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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Rajshahi
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Cost of Living in Rajshahi

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Rajshahi helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: BDT 8,000 - 12,000 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: BDT 5,000 - 8,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: BDT 15,000 - 25,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: BDT 10,000 - 18,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: BDT 25,000 - 40,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: BDT 15,000 - 25,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: BDT 10 - 20
  • Monthly local transport pass: BDT 1,000 - 1,500
  • Taxi starting tariff: BDT 40 - 50
  • Taxi fare per kilometer: BDT 15 - 20
  • Gasoline (1 liter): BDT 89 - 95
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): BDT 60 - 80
  • Bread (500g): BDT 25 - 40
  • Rice (1kg): BDT 45 - 60
  • Eggs (12): BDT 90 - 110
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): BDT 250 - 350
  • Beef (1kg): BDT 450 - 600
  • Apples (1kg): BDT 100 - 180
  • Oranges (1kg): BDT 80 - 120
  • Tomatoes (1kg): BDT 30 - 60
  • Potatoes (1kg): BDT 20 - 40
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): BDT 20 - 30
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: BDT 100 - 200
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: BDT 800 - 1,500
  • Fast food meal: BDT 250 - 400
  • Cappuccino: BDT 60 - 120
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): BDT 15 - 30
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): BDT 10 - 20
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: BDT 3,000 - 5,000 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): BDT 1,000 - 2,000 per month
  • Mobile call rate per minute (local): BDT 0.50 - 1.50
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: BDT 2,000 - 5,000 per month
  • Elementary School: BDT 3,000 - 8,000 per month
  • Middle School: BDT 4,000 - 10,000 per month
  • High School: BDT 5,000 - 12,000 per month
Please note that the costs mentioned above are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always advisable to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Can I live in Rajshahi on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rajshahi for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you will have to make some sacrifices. The in Rajshahi is relatively low compared to other cities in Bangladesh, but as an expat, you might find that some of the modern amenities you're used to are not as readily available or are more expensive.To make it work, you'll have to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Rajshahi include Upashahar, Shalbagan, and Motihar. These areas offer a mix of local and expat-friendly housing options, and you can find a decent apartment for around $200 to $300 a month. However, if you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods with modern amenities, you might want to consider areas like Rajshahi Cantonment or Shaheb Bazar, but keep in mind that the rent in these areas can be significantly higher, ranging from $400 to $600 a month.When it comes to transportation, using public transport like buses and rickshaws is the most affordable option. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. Eating out can also be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food, which can cost you around $1 to $3 per meal. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you can expect to pay around $10 to $15 per meal.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is adjusting to the local lifestyle and amenities. For example, you might not have access to high-speed internet or 24/7 electricity in some areas, and you may need to rely on a generator or solar power as a backup. Additionally, facilities in Rajshahi may not be up to the standards you're used to, so you might have to travel to larger cities like Dhaka for more specialized treatments.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to adjust your expectations as well. While there are some shopping malls, movie theaters, and parks in Rajshahi, the options are limited compared to what you might be used to in a more developed country. However, there are plenty of cultural and historical sites to explore, such as the Varendra Research Museum and the beautiful Chhoto Sona Mosque.Overall, living in Rajshahi on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this unique and vibrant city," commented an expat living in Rajshahi.

Can I live in Rajshahi on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rajshahi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers a decent quality of life. I'd recommend looking into areas like Shaheb Bazar, Laxmipur, and Upashahar. These neighborhoods have a good mix of local shops, restaurants, and other amenities, and you can find a nice apartment for around $200 to $300 per month. On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Motihar and Kazla, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you might have to rely more on public transport like buses and rickshaws, which are quite affordable, instead of using private cars or taxis. This can be a bit of an adjustment if you're used to driving everywhere, but it's a great way to save money and experience the local culture.Eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food, which can be delicious and cost just a few dollars per meal. However, if you're craving Western food or dining at more upscale restaurants, you'll need to be prepared to pay a premium.One of the biggest sacrifices you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are some options like local cinemas, parks, and cultural events, you won't find the same variety of activities and amenities that you might be used to in a more developed country. This means you might have to get creative and find new hobbies or interests to keep yourself entertained.In terms of healthcare, there are some decent hospitals and clinics in Rajshahi, but the quality of care might not be up to the standards you're used to. It's a good idea to have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers treatment at private hospitals or even medical evacuation to a nearby country with better healthcare facilities if necessary.Overall, living in Rajshahi on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transport, and embracing the local culture and cuisine, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Rajshahi.

Can I live in Rajshahi on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Rajshahi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you'll probably find that your money goes a lot further here than in many other places. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make in order to make it work.Firstly, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to housing. While there are some nice neighborhoods in Rajshahi, they might not be as luxurious as what you're used to. That being said, you can still find some decent places to live. I'd recommend looking into areas like Shaheb Bazar, Upashahar, and Motihar. These neighborhoods are relatively affordable and offer a good quality of life. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Vodra and Kazla, as they can be quite pricey and might not offer the same value for money.In terms of transportation, you'll likely need to rely on local options like rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and buses. While these can be a bit crowded and chaotic at times, they're also very affordable and can get you where you need to go. If you're really set on having your own vehicle, you could consider buying a motorbike, but keep in mind that traffic can be quite hectic and driving here might be a bit of an adjustment.As for food, you'll find that eating out is generally quite affordable in Rajshahi, especially if you stick to local cuisine. There are plenty of street food vendors and small restaurants where you can get a delicious meal for just a few dollars. However, if you're craving Western food or more upscale dining options, you might have to pay a bit more and travel to larger cities like Dhaka.Finally, you'll need to be prepared for some cultural differences and a slower pace of life. Things might not always run as smoothly or efficiently as you're used to, and you'll need to be patient and adaptable. But overall, I think you'll find that living in Rajshahi on $5,000 a month is not only doable but can also be quite enjoyable. Just be prepared to make some adjustments and embrace the local way of life," commented an expat living in Rajshahi.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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