Moving to Bangladesh? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Bangladesh is a country of contrasts. From the bustling city streets of Dhaka to the peaceful, rural villages dotting the landscape, Bangladesh offers a unique and varied experience. The country is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery, from the snow-capped mountains of the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the pristine beaches of Cox’s Bazar. Bangladeshi culture is just as diverse as its landscape, with influences from both Muslim and Hindu traditions.

If you are considering moving to Bangladesh, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.

Quick Bangladesh Facts:

Population: 169,035,333 (2023 estimate)
Official Language:Bangladesh’s official language is Bengali. Bengali is spoken by most people in Bangladesh and is also one of the twenty-two official languages of India.
GDP Per Capita:$2,934 USD (2023 estimate)
Largest global delta system: The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna water ways make up the world’s largest delta system, with over 8,000 kms of inland waterways.
Currency: Bangladeshi taka (BDT). As of 2023, £1 = BDT128.62, €1 = BDT113.14, $1 CAD = BDT78.56, $1 AUD = BDT71.89, $1 US = BDT106.65.

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Bangladesh

Here are some sample container shipping rates to Bangladesh from other countries around the world.

Destination Country (Port/City)	20FT	40FT
Andorra (Andorra la Vella)	$1,864	$2,318
Antigua and Barbuda (St John's)	$814	$1,298
Argentina (Buenos Aires)	$3,750	$5,690
Australia (Sydney)	$8,053	N/A
China (Beijing)	$4,895	$9,345
China (Shanghai)	$4,015	$7,665
India (Mumbai)	$1,753	$3,213
Indonesia (Jakarta)	$2,679	$4,574
Laos (Vientiane)	$4,015	$7,665
Malaysia (Port Kelang)	$2,365	$4,250
Pakistan (Karachi)	$2,750	$4,095
Philippines (Manila)	$2,750	N/A
Singapore (Singapore)	$2,915	$5,565
South Africa (Durban)	$5,100	N/A
South Korea (Busan)	$4,315	$6,870
Spain (Valencia)	$2,378	$3,369
Thailand (Laem Chabang)	$3,400	$5,477
Uruguay (Montevideo)	$3,750	$5,690
US (Los Angeles)	$835	$1,035
US (New York)	$2,253	$2,534

Also see the Best International Moving Companies in Bangladesh

2. Bangladesh Housing Costs

Housing in Bangladesh is very affordable when compared to other countries in South Asia. Most people live in rented accommodation, with a small minority owning their own homes. Expats tend to live in Dhaka and rent either villas or upmarket apartments.

Monthly Rental Prices in Bangladesh

1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: ৳5,000 – ৳20,000
1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ৳3,500 – ৳15,000
3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: ৳15,000 – ৳ 50,000
3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ৳9,000 – ৳30,000
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: ৳48,208.42 – ৳172,222.66
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: ৳32,291.73 – ৳86,111.28

Bangladesh Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Bangladesh compare with other countries around the globe.

United Kingdom is 834.5% more expensive
United States is 1,352.1% more expensive
Canada is 1% more expensive
Australia is 1,111.1%more expensive
France is 5% more expensive
Germany is 692.3% more expensive
Italy is 525% more expensive
Spain is 562% more expensive

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share an apartment or house. Accommodation is extremely affordable in Bangladesh but is you’d like to have company, then have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate: Flat Mate, Bangla Mart, iRoommates, and BdHousing.
Different areas – different prices. It is cheaper to live in some areas than in others. The most expensive places are in and around Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. If your income is limited, you should look for a place to stay in Chittagong or Sylhet.

3. Bangladesh Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Bangladesh has a wide range of restaurants, including many Chinese and Thai cafes and restaurants. There’s a sprinkling of restaurants for those who enjoy fine dining, plus good burger joints and a good selection of traditional Bangladeshi street food.

Inexpensive Restaurant: ৳100 – ৳350
Takeout Coffee: ৳70 – ৳345
Bottle of Coke: ৳23 – ৳50
1L of milk: ৳60 – ৳96
Loaf of Bread: ৳30 – ৳115
12 Eggs: ৳84 – ৳156
1kg Chicken: ৳120 – ৳450
1kg Beef: ৳550 – ৳800
1kg Apples: ৳120 – ৳260
1kg White Rice: ৳50 – ৳80

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major countries around the world.

