Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Kathmandu 2025

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Kathmandu

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: NPR
8,900 64,000 430,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $480 $3,200

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Kathmandu

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Kathmandu?

A single person in Kathmandu spends around 64,000 NPR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 8,900 NPR or as high as 430,000 NPR. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kathmandu


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

85 NPR 170 NPR 280 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $1.3 $2.1

Restaurant meal for one

300 NPR 440 NPR 890 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3.3 $6.7

Fine dining meal for one

590 NPR 890 NPR 3,500 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $6.7 $27

Cappuccino or latte

71 NPR 110 NPR 170 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.85 $1.3

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

56 NPR 68 NPR 85 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.51 $0.64

12 eggs

42 NPR 56 NPR 85 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.43 $0.64

Fresh whole chicken

96 NPR 120 NPR 180 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.94 $1.3

Pack of beef

110 NPR 170 NPR 340 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.3 $2.6

Medium bag of rice

46 NPR 62 NPR 88 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.34 $0.47 $0.66

Bag of tomatos

17 NPR 23 NPR 42 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.17 $0.32

Bag of apples

30 NPR 40 NPR 65 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.23 $0.30 $0.49
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Kathmandu


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

74 NPR 89 NPR 180 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.56 $0.67 $1.3

Average car full tank

420 NPR 560 NPR 1,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.3 $8.5

Average car 1-day rental

460 NPR 620 NPR 930 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.7 $7

Average car price

210,000 NPR 420,000 NPR 560,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $3,200 $4,300

Bus ticket one way

15 NPR 23 NPR 46 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.17 $0.35

Car Service

620 NPR 930 NPR 1,900 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $7 $14
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Kathmandu


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

540 NPR 3,800 NPR 26,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $29 $190

Internet and cable

420 NPR 850 NPR 1,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $8.5

Mobile phone charges

340 NPR 560 NPR 1,700 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $4.3 $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

740 NPR 930 NPR 1,900 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $7 $14
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Kathmandu


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

550 NPR 770 NPR 1,200 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $5.8 $8.7

Woman dress

520 NPR 710 NPR 2,300 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $5.4 $17

Woman shoes

490 NPR 660 NPR 1,500 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $5 $12

Men's shoes

420 NPR 520 NPR 1,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.9 $7.8

Men suit

460 NPR 580 NPR 3,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.4 $23

Regular t-shirt

230 NPR 310 NPR 930 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $7
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Kathmandu


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

7,700 NPR 12,000 NPR 31,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $87 $230

1-bedroom apartment

12,000 NPR 19,000 NPR 46,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$87 $140 $350

2-bedroom apartment

15,000 NPR 23,000 NPR 62,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $170 $470

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

1.5M NPR 2.3M NPR 4.6M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12,000 $17,000 $35,000

1-bedroom apartment

1.9M NPR 3.1M NPR 12M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14,000 $23,000 $87,000

2-bedroom apartment

3.1M NPR 9.3M NPR 19M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23,000 $70,000 $140,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Kathmandu


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

8,500 NPR 11,000 NPR 14,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64 $80 $110

Double Bed

5,600 NPR 8,500 NPR 11,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$43 $64 $80

Single Bed

5,000 NPR 6,500 NPR 8,500 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $49 $64

Living Room

9,400 NPR 12,000 NPR 42,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71 $91 $320

Dining Table

4,200 NPR 5,600 NPR 11,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $43 $80

Sofa or Couch

5,600 NPR 7,700 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$43 $58 $130
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Kathmandu


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

5,600 NPR 8,500 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$43 $64 $130

Fridge or Freezer

5,000 NPR 7,700 NPR 11,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $58 $80

Washing Machine

6,500 NPR 9,400 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $71 $130

Stove or Cooker

6,000 NPR 7,700 NPR 11,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $58 $80

Mobile Phone

7,100 NPR 8,500 NPR 12,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $64 $91

Laptop or Computer

7,700 NPR 9,400 NPR 17,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $71 $130
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Kathmandu

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Kathmandu

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Kathmandu

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

89%

80% to 97%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Kathmandu spend around 89% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 80% of their income while some as high as 97%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Kathmandu

