Cost Of Living in Rajshahi 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Rajshahi

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Rajshahi

Whether you're living in Rajshahi 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: BDT
2,100 27,000 270,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $240 $2,400

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: BDT
2,600 19,000 120,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $170 $1,100

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: BDT
10,000 31,000 160,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $280 $1,500

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: BDT
14,000 41,000 270,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $380 $2,400

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: BDT
2,100 14,000 92,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $130 $840
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Rajshahi is 19,000 BDT. Expenses can range from 2,600 BDT at the minimum level to 120,000 BDT at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Rajshahi is 31,000 BDT. Expenditure can range from 10,000 BDT to 160,000 BDT per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Rajshahi is 41,000 BDT per month. Families spend anywhere from 14,000 BDT to 270,000 BDT.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Rajshahi is 14,000 BDT. Students spend from 2,100 BDT to 92,000 BDT 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 Rajshahi


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Rajshahi

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

25 BDT 50 BDT 83 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.23 $0.45 $0.76

Restaurant meal for one

86 BDT 130 BDT 260 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.78 $1.2 $2.3

Fine dining meal for one

170 BDT 260 BDT 1,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.3 $9.4

Cappuccino or latte

21 BDT 33 BDT 50 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.30 $0.45

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

17 BDT 20 BDT 25 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.18 $0.23

12 eggs

12 BDT 17 BDT 25 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.15 $0.23

Fresh whole chicken

28 BDT 37 BDT 52 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.26 $0.33 $0.47

Pack of beef

33 BDT 50 BDT 100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.30 $0.45 $0.91

Medium bag of rice

13 BDT 18 BDT 26 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.17 $0.24

Bag of tomatos

5 BDT 6.7 BDT 12 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.06 $0.11

Bag of apples

8.9 BDT 12 BDT 19 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.17
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Rajshahi

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

21 BDT 26 BDT 51 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.23 $0.47

Average car full tank

120 BDT 170 BDT 330 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $3

Average car 1-day rental

130 BDT 180 BDT 270 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.4

Average car price

62,000 BDT 120,000 BDT 170,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570 $1,100 $1,500

Bus ticket one way

4.4 BDT 6.6 BDT 13 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.04 $0.06 $0.12

Car Service

180 BDT 270 BDT 530 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $4.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Rajshahi

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

160 BDT 1,100 BDT 7,400 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $10 $68

Utility Bill - Couple

410 BDT 1,400 BDT 9,100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $13 $83

Utility Bill - Family

720 BDT 2,100 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $19 $120

Internet and cable

120 BDT 250 BDT 330 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $2.3 $3

Mobile phone charges

100 BDT 170 BDT 500 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1.5 $4.5

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

62 BDT 83 BDT 120 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.57 $0.76 $1.1

One month gym membership

210 BDT 270 BDT 530 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.4 $4.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Rajshahi

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

160 BDT 220 BDT 330 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2 $3

Woman dress

150 BDT 200 BDT 660 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.9 $6

Woman shoes

140 BDT 190 BDT 440 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $4

Men's shoes

120 BDT 150 BDT 290 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $2.7

Men suit

130 BDT 170 BDT 880 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $8.1

Regular t-shirt

66 BDT 88 BDT 270 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.60 $0.81 $2.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Rajshahi

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

2,200 BDT 3,300 BDT 8,800 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $81

1-bedroom apartment

3,300 BDT 5,300 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120

2-bedroom apartment

4,400 BDT 6,600 BDT 18,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $60 $160

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

440,000 BDT 660,000 BDT 1.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $6,000 $12,000

1-bedroom apartment

530,000 BDT 880,000 BDT 3.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $8,100 $30,000

2-bedroom apartment

880,000 BDT 2.7M BDT 5.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,100 $24,000 $48,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Rajshahi

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

2,500 BDT 3,100 BDT 4,200 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $28 $38

Double Bed

1,700 BDT 2,500 BDT 3,100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $28

Single Bed

1,500 BDT 1,900 BDT 2,500 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $23

Living Room

2,800 BDT 3,600 BDT 12,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $32 $110

