Last update: Oct 2026 Bangladesh 526.4K

Cost of Living in Sylhet

For one person, living costs in Sylhet are estimated at $365 a month, including rent and utilities, which take less than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $9 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sylhet

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Sylhet actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $365 monthly including rent, or $282 excluding housing.

$365 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $617 with rent, or $482 without housing.

$617 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $869 including rent, or $681 for daily expenses alone.

$869 /mo

Sylhet sits 69–73% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (66% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.46 ৳303
$1.03 ৳127
$4.10 ৳504
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$11.56 ৳1,424
$6.61 ৳814
$24.78 ৳3,051
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.01 ৳494
$4.00 ৳493
$6.90 ৳849
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.02 ৳495
$2.42 ৳297
$8.04 ৳990
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.09 ৳504
$2.46 ৳303
$12.28 ৳1,512
Cappuccino
$1.98 ৳243
$1.27 ৳156
$3.55 ৳438
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.31 ৳37.56
$0.23 ৳28.17
$0.77 ৳95.1
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.15 ৳18.45
$0.14 ৳17.30
$0.76 ৳93.4
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.79 ৳97.7
$0.71 ৳88.0
$0.95 ৳117
White Bread (500g)
$0.59 ৳72.9
$0.42 ৳51.5
$0.99 ৳122
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.65 ৳79.5
$0.51 ৳62.9
$1.19 ৳146
Eggs
$1.18 ৳145
$0.86 ৳106
$2.39 ৳295
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.83 ৳964
$4.94 ৳609
$24.65 ৳3,035
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.35 ৳413
$1.33 ৳164
$6.64 ৳818
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.55 ৳807
$5.69 ৳701
$9.56 ৳1,177
Apples (1kg)
$2.68 ৳330
$1.43 ৳177
$3.58 ৳441
Banana (1kg)
$0.90 ৳111
$0.28 ৳34.08
$1.60 ৳197
Oranges (1kg)
$2.42 ৳298
$0.50 ৳61.9
$4.16 ৳513
Tomato (1kg)
$0.60 ৳74.2
$0.23 ৳28.73
$1.19 ৳146
Potato (1kg)
$0.26 ৳32.24
$0.17 ৳20.63
$0.68 ৳83.8
Onion (1kg)
$0.46 ৳57.2
$0.25 ৳30.98
$1.10 ৳136
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.32 ৳39.34
$0.15 ৳19.07
$0.78 ৳96.6
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.27 ৳33.03
$0.23 ৳28.31
$0.39 ৳48.36
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$2.81 ৳346
$2.81 ৳346
$24.08 ৳2,966
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.05 ৳252
$2.05 ৳252
$8.20 ৳1,010
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.05 ৳499
$2.89 ৳356
$12.40 ৳1,526
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.76 ৳340
$1.58 ৳194
$3.55 ৳437
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.70 ৳86.1
$0.39 ৳48.35
$1.02 ৳125
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$24.05 ৳2,962
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.24 ৳153
$0.82 ৳101
$1.64 ৳203
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.15 ৳18.52
$0.15 ৳18.52
$0.65 ৳79.9
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.17 ৳144
$0.83 ৳102
$4.98 ৳613
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.08 ৳133
$0.98 ৳121
$1.36 ৳167
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.9K ৳3.7M
$26.1K ৳3.2M
$36.7K ৳4.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.0K ৳4.1M
$26.2K ৳3.2M
$40.9K ৳5.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$25.97 ৳3,197
$16.15 ৳1,989
$82.3 ৳10.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.23 ৳521
$2.45 ৳302
$9.78 ৳1,205
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$10.48 ৳1,290
$6.47 ৳796
$16.16 ৳1,990
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$9.05 ৳1,114
$4.02 ৳495
$16.08 ৳1,980
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$4.01 ৳494
-
Cinema Ticket
$4.02 ৳495
$2.42 ৳298
$6.44 ৳793
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$28.87 ৳3,555
$16.50 ৳2,032
$206 ৳25.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$995 ৳122.5K
$345 ৳42.5K
$4,933 ৳607.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.22 ৳1,998
$6.60 ৳813
$28.87 ৳3,555
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$16.43 ৳2,023
$8.22 ৳1,012
$41.08 ৳5,058
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$36.99 ৳4,555
$20.55 ৳2,531
$98.7 ৳12.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$30.47 ৳3,752
$20.59 ৳2,535
$74.1 ৳9,128
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$129 ৳15.8K
$65.3 ৳8,041
$286 ৳35.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$57.6 ৳7,089
$41.12 ৳5,064
$65.8 ৳8,102
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$173 ৳21.3K
$145 ৳17.8K
$321 ৳39.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$162 ৳19.9K
$81.8 ৳10.1K
$286 ৳35.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$706 ৳86.9K
$530 ৳65.2K
$883 ৳108.7K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$350 ৳43.1K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$224 ৳27.6K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
10.48
9
14