How do individuals spend their money in Kathmandu?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost30%

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

LOW$24   3,200 NPR
AVERAGE$170   23,000 NPR
HIGH$1,200   150,000 NPR
Per Month

Individuals in Kathmandu typically spend from 18% to 42% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 30% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 23,000 NPR with expenditure ranging from 3,200 NPR to 150,000 NPR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities8%

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

LOW$4   540 NPR
AVERAGE$29   3,800 NPR
HIGH$190   26,000 NPR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kathmandu ranges from 4% to 13% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 3,800 NPR with 540 NPR and 26,000 NPR being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel5%

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

LOW$5.4   720 NPR
AVERAGE$38   5,100 NPR
HIGH$260   34,000 NPR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 720 NPR to 34,000 NPR in a month on commuting with 5,100 NPR being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost19%

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

LOW$11   1,400 NPR
AVERAGE$77   10,000 NPR
HIGH$510   68,000 NPR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Kathmandu is 10,000 NPR. The cost of groceries can range between 1,400 NPR to 68,000 NPR. Individuals spend on average about 19% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 13% and 24% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare12%

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

LOW$6.1   800 NPR
AVERAGE$43   5,700 NPR
HIGH$290   38,000 NPR
Per Month

Individuals in Kathmandu allocate 6% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 12%. The range of medical expenses range from 800 NPR to 38,000 NPR with 5,700 NPR being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

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

LOW$3.4   450 NPR
AVERAGE$24   3,200 NPR
HIGH$160   21,000 NPR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 450 NPR to 21,000 NPR with 3,200 NPR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling1%

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

LOW$1.3   180 NPR
AVERAGE$9.6   1,300 NPR
HIGH$64   8,500 NPR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,300 NPR per month with 180 NPR being the minimum spent amount and 8,500 NPR being the maximum.

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$12   1,600 NPR
AVERAGE$87   11,000 NPR
HIGH$580   77,000 NPR
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Kathmandu

What percentage of individuals in Kathmandu are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
68%
Not Saving
32%

Almost 68% of surveyed individuals in Kathmandu said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Kathmandu

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 25% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,200 NPR
$16
20,000 NPR
$150
130,000 NPR
$990
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 16% to 38% of their monthly income to their savings, with 25% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 20,000 NPR with 2,200 NPR and 130,000 NPR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Kathmandu

Saving Challenges in Kathmandu

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

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


Reason% People
Low 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 individuals 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% of individuals 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.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Kathmandu

Typical saving choices for individuals in Kathmandu

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
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 for individuals to live in Kathmandu

Affordable living in Kathmandu

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kathmandu?


Yes
61%
No
39%

Around 61% of surveyed individuals think that living in Kathmandu is affordable with proper budgeting while 39% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Kathmandu

Low-cost alternatives in Kathmandu

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

Plenty of low-cost options65%

Few low-cost options35%


Based on the survey, 65% of the individuals living in Kathmandu have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 35% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

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 individuals of Kathmandu whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes61%

No39%


Based on the survey, 39% of the individuals living in Kathmandu said that they don't have an emergency fund while 61% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Kathmandu

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 individuals in Kathmandu 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 single people 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 and targets of single people living in Kathmandu

Financial goals of individuals in Kathmandu

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kathmandu, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction40%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 40% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Kathmandu

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kathmandu


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
31%
Debt Free
69%

According to the survey, 31% of the individuals in Kathmandu have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Kathmandu

Debt-to-income ratio in Kathmandu

Debt to income ratio

36%

25% to 45%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 36% of a single person's monthly income in Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kathmandu

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Kathmandu confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Kathmandu.