Dining Table

1,200 BDT 1,700 BDT 3,100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $28

Sofa or Couch

1,700 BDT 2,300 BDT 5,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $21 $45
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Rajshahi

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

1,700 BDT 2,500 BDT 5,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $45

Fridge or Freezer

1,500 BDT 2,300 BDT 3,100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $21 $28

Washing Machine

1,900 BDT 2,800 BDT 5,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $25 $45

Stove or Cooker

1,800 BDT 2,300 BDT 3,100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $28

Mobile Phone

2,100 BDT 2,500 BDT 3,600 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $23 $32

Laptop or Computer

2,300 BDT 2,800 BDT 5,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $25 $45

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Rajshahi

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Rajshahi

Spending to Income Ratio

88%

82% to 97%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%3%
50% - 60%7%
60% - 70%13%
70% - 80%24%
80% - 90%23%
90% - 100%12%
100% - 110%7%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%3%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Rajshahi is 88% This means that on average, people spend around 88% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 13% 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
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
88%

Couple
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
93%

Family
93%
Spending-Income-Ratio
86%
100%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Rajshahi

How do people spend their money in Rajshahi?

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 Expenditure21%

21% of total expenses on average (10% to 29%)

LOW$5.6   620 BDT
AVERAGE$73   8,000 BDT
HIGH$730   80,000 BDT
Per Month

People living in Rajshahi typically spend from 10% to 29% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 21% being the average. The average spend on housing is 8,000 BDT with expenditure ranging from 620 BDT to 80,000 BDT. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.94   100 BDT
AVERAGE$12   1,300 BDT
HIGH$120   13,000 BDT
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Rajshahi ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,300 BDT with 100 BDT and 13,000 BDT being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute6%

6% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)

LOW$1.9   210 BDT
AVERAGE$24   2,700 BDT
HIGH$240   27,000 BDT
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 210 BDT to 27,000 BDT on commuting with 2,700 BDT being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 2% or as high as 10%.

Food and Groceries Cost29%

29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)

LOW$4.7   520 BDT
AVERAGE$61   6,700 BDT
HIGH$610   67,000 BDT
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Rajshahi is 6,700 BDT. The cost of groceries can range between 520 BDT to 67,000 BDT. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)

LOW$1.3   140 BDT
AVERAGE$17   1,900 BDT
HIGH$170   19,000 BDT
Per Month

People in Rajshahi allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 140 BDT to 19,000 BDT with 1,900 BDT being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.75   82 BDT
AVERAGE$9.8   1,100 BDT
HIGH$98   11,000 BDT
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 82 BDT to 11,000 BDT with 1,100 BDT being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

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

LOW$1.1   120 BDT
AVERAGE$15   1,600 BDT
HIGH$150   16,000 BDT
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 1,600 BDT per month with 120 BDT being the minimum spent amount and 16,000 BDT being the maximum.

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$2.4   270 BDT
AVERAGE$32   3,500 BDT
HIGH$320   35,000 BDT
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Rajshahi

How much money can you save in Rajshahi 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 Rajshahi manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
54%
Not Saving
46%

Almost 54% of the surveyed people in Rajshahi said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 46% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Rajshahi

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles56%44%
Couples51%49%
Families46%54%

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.


Savings to income ratio in Rajshahi

Saving to Income Ratio

8.1% 15% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

590 BDT
$5.4
7,700 BDT
$70
77,000 BDT
$700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 8.1% to 28% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 7,700 BDT on average with savings ranging from 590 BDT to 77,000 BDT.

56% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 51% of couples said the same. 46% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Rajshahi?

