75 cities covered · Currency: NPR (₨) · Capital: Kathmandu
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ₨402 ($3.02) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ₨1,607 ($12.08) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ₨121 ($0.91) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ₨9,107 ($68.48) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ₨1,473 ($11.08) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ₨3,884 ($29.20) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ₨1,125 ($8.46) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ₨1,125 ($8.46) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ₨295 ($2.22) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₨14,806 ($111) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ₨10,300 ($77.44) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₨30,899 ($232) | per month |
pop. 845,767
Madhesh · pop. 743,982
Bāgmatī · pop. 369,377
Gaṇḍakī · pop. 353,841
Province Number One · pop. 242,548
Bāgmatī · pop. 179,688
Lumbinī · pop. 156,164
Madhesh · pop. 135,904
Bāgmatī · pop. 133,755
Lumbinī · pop. 118,462
Province Number One · pop. 116,181
Madhesh · pop. 102,031
Sudūrpashchim · pop. 101,970
Madhesh · pop. 97,776
Bāgmatī · pop. 84,671
Sudūrpashchim · pop. 78,018
Province Number One · pop. 74,501
Lumbinī · pop. 72,503
Province Number One · pop. 70,913
Bāgmatī · pop. 69,851
Bāgmatī · pop. 67,629
Bāgmatī · pop. 65,602
Lumbinī · pop. 63,483
Sudūrpashchim · pop. 56,127
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nepal
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nepal
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nepal
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nepal
Living costs in Nepal vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ₨37,086 ($279) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.