Skip to content
AverageCostOfLiving
Average cost of living in Nepal — 16 cities compared on rent, groceries, transport, and salaries in USD.
South Asia Updated

Average Cost of Living in Nepal

The average cost of living in Nepal ranges from $108 per month in Butwal-Nepal to $198 per month in Kathmandu-Nepal, with a median monthly basket of $128 for a single person. We track 8 cities in Nepal.

Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.

On this page 3 sections
Section Description
Nepal at a glance Headline numbers across 16 cities.
Cities in Nepal Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index.
Frequently asked about Nepal Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating.
Cities tracked
8
Median monthly · single
$128
Average cost index
3.2
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Kathmandu-Nepal / Butwal-Nepal

Browse cities

8 cities shown

About cost of living in Nepal

How expensive is Nepal?
Nepal has 16 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Butwal-Nepal is among the most affordable, while Kathmandu-Nepal ranks among the most expensive.
How much money do I need to live in Nepal?
Budget anywhere from $108 per month in Butwal-Nepal (the cheapest tracked city) to $198 per month in Kathmandu-Nepal (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
What is the cheapest city in Nepal?
Butwal-Nepal typically offers the lowest cost of living in Nepal, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
Which city in Nepal has the best quality of life for expats?
The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
Is the cost-of-living data for Nepal up to date?
Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.