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

11% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

590 BDT
$5.4
5,300 BDT
$48
35,000 BDT
$320
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%17%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 11% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 5,300 BDT with 590 BDT and 35,000 BDT being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

9.1% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,900 BDT
$27
8,800 BDT
$81
47,000 BDT
$430
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 9.1% to 29% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 8,800 BDT with 2,900 BDT and 47,000 BDT being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

8.1% 14% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,100 BDT
$38
12,000 BDT
$110
77,000 BDT
$700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%41%
10% - 20%32%
20% - 30%21%
30% - 40%3%
40% - 50%2%
> 50%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Rajshahi can save anywhere between 8.1% to 27% of their monthly income, with 14% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 12,000 BDT with 4,100 BDT and 77,000 BDT being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Rajshahi

Saving Challenges in Rajshahi

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Rajshahi. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income4%
High Expenses7%
Debt and Loans10%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending13%
Financial Emergencies8%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later23%
Inflation15%
Social Pressure2%
Market Instability1%

Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 10% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 13% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 8% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 23% 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. 15% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 1% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Rajshahi

Typical saving choices for people in Rajshahi

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds13%
Gold15%
Savings Accounts16%
Retirement Accounts9%
Cash Savings24%
Real Estate8%
Investment4%
Stocks3%
Bonds4%
Mutual Funds1%
Certificates of Deposit2%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

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.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Rajshahi

Affordable living in Rajshahi

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Rajshahi?


Yes
46%
No
54%

Around 46% of surveyed residents think that living in Rajshahi is affordable with proper budgeting while 54% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Rajshahi

Low-cost alternatives in Rajshahi

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options55%

Few low-cost options45%


Based on the survey, 55% of the people living in Rajshahi have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Rajshahi whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes45%

No55%


Based on the survey, 55% of the people living in Rajshahi said that they don't have an emergency fund while 45% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Rajshahi

Financial Literacy in Bangladesh

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 Leteracy40%


We asked residents of Bangladesh whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 60% 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 40% 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 Bangladesh have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 54% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 46% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance54%

Easily manages finances46%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Rajshahi

Financial goals of people in Rajshahi

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Rajshahi, 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 Fund9%
Debt Reduction49%
Retirement Savings12%
Education Funding6%
Homeownership19%
Investing5%
Travel or Lifestyle4%
Healthcare Expenses17%
Financial Independence3%

Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 49% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 12% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 5% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 4% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 17% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Rajshahi

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Rajshahi and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Bangladesh 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 Rajshahi:
AgeAmount
2569,000 BDT
30140,000 BDT
35240,000 BDT
40340,000 BDT
45520,000 BDT
50720,000 BDT
55860,000 BDT
601.1M BDT
651.3M BDT

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions11%
Savings24%
Investments11%
Social Security6%
Annuities6%
Part-time Job18%
Real Estate19%
Dividends and Interest6%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Rajshahi

1,500 BDT
$14
14,000 BDT
$130
92,000 BDT
$840
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Rajshahi

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Rajshahi


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
31%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 31% of the people in Rajshahi have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Rajshahi

Debt-to-income ratio in Rajshahi

Debt to income ratio

33%

25% to 42%

( 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 Rajshahi goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%4%
50% - 60%22%
40% - 50%17%
30% - 40%19%
20% - 30%7%
10% - 20%8%
0% - 10%24%

According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Rajshahi pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 22% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 17% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 19% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 7% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Rajshahi

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage5%
Auto Loan10%
Student Loan5%
Credit Card33%
Personal Loan47%

5% of debtors in Rajshahi confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 33% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 10% of people and personal loans rose at 47%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 5% of debtors in Rajshahi.


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 Rajshahi

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Rajshahi 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
Never47%
Once a year25%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year10%
Four times a year5%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Rajshahi

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Rajshahi

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Rajshahi

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

2,200 BDT 3,300 BDT 8,800 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $81

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,300 BDT 5,300 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

4,400 BDT 6,600 BDT 18,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $60 $160

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

5,300 BDT 8,800 BDT 24,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $81 $220

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

11,000 BDT 27,000 BDT 53,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97 $240 $480

Townhouse monthly rent cost

8,800 BDT 13,000 BDT 38,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $120 $350

House monthly rent cost

11,000 BDT 27,000 BDT 53,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97 $240 $480

Villa monthly rent cost

13,000 BDT 33,000 BDT 53,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $300 $480

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Rajshahi ranges between 2,200 BDT and 8,800 BDT, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 3,300 BDT to 13,000 BDT. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 4,400 BDT and 18,000 BDT per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 5,300 BDT to 24,000 BDT. The average rent of a townhouse in Rajshahi is around 13,000 BDT while house rental costs can be as high as 27,000 BDT per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 13,000 BDT to 53,000 BDT per month.