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

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sylhet $365
Groceries & Markets
$119
Accommodation & Living
$58
Eating Out
$57
Clothing & Footwear
$45
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$41
Getting Around
$29
Sport & Entertainment
$17

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $129 for a central one-bedroom, or $57.6 outside the center. At 57% of the average salary ($224), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $224, while typical expenses reach $365. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $119 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $12.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $24.05 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Gym membership is cheaper than 96% of cities in Asia

3-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 94% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
17:44 5:44 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
526,412
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to BDT – Bangladeshi Taka Converter

Bangladeshi Taka exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 123 BDT (1,000 BDT = 8.12 USD). 1 EUR = 138 BDT (1,000 BDT = 7.22 EUR).

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Sylhet Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Sylhet - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Sylhet for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find the best value here?
Sylhet often offers a relaxed pace and generally lower daily costs than larger South Asian cities. You can choose budget guesthouses, shared apartments, or modest private rentals that fit a variety of budgets, plus plentiful street food and markets that keep meals economical without sacrificing variety. Utilities and local transport stay reasonable, and lodging can shift with seasons, though the city remains approachable for longer stays. The appeal lies in a balance of workable housing, nearby nature, and a slower rhythm that supports focused work. Cost of Living in Sylhet signals a favorable baseline for extended visits. Tip: Plan a longer stay to spread fixed costs and prioritize neighborhoods with easy access to markets and transit.
What should you expect for daily life in Sylhet in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Begin your housing search in central, walkable areas where markets, cafés, and transport links cluster. Compare older buildings with corrugated roofs to newer compounds, paying attention to water pressure, safety, and landlord responsiveness. Food in Sylhet is abundant in markets and street stalls, offering fresh vegetables, lentil dishes, and fish specialties to vary your week without breaking budget. For getting around, cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and local buses cover routes around the city; rideshares can be convenient for longer trips. Co-working spaces exist in key districts, but a flexible café routine can also work. Sylhet living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so budget for occasional splurges. Tip: Schedule market visits early in the week to compare prices and stock up.
How can you maximize quality of life and stay within budget in Sylhet, considering seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Sylhet often comes from balance, not big splurges. Use a simple budgeting framework: fixed costs like a comfortable, safe home baseline; flexible spending for meals and local transport; and a small buffer for seasonal outings to tea gardens or riverside walks. Neighborhood fit matters; Central areas give quickest access to markets and coworking, while Riverside or hillside pockets offer quieter mornings and cooler air. Embrace local rhythms by shopping at morning markets, learning a few Bengali phrases for haggling, and choosing sustainable transport options. Seasonal shifts can affect crowds at markets and travel times, so adjust plans accordingly. Tip: Build a weekly plan that prioritizes work blocks, errands, and rest.
Is Sylhet a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Sylhet than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $365 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is housing affordable on a local salary in Sylhet?
About 57% of the average paycheck in Sylhet goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Sylhet?
Earning $548 monthly in Sylhet means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Sylhet per month?
Where you live in Sylhet makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $129; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $57.6. Overall, the market runs from $57.6 to $129 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Sylhet?
A monthly transit pass in Sylhet runs about $24.05, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Sylhet?
Groceries in Sylhet cost around $119 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Sylhet?
$1,200 stretches far in Sylhet – all-in monthly costs average only $365. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Sylhet?
Sylhet offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value great local cuisine, easy for English speakers, and at around $365 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Sylhet?
Monthly expenses in Sylhet run around $365, so putting money aside takes more than $548 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Sylhet?
Budget travelers love Sylhet – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $365 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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