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Cost of Living in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal · Population 845,767 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Nepal average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₨46,144 ($347)
Couple, monthly₨81,953 ($616)
Family of four, monthly₨106,040 ($797)

Estimated Prices in Kathmandu

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₨493 ($3.71)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₨1,971 ($14.82)per meal
Cappuccino₨148 ($1.11)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₨11,169 ($83.98)per month
Monthly public transport pass₨1,807 ($13.59)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₨4,763 ($35.82)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₨1,380 ($10.37)per month
Fitness club membership₨1,380 ($10.37)per month
Cinema ticket₨361 ($2.72)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₨19,108 ($144)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₨13,293 ($99.95)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₨39,878 ($300)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Kathmandu is ₨43,225 ($325) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₨46,144 ($347) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₨59,987 ($451) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₨13,293 ($100)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Kathmandu

Kathmandu vs PathlaiyāKathmandu vs BharatpurKathmandu vs PokharaKathmandu vs BirāṭnagarKathmandu vs BuḍhānilkanṭhaKathmandu vs Ghorāhī

Nearby Cities

Tokha

5 km away · Bāgmatī

Kirtipur

6 km away · Bāgmatī

Buḍhānilkanṭha

8 km away · Bāgmatī

Bhaktapur

12 km away · Bāgmatī

Dakṣiṇkāli̇̄

12 km away · Bāgmatī

Jitpur

16 km away · Bāgmatī

Shikharpur

19 km away · Bāgmatī

Banepā

21 km away · Bāgmatī

Other Major Cities in Nepal

Pathlaiyā

Madhesh · pop. 743,982

₨37,086 ($279) / mo

Bharatpur

Bāgmatī · pop. 369,377

₨37,086 ($279) / mo

Pokhara

Gaṇḍakī · pop. 353,841

₨37,086 ($279) / mo

Birāṭnagar

Province Number One · pop. 242,548

₨34,846 ($262) / mo

Buḍhānilkanṭha

Bāgmatī · pop. 179,688

₨34,846 ($262) / mo

Ghorāhī

Lumbinī · pop. 156,164

₨34,846 ($262) / mo

Birgañj

Madhesh · pop. 135,904

₨34,846 ($262) / mo

Tokha

Bāgmatī · pop. 133,755

₨34,846 ($262) / mo

Living in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and one of the key cities in Nepal. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₨46,144 ($347), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₨13,293 ($100) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₨106,040 ($797) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₨81,953 ($616) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Kathmandu is ₨43,225 ($325). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₨59,987 ($451) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kathmandu expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₨46,144 ($347) per month in Kathmandu including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Nepal.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Kathmandu?
A net salary of around ₨59,987 ($451) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Kathmandu with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Kathmandu is ₨43,225 ($325).
How much is rent in Kathmandu?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₨19,108 ($144) per month in the city centre and ₨13,293 ($100) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₨39,878 ($300).
Is Kathmandu cheaper than Nepal on average?
No — Kathmandu is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Nepal average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Kathmandu?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₨11,169 ($84) in Kathmandu. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₨493 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ₨148 ($1).
How do transport costs in Kathmandu compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Kathmandu is estimated at ₨1,807 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Kathmandu are estimates based on Nepal national averages adjusted for city size (population 845,767) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.