UK restaurants are 311% more expensive and groceries are 87.3% more expensive than Bangladesh
US restaurants are 346.3%more expensive and groceries 5% more expensive than Bangladesh
Canadian restaurants are 291.5% more expensive and groceries are 155.5% more expensive
Australian restaurants are 339.9% more expensive and groceries are 55.99% more expensive than Bangladesh
French restaurants are 306.2% more expensive and groceries are 153.9% more expensive than Bangladesh.
Spanish restaurants are 211.6% more expensive and groceries are 62.2% more expensive than Bangladesh.
Italian restaurants are 274.2% more expensive and groceries are 104% more expensive than Bangladesh.
German restaurants are 245.3% more expensive and groceries are 101.7% more expensive than Bangladesh.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know your supermarkets: Bangladesh has many privately owned grocery stores as well as supermarket chains. There are also farmers’ markets and street sellers where you can buy fresh produce. Popular supermarkets in Bangladesh are: Almas Super Shop, Shwapno, Agora, Meena Baazar, and Prince Bazar.
Find Cheap Eats:Eating out in Bangladesh is extremely affordable. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Trip Advisor, The Culture Trip, Simple Travel, Home, and Wander Log

4. Bangladesh Alcohol Costs

You need a permit to drink alcohol in Bangladesh. It’s an easy process and is quickly granted to non-Muslims. Over 90% of Bangladeshis don’t drink alcohol. You can buy alcohol at various government owned warehouses as long as you have a permit. A few bars and restaurants are licenced and four and five star hotels will be licenced to sell alcohol.

Pint (0.5L) domestic beer (non-alcoholic) at a restaurant/pub: ৳190 – ৳1,000
Bottle of imported beer (non-alcoholic) at a restaurant/pub: ৳ 350 – ৳1,200
Pint (0.5L) domestic beer (non-alcoholic) at a supermarket: ৳120 – ৳350
Bottle of imported beer (non-alcoholic) at a supermarket: ৳250 – ৳1,000
Mid-range bottle of wine (non-alcoholic) at a supermarket: ৳200 – ৳1,800

5. Bangladesh Transportation Fares

Public transport in the cities of Bangladesh adds to the traffic chaos. The main mode of transport is the bus – both local and long distance. There are also rickshaws and tuk tuks; vans converted into 14 seater people carriers (although you’ll probably find twice the number crammed into the van); bicycles and motor bikes; mini buses, taxis and water taxis. Dhaka’s metro rail system is under construction and will make a positive difference to the city’s traffic issues once completed.

Here are some example ticket costs.

One-way Ticket (Local Transport) – ৳20- ৳60
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) – ৳50 – ৳200
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – ৳600 – ৳3,300

How to save money on public transport

Buy a monthly season ticket: This allows you to travel unlimited times within a certain period.
Carpool: If you are traveling with others, consider carpooling to split the cost of fuel and parking.

6. Cost of Internet in Bangladesh

The cost of the internet in Bangladesh is relatively inexpensive when compared to other countries. This is due, in part, to the fact that the government has capped internet prices.

Here are some sample broadband internet prices as of 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

BD Com Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) – ৳1, 2000 – ৳5, 000

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Bangladesh is hot and humid for most of the year with daily average temperatures of between 15C to 34C, depending on the time of year. The hottest months (April to September) are also the wettest months when the main monsoon season arrives. Bangladesh is a very wet country and experiences frequent flooding. It has an average of 2,200mm per annum, with some areas receiving up to 5,000mm. The country also experiences tropical cyclones once every two to three years which brings torrential rain, high winds and storm surges.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: ৳750 – ৳4,000
Summer Dress: ৳800 – ৳4,500
Running Shoes (Trainers): ৳2,500 – ৳9,000
Business Shoes: ৳2,200 – ৳10,000
Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): ৳1,500 – ৳2,000
Deodorant: ৳60 – ৳120
Shampoo: ৳50 – ৳200
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): ৳56
Gym membership: ৳500 – ৳3,500
Movie (cinema) ticket: ৳350 – ৳800

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Bangladesh

You will need an International Driving Licence to drive in Bangladesh. After 12 months your IDL expires, and you’ll need to get a Bangladeshi licence. Driving in Bangladesh is not easy. The rules of the road are rarely followed, only 10% of the roads are tarred and they are full of potholes, plus city traffic is impossible. There are very few street lights in the cities and none in rural areas and many vehicles also lack both head lights and side lights.

