Cost of living in Bhutan compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 61% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Bhutan is 61% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Bhutan | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | - | $21 | - | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 120 Ngultrum ($1.38) | $12 | - 88% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 165 Ngultrum ($1.90) | $5.48 | - 65% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 180 Ngultrum ($2.07) | $1.07 | + 93% | |
12 eggs, large | 60 Ngultrum ($0.69) | $4.98 | - 86% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 65 Ngultrum ($0.75) | $4.47 | - 83% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 480 Ngultrum ($5.53) | $7 | - 20% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 120 Ngultrum ($1.38) | $3.78 | - 63% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 110 Ngultrum ($1.27) | $1.98 | - 36% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 80 Ngultrum ($0.92) | $3.92 | - 77% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 250 Ngultrum ($2.88) | $18 | - 84% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 120 Ngultrum ($1.38) | $2.89 | - 52% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 75 Ngultrum ($0.86) | $2.62 | - 67% | |
Housing | - 56% | |||
Housing in Bhutan is 56% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Bhutan | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 25,000 Ngultrum ($288) | $2,774 | - 90% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | - | $2,037 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 1,300 Ngultrum ($15) | $226 | - 93% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 20,000 Ngultrum ($230) | $2,063 | - 89% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 10,000 Ngultrum ($115) | $1,463 | - 92% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 2,000 Ngultrum ($23) | $167 | - 86% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 10,151 Ngultrum ($117) | $59 | + 98% | |
40” flat screen tv | 25,000 Ngultrum ($288) | $248 | + 16% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 2,500 Ngultrum ($29) | $149 | - 81% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 350 Ngultrum ($4.03) | $15 | - 72% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | $34 | - | |
Clothes | - 53% | |||
Clothes in Bhutan is 53% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Bhutan | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 1,200 Ngultrum ($14) | $55 | - 75% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 2,500 Ngultrum ($29) | $51 | - 44% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 6,000 Ngultrum ($69) | $105 | - 34% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 4,000 Ngultrum ($46) | $139 | - 67% | |
Transportation | - 65% | |||
Transportation in Bhutan is 65% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Bhutan | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 2,000,000 Ngultrum ($23,025) | $30,505 | - 25% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 85 Ngultrum ($0.98) | $0.93 | + 6% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 900 Ngultrum ($10) | $78 | - 87% | |
Personal Care | - 57% | |||
Personal Care in Bhutan is 57% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Bhutan | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 176 Ngultrum ($2.03) | $9 | - 78% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 150 Ngultrum ($1.73) | $22 | - 92% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 2,000 Ngultrum ($23) | $164 | - 86% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 278 Ngultrum ($3.19) | $9 | - 65% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 375 Ngultrum ($4.32) | $5.28 | - 18% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 1,000 Ngultrum ($12) | $7 | + 64% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 200 Ngultrum ($2.30) | $5.02 | - 54% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 65 Ngultrum ($0.75) | $2.43 | - 69% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | - | $30 | - | |
Entertainment | - 38% | |||
Entertainment in Bhutan is 38% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Bhutan | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 1,500 Ngultrum ($17) | $60 | - 71% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 900 Ngultrum ($10) | $29 | - 65% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 2,000 Ngultrum ($23) | $220 | - 90% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 2,000 Ngultrum ($23) | $103 | - 78% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 900 Ngultrum ($10) | $15 | - 31% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 350 Ngultrum ($4.03) | $6 | - 33% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 150 Ngultrum ($1.73) | $7 | - 77% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 57,434 Ngultrum ($661) | $491 | + 35% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | $0.55 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 12,000 Ngultrum ($138) | $63 | + 120% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 150 Ngultrum ($1.73) | $11 | - 84% | |
TOTAL | - 55% |

These prices were last updated on February 14, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.01151
USD
/
BTN
Cost of living in Bhutan is 55% cheaper than in United States
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