of the average monthly salary in Pokhara.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Pokhara is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 42% 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
29% 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.
| 130 NPR | 1,700 NPR | 17,000 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 Pokhara
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Pokhara
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 490 NPR | 3,500 NPR | 24,000 NPR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 1,300 NPR | 4,400 NPR | 29,000 NPR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 2,300 NPR | 6,500 NPR | 42,000 NPR |
Internet and cable cost
| 420 NPR | 840 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 Pokhara ranges between 490 NPR and 24,000 NPR with average being 3,500 NPR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 4,400 NPR with 1,300 NPR and 29,000 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 6,500 NPR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 420 NPR to 1,100 NPR with 840 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 Pokhara is around 6.3%. This means that people pay 6.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.2% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Pokhara
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Pokhara
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 Pokhara is approximatly 170 NPR with meal cost ranging from 84 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 280 NPR and 850 NPR with 420 NPR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Pokhara.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 560 NPR | 850 NPR | 3,400 NPR |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 560 NPR to 3,400 NPR with the average cost being 850 NPR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Pokhara.
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 Pokhara is around 110 NPR. Price ranges between 70 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 Pokhara is 67 NPR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 84 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 84 NPR being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Pokhara is between 95 NPR and 170 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 Pokhara costs around 62 NPR on average with prices rangeing between 45 NPR and 87 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 39 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 Pokhara is around 29%. This means that people spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 9,400 NPR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 1,300 NPR and 63,000 NPR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 14,000 NPR per month. That number can be get as low as 4,600 NPR or a high as 73,000 NPR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 8,200 NPR to 150,000 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 Pokhara
Housing cost for a single person30%
30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)
| LOW | $22 3,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $160 21,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,100 140,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $3.7 490 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $27 3,500 NPR |
| HIGH | $180 24,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $5 660 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $35 4,700 NPR |
| HIGH | $240 31,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $9.9 1,300 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $71 9,400 NPR |
| HIGH | $470 63,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $5.6 740 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $40 5,300 NPR |
| HIGH | $270 35,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $3.1 410 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $22 2,900 NPR |
| HIGH | $150 20,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $1.2 160 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $8.9 1,200 NPR |
| HIGH | $59 7,800 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $11 1,500 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $80 11,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $530 71,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Pokhara
Housing cost for a couple27%
27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)
| LOW | $84 11,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $250 33,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,300 180,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $9.8 1,300 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $33 4,400 NPR |
| HIGH | $220 29,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $30 3,900 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $89 12,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $470 63,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $34 4,600 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $100 14,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $550 73,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $27 3,600 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $81 11,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $430 57,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
| LOW | $15 2,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $44 5,900 NPR |
| HIGH | $240 31,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $4.9 650 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $15 2,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $79 10,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $42 5,600 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $130 17,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $670 89,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Pokhara
Housing cost for a family26%
26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)
| LOW | $110 15,000 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $310 42,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $2,000 270,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | $17 2,300 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $49 6,500 NPR |
| HIGH | $320 42,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $34 4,600 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $98 13,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $640 85,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
| LOW | $62 8,200 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $180 24,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $1,200 150,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
| LOW | $31 4,100 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $98 13,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $510 68,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
| LOW | $17 2,300 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $49 6,500 NPR |
| HIGH | $320 42,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $48 6,400 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $140 18,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $900 120,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $28 3,700 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $79 10,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $510 68,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Pokhara
Housing costs for Student18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $12 1,600 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $78 10,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $520 69,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $2 260 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $13 1,700 NPR |
| HIGH | $87 12,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $3.4 460 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $23 3,000 NPR |
| HIGH | $150 20,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
| LOW | $9.8 1,300 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $65 8,700 NPR |
| HIGH | $440 58,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $3 390 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $20 2,600 NPR |
| HIGH | $130 17,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $2.5 330 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $16 2,200 NPR |
| HIGH | $110 14,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $9.3 1,200 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $62 8,200 NPR |
| HIGH | $410 55,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $7.4 980 NPR |
| AVERAGE | $49 6,500 NPR |
| HIGH | $330 43,000 NPR |
| Per Month |
