RemoteScore

Cost of Living in Dhaka

Bangladesh · All prices in USD

#1 cheapest of 366 cities · Updated March 2026

Expense Dhaka vs Global Avg
Rent (1BR, city centre) $251 -53%
Rent (1BR, outside centre) $203 -43%
Meal (inexpensive restaurant) $2 -84%
Meal (mid-range, 2 people) $5 -91%
Coffee (cappuccino) $2 -43%
Monthly transport pass $16 -77%
Utilities (monthly) $38 -75%
Internet (monthly) $24 -40%

Budget Monthly Cost

$333

Outside centre, cheap meals, public transport

Comfortable Monthly Cost

$415

City centre, mid-range dining, coworking

Living Costs Explained

Dhaka ranks #1 out of 366 cities for affordability. At $415/month for a comfortable lifestyle, it's 65% cheaper than the global average of $1,180. This makes Dhaka an attractive base for nomads looking to stretch their income further.

Accommodation Costs

Rent is typically 40-50% of a nomad's monthly budget in Dhaka. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $251/month. Moving outside the centre saves approximately $48/month, bringing rent to $203. Short-term furnished rentals are widely available and often include utilities and WiFi.

Food and Dining

Eating out in Dhaka is extremely affordable — cheaper than cooking at home in many cases. A cheap restaurant meal costs $2, while a mid-range dinner for two runs about $5. Coffee culture is reasonably priced at $2 per cappuccino.

Transport and Utilities

Monthly public transport in Dhaka costs $16. The city scores 43/100 for walkability, so a transport pass is useful for daily commutes. Utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling) average $38/month, and internet runs $24/month for a home connection.

Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle

Budget lifestyle ($333/mo): Rent outside centre, cook at home, cheap restaurants, public transport, work from cafes. Suitable for nomads focused on saving.

Comfortable lifestyle ($415/mo): City centre apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, coworking membership ($50/mo), occasional activities and socialising. The sweet spot for most remote workers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dhaka for digital nomads?
A comfortable monthly budget in Dhaka is approximately $415, including city centre rent ($251), mid-range dining, transport ($16), and utilities ($38). This is 65% below the global average.
How much is rent in Dhaka?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Dhaka city centre costs around $251/month. Outside the centre, expect to pay $203/month — a saving of $48.
How much does food cost in Dhaka?
A cheap restaurant meal costs $2, a mid-range dinner for two around $5, and a cappuccino $2. Cooking at home can significantly reduce food costs.
Is Dhaka cheap or expensive for digital nomads?
Dhaka ranks #1 out of 366 cities by affordability. At $415/month, it's below the global average of $1,180, making it a very affordable destination.
What's the cheapest way to live in Dhaka?
Budget nomads can live in Dhaka for $333/month by renting outside the centre ($203), eating at cheap restaurants ($2/meal), using public transport ($16/month), and working from cafes instead of coworking spaces.

Cost estimates based on Numbeo and Expatistan median data for Dhaka, Bangladesh. Prices in USD, updated March 2026. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle, and exchange rates. Back to Dhaka overview.