Cost of Living in Dili - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $758 (excluding rent), and $1,773 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,877 (excluding rent), and $3,461 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.95 $4.95

$2.47 $2.47

$9.89 $9.89

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$45.25 $45.25

$25.14 $25.14

$50.3 $50.3

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.13 $8.13

$7.12 $7.12

$8.13 $8.13

Cappuccino

$3.73 $3.73

$1.70 $1.70

$4.87 $4.87

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.59 $1.59

$0.76 $0.76

$2.02 $2.02

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.38 $1.38

$0.73 $0.73

$1.95 $1.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.97 $1.97

$2.95 $2.95

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.39 $4.39

$3.90 $3.90

$4.88 $4.88

Milk (1 liter)

$2.39 $2.39

$0.98 $0.98

$2.93 $2.93

White Bread (500g)

$2.42 $2.42

$1.88 $1.88

$2.97 $2.97

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.02 $1.02

$3.07 $3.07

Eggs

$2.73 $2.73

$2.43 $2.43

$3.04 $3.04

Local Cheese (1kg)

$1.96 $1.96

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.75 $9.75

$4.10 $4.10

$15.39 $15.39

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.91 $15.91

$10.94 $10.94

$24.86 $24.86

Apples (1kg)

$3.51 $3.51

$2.01 $2.01

$5.02 $5.02

Banana (1kg)

$1.80 $1.80

$1.48 $1.48

$1.97 $1.97

Oranges (1kg)

$2.05 $2.05

Tomato (1kg)

$2.45 $2.45

$1.96 $1.96

$2.94 $2.94

Potato (1kg)

$2.03 $2.03

Onion (1kg)

$1.27 $1.27

$1.02 $1.02

$1.52 $1.52

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.02 $1.02

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.49 $0.49

$1.46 $1.46

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.70 $2.70

$1.96 $1.96

$3.43 $3.43

Wine (Bottle)

$11.89 $11.89

$9.91 $9.91

$24.78 $24.78

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.22 $2.22

$1.87 $1.87

$2.83 $2.83

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.89 $2.89

$2.30 $2.30

$3.06 $3.06

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.24 $0.24

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.52 $3.52

$2.01 $2.01

$5.03 $5.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.20 $3.20

$2.46 $2.46

$3.93 $3.93

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.20 $20.20

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.15 $1.15

$1.60 $1.60

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$148 $148

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$30.31 $30.31

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$50.9 $50.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$50.3 $50.3

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$2.93 $2.93

Cinema Ticket

$5.42 $5.42

$4.93 $4.93

$5.91 $5.91

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$15.7K $15.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.9 $59.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$30.40 $30.40

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$80.5 $80.5

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$59.1 $59.1

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,090 $1,090

$793 $793

$1,289 $1,289

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$923 $923

$890 $890

$989 $989

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,424 $3,424

$2,792 $2,792

$4,487 $4,487

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,691 $1,691

$1,522 $1,522

$2,029 $2,029

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,663 $3,663

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.37

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: February 28, 2026

Dili Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Dili - Frequently Asked Questions

In Dili, you’ll find affordability that rewards careful planning, especially if you value coastal access and a relaxed pace. Cost of Living in Dili, Timor-Leste tends to be lower than big regional cities, with accessible street food, fresh markets, and housing options that fit modest budgets. Expats often balance longer leases with shared spaces to trim costs, and many residents rely on bicycles or walking for daily errands. Public transit covers core routes without the price tag of larger capitals. Seasonal festival periods can tweak prices briefly, but long stays stay predictable. Tip: test a few neighborhoods at different times and choose a base that fits your routine.

Finding a place to stay in Dili often centers on neighborhood vibe and lease length. Look for midtown areas near the waterfront for walkability, or hillside pockets with larger apartments. Local groceries and markets provide fresh produce at predictable costs, while imported items can push up the bill. For getting around, you have options: public buses, taxis, or motorbike rentals that give you flexibility without a car. Coworking spaces with reliable Wi‑Fi are common, making short-term passes practical for remote work. Dili, Timor-Leste living cost awareness helps you tailor your daily budget. Tip: visit several spots at different times to gauge noise, safety, and Wi‑Fi reliability before committing.

Quality of life in Dili blends modest living costs with outdoor opportunities. Use a simple budgeting framework that separates housing, food, transport, and leisure, then add a small cushion for unpredictable expenses like repairs or travel. In central districts, negotiating lower rents with longer leases can pay off, while hillside areas may offer more space for the same price. Seasonal weather influences outdoor plans, but markets, cafes, and coastal activities stay reliable. For neighborhood fit, visit different districts at various times of day, chat with residents, and test internet in a coworking hub before you commit. Tip: map your priorities and adjust as the city evolves.