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Cost of Living in Thimphu

Thimphu, Thimphu, BT · Population 114,551 · National capital

▲ +25% vs BT average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$857
Couple, monthly$1,550
Family of four, monthly$2,032

Estimated Prices in Thimphu

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$8.19per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$32.76per meal
Cappuccino$2.46each
Monthly groceries (single person)$186per month
Monthly public transport pass$30.03per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$79.17per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$22.93per month
Fitness club membership$22.93per month
Cinema ticket$6.01each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$447per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$311per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$933per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Thimphu is $1,170 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $857 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,114 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($311) represents about 36% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Thimphu

Thimphu vs PhuntsholingThimphu vs GeylegphugThimphu vs Samdrup JongkharThimphu vs Wangdue PhodrangThimphu vs PunakhaThimphu vs Jakar

Nearby Cities

Paro

22 km away · Paro

Wangdue Phodrang

26 km away · Wangdue Phodrang

Punakha

28 km away · Punakha

Haa

36 km away · Haa

Tsimasham

43 km away · Chhukha

Daga

45 km away · Dagana

Gasa

49 km away · Gasa

Tsirang

70 km away · Tsirang

Living in Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital and one of the key cities in BT. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $857, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $311 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,032 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,550 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Thimphu is $1,170. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,114 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thimphu expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $857 per month in Thimphu including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for BT.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Thimphu?
A net salary of around $1,114 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Thimphu with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Thimphu is $1,170.
How much is rent in Thimphu?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $447 per month in the city centre and $311 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $933.
Is Thimphu cheaper than BT on average?
No — Thimphu is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the BT average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Thimphu?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $186 in Thimphu. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Thimphu compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Thimphu is estimated at $30. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Thimphu are estimates based on BT national averages adjusted for city size (population 114,551) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.