Bhutan · Thimphu

Cost of Living in Thimphu, Bhutan for Expats (2026)

Key Takeaway

Detailed 2026 cost of living in Thimphu, Bhutan: rent, groceries, transport, utilities, healthcare. Monthly budgets for singles (€820) and families (€1,900).

Updated 2026-03-12 · Currency: BTN · Confidence: 60/100

Planning to move to Thimphu? Here is a complete breakdown of the cost of living for expats in Thimphu, Bhutan as of 2026. All figures are in EUR for easy cross-country comparison.

Monthly Cost Snapshot

1BR Rent (Centre)
€300/mo
1BR Rent (Outside)
€200/mo
Groceries (Single)
€180/mo
Transport Pass
€30/mo
Utilities (85m²)
€90/mo
Internet
€40/mo
Health Insurance
€60/mo
Entertainment & Dining
€120/mo

Full Cost Breakdown

Thimphu — Full Breakdown
1BR Apartment (Centre)€300/mo
1BR Apartment (Outside)€200/mo
3BR Apartment (Centre)€600/mo
3BR Apartment (Outside)€450/mo
Groceries (Single)€180/mo
Monthly Transport Pass€30/mo
Utilities (85m² Flat)€90/mo
Internet€40/mo
Health Insurance (Single)€60/mo
Entertainment & Dining€120/mo
Total Single (Centre)€820/mo
Total Single (Outside)€720/mo
Total Family of 4 (Centre)€1,900/mo
Total Family of 4 (Outside)€1,750/mo
Student Budget€500/mo

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Thimphu in 2026?

A single expat living in central Thimphu should budget approximately €820 per month, covering rent, groceries, transport, utilities, healthcare, and entertainment. A family of four needs around €1,900/month.

How much is rent in Thimphu for expats?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Thimphu city centre costs around €300/month. Outside the centre, expect to pay approximately €200/month. A 3-bedroom apartment in the centre is around €600/month.

Is Thimphu expensive compared to other cities in Bhutan?

Thimphu has a cost index of 100% relative to the capital. Thimphu is the only city we currently track in Bhutan.

Related: Bhutan Guide · Bhutan Salaries · Bhutan Cost of Living · Visa Comparison · Compare Bhutan · All Countries

Data sourced from numbeo;expatistan. Last verified 2026-03-11.