Capital city in Thimphu District, Bhutan
Cost of living in Thimphu
How much a month costs in Thimphu
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $519–830 (Nu.50,000–80,000).
Prices in Thimphu
Typical 2026 ranges in BTN, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | BTN | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | Nu.15,000–30,000 | $156–311 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | Nu.8,000–18,000 | $83–187 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | Nu.3,000–8,000 | $31–83 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | Nu.150–300 | $1.6–3.1 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | Nu.500–1,100 | $5.2–11.4 |
| Cappuccino | Nu.100–220 | $1.0–2.3 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | Nu.150–300 | $1.6–3.1 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | Nu.10–30 | $0.10–0.31 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | Nu.150–350 | $1.6–3.6 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | Nu.1,500–4,000 | $16–42 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | Nu.300–700 | $3.1–7.3 |
Value for money: 98/100
A value score of 98/100 means Thimphu gives more quality of life per dollar than 97% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 68/100.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Bhutan
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | $519–830 | 98/100 |
| Paro | $519–830 | 98/100 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Thimphu?
About $259–394 on a lean budget, $519–830 for a comfortable month and $1,140–2,080 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Thimphu?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs Nu.15,000–30,000 ($156–311) a month in the center and Nu.8,000–18,000 ($83–187) outside it.
How much does food cost in Thimphu?
A local meal is Nu.150–300 ($1.6–3.1); a mid-range restaurant is Nu.500–1,100 ($5.2–11.4) per person.
Is Bhutan expensive?
Prices in Bhutan are about 23% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Thimphu
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Bhutan Travel (visa and fee)
- Druk Ride
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.