The cost of owning and operating a car in Bangladesh is relatively low. Gasoline is inexpensive, and the government has implemented policies to keep the price of cars affordable for the average person. Car insurance is also relatively cheap, and you can find good deals on used cars if you’re willing to shop around. That said, driving in Bangladesh is not recommended.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Bangladesh:

Volkswagen Golf:৳3,000,000 – ৳4,000,000
1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):৳85 – ৳135

Source: Numbeo

Ways to save money driving in Bangladesh

Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber, Shohoz, and Pathao
Share rides (motorbikes and cars) – Biddingo, Deshiz and SAM

9. Taxes in Bangladesh

The tax system in Bangladesh is relatively simple. Income tax is levied on both individuals and corporations at a progressive rate. Personal income tax ranges from 5% to 30%. Non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 30% of their income.

VAT is applied to most goods and services at a standard rate of 15%.

Customs duty is levied on imported goods at a rate of 10 – 20%.

If you own your home, you will also be responsible for paying property tax levied at a rate of 0.5% of the property value.

Look here for a detailed analysis of the tax system in Bangladesh.

10. Flight Costs from Bangladesh

If you do make the move to Bangladesh, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2023:

London: ৳25,658
New York: ৳ 66,736
Toronto: ৳59,847
Sydney: ৳30,375
Paris: ৳25, 338
Madrid: ৳ 24,990
Berlin: ৳ 25,457
Rome: ৳ 24,556

Other Bangladesh Relocation Tips

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Bangladesh but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Relocating to Bangladesh Alone

Relocating to another country is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Living in Bangladesh will probably be a culture shock for many but you will be welcomed by the Bangladeshis and they will try and make your time in country memorable and pleasurable.

If you’re considering moving to Bangladesh solo, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips for relocating to Bangladesh alone:

Meetups:Bangladesh has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from religion to IT.
Attend local events: There is always something going on in Bangladesh and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Trip Advisor, 10Times and Event Brite.

12. Moving to Bangladesh with a Family

Relocating with a family is both exciting and challenging. Bangladeshis will welcome you and your family to their country and will be happy to introduce you to their culture.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re moving to Bangladesh with kids:

Live in a family friendly area:Most expats live in Dhaka or Chittagong and tend to live in gated areas that are separate from the Bangladeshi community. These generally consist of apartment blocks, town houses and villas.
Find things to do with the kids:Bangladesh has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Klarna, Trip Advisor, Hello Dhaka, and Inspirock.

13. Moving to Bangladesh for Work

Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

There are job openings in digital marketing, social media marketing, IT, interior design, clothing manufacturing, agriculture, finance, education and healthcare.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Pay Lab, Glassdoor, and Pay Scale.
How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Bangladesh, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Indeed, BD Jobs Careers, and BD Jobs Today. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Bangladesh from Australia

There is a small Aussie contingent living in Bangladesh. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Bangladesh, here are a few things to consider.

Size comparison: When it comes to size, Bangladesh is about 52 times smaller than Australia. Bangladesh has a population of about 168,363,333 million people, whereas Australia has a population of only 26,177,413.
Join expat groups:Expat groups such as InterNations and MeetUp offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Bangladesh.

15. Moving to Bangladesh from Canada

There are a small number of Canadians living in Bangladesh. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size:Bangladesh is a mere 1.49% of the size of Canada but its population is almost four times the size of Canada’s.
Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as InterNations and Facebook.

16. Moving to Bangladesh from the United Kingdom

The climate and way of life in Bangladesh is very different from what you may be used to in the UK. In fact, it can be quite a culture shock! So, if you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:

Size: The UK is approximately 1.6 times larger than Bangladesh but it’s population is 100,000,000 less.
Expat groups:If you want to meet other expats from the UK, go to InterNations and Facebook.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Bangladesh you can start by comparing moving quotes here.