Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, home to about 21 million people in the metropolitan area. The city sits on the Buriganga River in central Bangladesh and serves as the country's economic, political, and cultural center. Daily life involves navigating dense traffic, frequent use of rickshaws and buses, and exposure to monsoon rains from June through September. The city has significant informal settlements alongside modern office districts. Most residents are Bengali speakers. Power cuts occur occasionally, especially during peak summer months. The pace is fast and the streets are crowded, particularly in commercial areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Old Dhaka.
💡 Local Insights
Dhaka · 2026
Dhaka's costs remain low by global standards, but prices vary sharply by neighborhood and lifestyle choices. The moderate budget of $625/month assumes a mix of local and expat-oriented spending: mid-range apartment rental, eating at a combination of street food and restaurants, and regular rickshaw use. Housing dominates the budget. A one-bedroom apartment in expat neighborhoods like Gulshan or Banani rents for $400-800/month, while similar space in Mirpur or Dhanmondi costs $150-350/month. Local markets offer vegetables and rice at roughly one-third the price of supermarkets. Eating at local restaurants costs $1-3 per meal; international restaurants run $8-15. Transport is cheap (rickshaws $0.30-1, buses $0.15-0.50 per ride), but traffic delays mean time costs money. Expats often pay 30-50% premiums for the same housing and services as locals. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) add $30-60/month. Healthcare and education push costs higher for families with children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Dhaka per month?
A moderate lifestyle in Dhaka costs around $625/month. This covers a one-bedroom apartment in a middle-range neighborhood ($250-400), groceries and meals ($150-200), transport ($30-50), utilities ($30-50), and other expenses like phone service and entertainment ($100-150). On a budget tier of $375/month, you would rent in less convenient areas, rely on street food and local restaurants, and use public transport exclusively. The comfortable tier of $969/month allows for better housing ($500-600), regular dining at quality restaurants, occasional travel, and more flexibility across categories.
What is the average rent in Dhaka?
Rent varies significantly by neighborhood. Expat areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara rent one-bedroom apartments for $400-800/month; two-bedroom units run $600-1,200/month. Middle-class Bangladeshi neighborhoods like Dhanmondi, Mirpur, and Uttara offer one-bedroom apartments for $150-300/month. Older areas like Motijheel or Kawran Bazar are cheaper at $100-200/month but may have older infrastructure. Furnished apartments cost 20-30% more than unfurnished. Most leases are negotiable and require 1-2 months' deposit plus 1-2 months' advance rent. Real estate agents typically charge the first month's rent as commission.
Is Dhaka cheap to live in for expats?
Yes, Dhaka is inexpensive compared to most developed-country cities, but expats typically spend more than Bangladeshis on the same lifestyle. A comfortable expat life costs $800-1,200/month when prioritizing reliable housing, regular international groceries, and private transport. Expats living modestly (local apartments, local food, public transport) can match the $625 moderate budget, but this requires adjustment and local knowledge. Compared to other South Asian cities, Dhaka is cheaper than Colombo or Indian metros like Mumbai, but slightly less stable for long-term expat housing. Most expats cluster in Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara where services are familiar and amenities abundant, which drives costs up significantly.
How much does food cost per month in Dhaka?
Monthly food costs depend heavily on eating habits. A local diet of rice, lentils, vegetables, and occasional meat costs $40-70/month at street stalls and local markets. A mix of home cooking with some restaurant meals runs $120-180/month. International or expat-oriented eating costs $250-400/month. Specific examples: a full meal at a local restaurant (rice, curry, vegetables) costs $1-2; street snacks (samosa, paratha) are $0.25-0.75; eggs run $0.10-0.15 each at markets; a kilogram of chicken costs $2-3; imported groceries at supermarkets cost 2-3 times local market prices. Fresh produce is seasonal and cheap during monsoon and winter months.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dhaka?
A comfortable lifestyle in Dhaka requires approximately $969/month, or roughly $11,600 annually. This supports a decent one-bedroom apartment ($500-600), regular meals at mid-range restaurants, weekend activities, reliable internet and utilities, and occasional travel within Bangladesh or to neighboring countries. For families with children including private school and healthcare, add $400-600/month. Most expat employers in Dhaka offer packages of $1,200-2,000/month for mid-level professionals, which affords genuine comfort and some savings. Local Bangladeshi professionals earning $300-500/month live moderately but have lower housing and food costs. Budget for contingencies like medical expenses or travel, as unexpected costs can arise in an urban environment with developing infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Dhaka compare to other places?
Dhaka is significantly cheaper than Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok ($800-1,000/month moderate) or Ho Chi Minh City ($700-900/month moderate). It is comparable to or slightly cheaper than Kathmandu, Nepal ($550-700/month moderate). Housing in Dhaka is cheaper than Mumbai or Delhi for expats, though less regulated. Compared to Colombo, Sri Lanka ($700-850/month moderate), Dhaka offers lower housing costs but fewer developed expat services. Against developed-country standards, Dhaka costs one-quarter to one-third of US or Western European cities. For journalists and researchers, Dhaka's primary advantage is low operational costs (office space, local staff, transport), though internet reliability and medical care are considerations relative to Bangkok or Colombo.
Can you live in Dhaka on $375/month?
Yes, but with significant constraints. On $375/month, you would rent a room or small apartment in Mirpur, Uttara, or Motijheel for $100-150, spend $60-80 on groceries, eat mostly at street stalls and local restaurants ($80-100), use public buses exclusively ($15-20), and have $50-75 for utilities and incidentals. This budget works for long-term residents with established routines and local knowledge, but is tight for newcomers who may need contingency for unexpected expenses. You would forgo international groceries, dining out for leisure, private transportation, and travel. This tier suits students, remote workers on tight budgets, or researchers with minimal overhead. It is livable but leaves little margin for medical emergencies or major expenses.
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