Living in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka is one of the Bangladesh destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Dhaka city center rents for around BDT 49,000/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages BDT 33,000/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about BDT 9,800 for groceries (single person) and BDT 1,900 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Dhaka scores 20, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Dhaka starts at roughly BDT 60,700/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost BDT 770 for a mid-range meal and BDT 63 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around BDT 120. Owning a car adds approximately BDT 13,000/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Dhaka skip this in favour of public transport or the BDT 1,900/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Bangladesh offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Dhaka costs around BDT 2,100/month, with a family plan at BDT 6,300. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about BDT 1,800, while specialists charge around BDT 3,200. Families should budget BDT 42,000/month for international schooling, or BDT 23,000/month for a local private school.
Who does Dhaka suit best?
Dhaka works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.