About credit score and debt 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 Kathmandu

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of Kathmandu how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never51%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Kathmandu

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kathmandu

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


Rent Cost in Kathmandu

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

7,700 NPR 12,000 NPR 31,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $87 $230

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

12,000 NPR 19,000 NPR 46,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$87 $140 $350

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

15,000 NPR 23,000 NPR 62,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $170 $470

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

19,000 NPR 31,000 NPR 84,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $230 $640

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

37,000 NPR 93,000 NPR 190,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $700 $1,400

Townhouse monthly rent cost

31,000 NPR 46,000 NPR 130,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $350 $1,000

House monthly rent cost

37,000 NPR 93,000 NPR 190,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $700 $1,400

Villa monthly rent cost

46,000 NPR 120,000 NPR 190,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $870 $1,400

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kathmandu ranges between 7,700 NPR and 31,000 NPR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 12,000 NPR to 46,000 NPR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 15,000 NPR and 62,000 NPR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 19,000 NPR to 84,000 NPR. The average rent of a townhouse in Kathmandu is around 46,000 NPR while house rental costs can be as high as 93,000 NPR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 46,000 NPR to 190,000 NPR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kathmandu

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

1.5M NPR 2.3M NPR 4.6M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12,000 $17,000 $35,000

1-bedroom apartment price

1.9M NPR 3.1M NPR 12M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14,000 $23,000 $87,000

2-bedroom apartment price

3.1M NPR 9.3M NPR 19M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23,000 $70,000 $140,000

3-bedroom apartment price

10M NPR 15M NPR 46M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78,000 $120,000 $350,000

Townhouse price

13M NPR 31M NPR 120M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100,000 $230,000 $870,000

House price

15M NPR 93M NPR 130M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $700,000 $1,000,000

Villa price

19M NPR 100M NPR 150M NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $780,000 $1.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Kathmandu can range from 1.5M NPR to 4.6M NPR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.9M NPR to 12M NPR. A villa can cost you 100M NPR on average with prices ranging from 19M NPR to 150M NPR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kathmandu will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


39 x112 monthly income 228
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kathmandu can be x112 to x228 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x112 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kathmandu.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 34% of income 46%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kathmandu is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


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

Housing affordability index

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

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

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


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


140 NPR 1,800 NPR 18,000 NPR
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 Kathmandu

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

540 NPR 3,800 NPR 26,000 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $29 $190

Internet and cable cost

420 NPR 850 NPR 1,100 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $8.5

Mobile phone bill and charges

340 NPR 560 NPR 1,700 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $4.3 $13

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 3,800 NPR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 420 NPR to 1,100 NPR with 850 NPR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 560 NPR but can range between 340 NPR and 1,700 NPR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3.4% 6.9% of income 12%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kathmandu is around 6.9%. This means that people pay 6.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.4% to 12% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kathmandu

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kathmandu

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

Fast food combo meal price

85 NPR 170 NPR 280 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $1.3 $2.1

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kathmandu is approximatly 170 NPR with meal cost ranging from 85 NPR to 280 NPR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

300 NPR 440 NPR 890 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3.3 $6.7

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 300 NPR and 890 NPR with 440 NPR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kathmandu.

Fine dining meal for one price

590 NPR 890 NPR 3,500 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $6.7 $27

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 590 NPR to 3,500 NPR with the average cost being 890 NPR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kathmandu.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

71 NPR 110 NPR 170 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.85 $1.3

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kathmandu is around 110 NPR. Price ranges between 71 NPR and 170 NPR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

56 NPR 68 NPR 85 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.51 $0.64

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kathmandu is 68 NPR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 85 NPR and the minimum being 56 NPR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

42 NPR 56 NPR 85 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.43 $0.64

A dozen eggs costs around 56 NPR on average with 42 NPR and 85 NPR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

96 NPR 120 NPR 180 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.94 $1.3

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kathmandu is between 96 NPR and 180 NPR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 120 NPR.

Pack of beef price

110 NPR 170 NPR 340 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.3 $2.6

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

46 NPR 62 NPR 88 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.34 $0.47 $0.66

A bag of rice in Kathmandu costs around 62 NPR on average with prices rangeing between 46 NPR and 88 NPR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

17 NPR 23 NPR 42 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.17 $0.32

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

30 NPR 40 NPR 65 NPR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.23 $0.30 $0.49

A bag of apples costs 40 NPR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


22% 31% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kathmandu is around 31%. This means that individuals spend 31% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 22% to 38% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 1,400 NPR to 68,000 NPR with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

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