Apartment and house prices in Rajshahi

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

440,000 BDT 660,000 BDT 1.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $6,000 $12,000

1-bedroom apartment price

530,000 BDT 880,000 BDT 3.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $8,100 $30,000

2-bedroom apartment price

880,000 BDT 2.7M BDT 5.3M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,100 $24,000 $48,000

3-bedroom apartment price

2.9M BDT 4.4M BDT 13M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $40,000 $120,000

Townhouse price

3.8M BDT 8.8M BDT 33M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35,000 $81,000 $300,000

House price

4.4M BDT 27M BDT 38M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $240,000 $350,000

Villa price

5.3M BDT 29M BDT 44M BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48,000 $270,000 $400,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Rajshahi can range from 440,000 BDT to 1.3M BDT depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 530,000 BDT to 3.3M BDT. A villa can cost you 29M BDT on average with prices ranging from 5.3M BDT to 44M BDT.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Rajshahi 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


29 x81 monthly income 191
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Rajshahi can be x81 to x191 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x81 multiples of the average monthly salary in Rajshahi.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


18% 28% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Rajshahi is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 39% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
26%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.7%
AVERAGE
2.7%
TO
3.6%

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.


41 BDT 540 BDT 5,400 BDT
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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Rajshahi

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Rajshahi

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

160 BDT 1,100 BDT 7,400 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $10 $68

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

410 BDT 1,400 BDT 9,100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $13 $83

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

720 BDT 2,100 BDT 13,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $19 $120

Internet and cable cost

120 BDT 250 BDT 330 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $2.3 $3

Mobile phone bill and charges

100 BDT 170 BDT 500 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1.5 $4.5

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 Rajshahi ranges between 160 BDT and 7,400 BDT with average being 1,100 BDT, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 1,400 BDT with 410 BDT and 9,100 BDT being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 2,100 BDT. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 120 BDT to 330 BDT with 250 BDT being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 170 BDT but can range between 100 BDT and 500 BDT 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


4.1% 7.1% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Rajshahi is around 7.1%. This means that people pay 7.1% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4.1% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Rajshahi

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Rajshahi

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

25 BDT 50 BDT 83 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.23 $0.45 $0.76

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Rajshahi is approximatly 50 BDT with meal cost ranging from 25 BDT to 83 BDT. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

86 BDT 130 BDT 260 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.78 $1.2 $2.3

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 86 BDT and 260 BDT with 130 BDT being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Rajshahi.

Fine dining meal for one price

170 BDT 260 BDT 1,000 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.3 $9.4

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 170 BDT to 1,000 BDT with the average cost being 260 BDT for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Rajshahi.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

21 BDT 33 BDT 50 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.30 $0.45

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Rajshahi is around 33 BDT. Price ranges between 21 BDT and 50 BDT depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

17 BDT 20 BDT 25 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.18 $0.23

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Rajshahi is 20 BDT. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 25 BDT and the minimum being 17 BDT depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

12 BDT 17 BDT 25 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.15 $0.23

A dozen eggs costs around 17 BDT on average with 12 BDT and 25 BDT being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

28 BDT 37 BDT 52 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.26 $0.33 $0.47

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Rajshahi is between 28 BDT and 52 BDT depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 37 BDT.

Pack of beef price

33 BDT 50 BDT 100 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.30 $0.45 $0.91

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 50 BDT. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

13 BDT 18 BDT 26 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.17 $0.24

A bag of rice in Rajshahi costs around 18 BDT on average with prices rangeing between 13 BDT and 26 BDT depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

5 BDT 6.7 BDT 12 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.06 $0.11

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 5 BDT to 12 BDT. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

8.9 BDT 12 BDT 19 BDT
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.17

A bag of apples costs 12 BDT 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


19% 27% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Rajshahi is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 34% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 3,000 BDT per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 410 BDT and 20,000 BDT depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 4,300 BDT per month. That number can be get as low as 1,400 BDT or a high as 23,000 BDT. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 2,600 BDT to 48,000 BDT with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


