Cost Of Living in Pokhara 2024

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

85,000 NPR

per month
$640

6,500 NPR   $49
$6,400   850,000 NPR

Single

59,000 NPR

per month
$440

20,000 NPR   $150
$3,000   390,000 NPR

Couple

98,000 NPR

per month
$740

33,000 NPR   $250
$3,900   520,000 NPR

Family

130,000 NPR

per month
$980

46,000 NPR   $340
$5,400   720,000 NPR

Student

38,000 NPR

per month
$290

15,000 NPR   $120
$520   69,000 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 20,000 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 720,000 NPR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Pokhara is 38,000 NPR. Students spend from 15,000 NPR to 69,000 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


Large bottle of water
9.9 NPR 11 NPR 13 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.08 $0.10
Fast food combo meal
84 NPR 170 NPR 280 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $1.3 $2.1
Restaurant meal for one
280 NPR 420 NPR 850 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $3.2 $6.4
Fine dining meal for one
560 NPR 850 NPR 3,400 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.4 $26
Soda or Soft Drink
12 NPR 14 NPR 17 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.09 $0.11 $0.13
Cappuccino or latte
70 NPR 110 NPR 170 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.84 $1.3

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
56 NPR 67 NPR 84 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.42 $0.51 $0.63
Loaf of bread
10 NPR 11 NPR 13 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.09 $0.10
12 eggs
42 NPR 56 NPR 84 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.42 $0.63
Fresh whole chicken
95 NPR 120 NPR 170 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.93 $1.3
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
110 NPR 170 NPR 340 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.84 $1.3 $2.5
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
45 NPR 62 NPR 87 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.34 $0.46 $0.66
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
17 NPR 22 NPR 42 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.17 $0.32
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
30 NPR 39 NPR 65 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.23 $0.30 $0.49

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
71 NPR 85 NPR 170 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.64 $1.3
Average car full tank
420 NPR 560 NPR 1,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.2 $8.4
Average car 1-day rental
430 NPR 570 NPR 850 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.3 $6.4
Average car price
210,000 NPR 420,000 NPR 560,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $3,200 $4,200
Bus ticket one way
14 NPR 21 NPR 43 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.16 $0.32
Car Service
570 NPR 850 NPR 1,700 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.4 $13

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
1,200 NPR 3,500 NPR 24,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $27 $180
Utility Bill - Couple
1,600 NPR 4,900 NPR 26,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $37 $200
Utility Bill - Family
1,400 NPR 3,900 NPR 22,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $30 $160
Internet and cable
420 NPR 840 NPR 1,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.3 $8.4
Mobile phone charges
340 NPR 560 NPR 1,700 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $4.2 $13

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
210 NPR 280 NPR 420 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.2
One month gym membership
680 NPR 850 NPR 1,700 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.4 $13

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
500 NPR 710 NPR 1,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5.4 $8.1
Woman dress
470 NPR 660 NPR 2,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $5 $16
Woman shoes
450 NPR 610 NPR 1,400 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.6 $11
Men's shoes
390 NPR 470 NPR 950 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $3.6 $7.2
Men suit
430 NPR 530 NPR 2,800 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4 $21
Regular t-shirt
210 NPR 280 NPR 850 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $6.4

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
7,100 NPR 11,000 NPR 28,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54 $81 $210
1-bedroom apartment
11,000 NPR 17,000 NPR 43,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $130 $320
2-bedroom apartment
14,000 NPR 21,000 NPR 57,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $160 $430

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
1.4M NPR 2.1M NPR 4.3M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $16,000 $32,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.7M NPR 2.8M NPR 11M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $21,000 $81,000
2-bedroom apartment
2.8M NPR 8.5M NPR 17M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $64,000 $130,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
8,400 NPR 10,000 NPR 14,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $79 $110
Double Bed
5,600 NPR 8,400 NPR 10,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $63 $79
Single Bed
4,900 NPR 6,500 NPR 8,400 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37 $49 $63
Living Room
9,300 NPR 12,000 NPR 42,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $90 $320
Dining Table
4,200 NPR 5,600 NPR 10,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $42 $79
Sofa or Couch
5,600 NPR 7,600 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $57 $130

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
5,600 NPR 8,400 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $63 $130
Fridge or Freezer
4,900 NPR 7,600 NPR 10,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37 $57 $79
Washing Machine
6,500 NPR 9,300 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $70 $130
Stove or Cooker
6,000 NPR 7,600 NPR 10,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45 $57 $79
Mobile Phone
7,000 NPR 8,400 NPR 12,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $63 $90
Laptop or Computer
7,600 NPR 9,300 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $70 $130

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, Water7%

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?


Saving Money
62%
Not Saving
38%

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

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles62%38%
Couples57%43%
Families52%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

12% 19% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,000 NPR
$15
26,000 NPR
$200
260,000 NPR
$2,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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

15% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

6,100 NPR
$46
18,000 NPR
$140
120,000 NPR
$910
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 6,100 NPR and 120,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 21% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

10,000 NPR
$76
30,000 NPR
$230
160,000 NPR
$1,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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

11% 18% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

14,000 NPR
$110
40,000 NPR
$300
220,000 NPR
$1,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 220,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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?