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

Housing cost for a single person27%

27% of total expenses on average (15% to 39%)

LOW$8.5   930 BDT
AVERAGE$61   6,700 BDT
HIGH$410   45,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$1.4   160 BDT
AVERAGE$10   1,100 BDT
HIGH$68   7,400 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)

LOW$1.9   210 BDT
AVERAGE$14   1,500 BDT
HIGH$90   9,900 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$3.8   410 BDT
AVERAGE$27   3,000 BDT
HIGH$180   20,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$2.1   230 BDT
AVERAGE$15   1,700 BDT
HIGH$100   11,000 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 5%)

LOW$1.2   130 BDT
AVERAGE$8.5   930 BDT
HIGH$56   6,200 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost1%

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

LOW$0.47   52 BDT
AVERAGE$3.4   370 BDT
HIGH$23   2,500 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses23%

23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$4.2   470 BDT
AVERAGE$30   3,300 BDT
HIGH$200   22,000 BDT
Per Month


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

Housing cost for a couple24%

24% of total expenses on average (17% to 34%)

LOW$32   3,500 BDT
AVERAGE$96   11,000 BDT
HIGH$510   56,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$3.8   410 BDT
AVERAGE$13   1,400 BDT
HIGH$83   9,100 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost8%

8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)

LOW$11   1,200 BDT
AVERAGE$34   3,700 BDT
HIGH$180   20,000 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)

LOW$13   1,400 BDT
AVERAGE$39   4,300 BDT
HIGH$210   23,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Cost15%

15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)

LOW$10   1,100 BDT
AVERAGE$31   3,400 BDT
HIGH$170   18,000 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 6%)

LOW$5.6   620 BDT
AVERAGE$17   1,900 BDT
HIGH$90   9,900 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost1%

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

LOW$1.9   210 BDT
AVERAGE$5.6   620 BDT
HIGH$30   3,300 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 28%)

LOW$16   1,800 BDT
AVERAGE$48   5,300 BDT
HIGH$260   28,000 BDT
Per Month


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

Housing cost for a family23%

23% of total expenses on average (18% to 33%)

LOW$42   4,600 BDT
AVERAGE$120   13,000 BDT
HIGH$780   86,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$6.6   720 BDT
AVERAGE$19   2,100 BDT
HIGH$120   13,000 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$13   1,400 BDT
AVERAGE$38   4,100 BDT
HIGH$240   27,000 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost22%

22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)

LOW$24   2,600 BDT
AVERAGE$68   7,400 BDT
HIGH$440   48,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)

LOW$12   1,300 BDT
AVERAGE$38   4,100 BDT
HIGH$200   21,000 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 6%)

LOW$6.6   720 BDT
AVERAGE$19   2,100 BDT
HIGH$120   13,000 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost13%

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

LOW$18   2,000 BDT
AVERAGE$53   5,800 BDT
HIGH$340   38,000 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$11   1,200 BDT
AVERAGE$30   3,300 BDT
HIGH$200   21,000 BDT
Per Month


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

Housing costs for Student15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 21%)

LOW$4.5   490 BDT
AVERAGE$30   3,300 BDT
HIGH$200   22,000 BDT
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%

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

LOW$0.75   82 BDT
AVERAGE$5   550 BDT
HIGH$33   3,700 BDT
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$1.3   140 BDT
AVERAGE$8.8   960 BDT
HIGH$59   6,400 BDT
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)

LOW$3.8   410 BDT
AVERAGE$25   2,800 BDT
HIGH$170   18,000 BDT
Per Month

Healthcare Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)

LOW$1.1   120 BDT
AVERAGE$7.5   830 BDT
HIGH$50   5,500 BDT
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$0.94   100 BDT
AVERAGE$6.3   690 BDT
HIGH$42   4,600 BDT
Per Month

Education Cost18%

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

LOW$3.6   390 BDT
AVERAGE$24   2,600 BDT
HIGH$160   17,000 BDT
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$2.8   310 BDT
AVERAGE$19   2,100 BDT
HIGH$130   14,000 BDT
Per Month
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