Yes
56%
No
44%

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 asked the 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction41%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence5%

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.

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 Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 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 societal 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 Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

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:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Pokhara:
AgeAmount
25220,000 NPR
30440,000 NPR
35780,000 NPR
401.1M NPR
451.7M NPR
502.3M NPR
552.8M NPR
603.4M NPR
654.1M NPR

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Pokhara

14,000 NPR
$110
43,000 NPR
$330
290,000 NPR
$2,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Pokhara


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
29%
Debt Free
72%

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 levels

Monthly 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 Mortgage9%
Auto Loan16%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

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 management

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

Good debt vs. Bad debt

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


Loan Affordability Index in 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
Never51%
Once a year24%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

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
7,100 NPR 11,000 NPR 28,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54 $81 $210
1-bedroom apartment
11,000 NPR 17,000 NPR 43,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $130 $320
2-bedroom apartment
14,000 NPR 21,000 NPR 57,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $160 $430
3-bedroom apartment
17,000 NPR 28,000 NPR 78,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $210 $590
Furnished apartment
34,000 NPR 85,000 NPR 170,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $640 $1,300
Townhouse
28,000 NPR 43,000 NPR 120,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $320 $920
House
34,000 NPR 85,000 NPR 170,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $640 $1,300
Villa
43,000 NPR 110,000 NPR 170,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $810 $1,300

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
1.4M NPR 2.1M NPR 4.3M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $16,000 $32,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.7M NPR 2.8M NPR 11M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $21,000 $81,000
2-bedroom apartment
2.8M NPR 8.5M NPR 17M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $64,000 $130,000
3-bedroom apartment
9.5M NPR 14M NPR 43M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$72,000 $110,000 $320,000
Townhouse
12M NPR 28M NPR 110M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$92,000 $210,000 $810,000
House
14M NPR 85M NPR 120M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $640,000 $920,000
Villa
17M NPR 95M NPR 140M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $720,000 $1.1M

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
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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


21% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4.1%

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
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

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


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

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$53   7,100 NPR
AVERAGE$160   21,000 NPR
HIGH$1,100   140,000 NPR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$8.9   1,200 NPR
AVERAGE$27   3,500 NPR
HIGH$180   24,000 NPR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$12   1,600 NPR
AVERAGE$35   4,700 NPR
HIGH$240   31,000 NPR
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

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

LOW$24   3,100 NPR
AVERAGE$71   9,400 NPR
HIGH$470   63,000 NPR
Per Month

Healthcare12%

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

LOW$13   1,800 NPR
AVERAGE$40   5,300 NPR
HIGH$270   35,000 NPR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$7.4   980 NPR
AVERAGE$22   2,900 NPR
HIGH$150   20,000 NPR
Per Month

Education1%

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

LOW$3   390 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$27   3,500 NPR
AVERAGE$80   11,000 NPR
HIGH$530   71,000 NPR
Per Month


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

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$81   11,000 NPR
AVERAGE$240   32,000 NPR
HIGH$1,300   170,000 NPR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW$12   1,600 NPR
AVERAGE$37   4,900 NPR
HIGH$200   26,000 NPR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

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 Groceries17%

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

Healthcare14%

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, Shopping4%

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

Education1%

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


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

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$110   15,000 NPR
AVERAGE$310   42,000 NPR
HIGH$1,700   230,000 NPR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$28   3,700 NPR
AVERAGE$79   10,000 NPR
HIGH$430   57,000 NPR
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

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

LOW$62   8,200 NPR
AVERAGE$180   24,000 NPR
HIGH$970   130,000 NPR
Per Month

Healthcare11%

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

LOW$28   3,700 NPR
AVERAGE$79   10,000 NPR
HIGH$430   57,000 NPR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$17   2,300 NPR
AVERAGE$49   6,500 NPR
HIGH$270   36,000 NPR
Per Month

Education13%

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

LOW$48   6,400 NPR
AVERAGE$140   18,000 NPR
HIGH$760   100,000 NPR
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

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

LOW$41   5,500 NPR
AVERAGE$120   16,000 NPR
HIGH$650   86,000 NPR
Per Month


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

Housing18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$28   3,700 NPR
AVERAGE$70   9,200 NPR
HIGH$130   17,000 NPR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$4.6   620 NPR
AVERAGE$12   1,500 NPR
HIGH$21   2,800 NPR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

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

LOW$8.1   1,100 NPR
AVERAGE$20   2,700 NPR
HIGH$37   4,800 NPR
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

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

LOW$23   3,100 NPR
AVERAGE$58   7,700 NPR
HIGH$100   14,000 NPR
Per Month

Healthcare9%

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

LOW$7   920 NPR
AVERAGE$17   2,300 NPR
HIGH$31   4,200 NPR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$5.8   770 NPR
AVERAGE$14   1,900 NPR
HIGH$26   3,500 NPR
Per Month

Education18%

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

LOW$22   2,900 NPR
AVERAGE$55   7,300 NPR
HIGH$99   13,000 NPR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

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

LOW$17   2,300 NPR
AVERAGE$43   5,800 NPR
HIGH$78   10,000 NPR
Per Month
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