How Bhutan compares across key indices
Cost of Living
23 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
70/100
Healthcare
73/100
Quality of Life
174/200
Climate
85/100
How far your money goes in Bhutan
Cost of Living
23
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
2
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
22
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
15
100 = NYC dining
$153/mo
How safe residents feel in Bhutan — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
70/100
Crime Index
30/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
50/100
Mixed perception
21 point drop from day to night
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
Based on 20 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Bhutan has 1 city with Numbeo data. Paro has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $153.
Paro
$153/mo
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paro | $153 | — | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare system overview for Bhutan
Healthcare Index
73/100
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 7 survey responses
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Bhutan
Pollution Index
52/100
Lower is better
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 23 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
How people get around in Bhutan
Average One-Way Commute
3minutes
Very Short
Traffic Index
32
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
3
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
652g/trip
Based on 3 survey responses.
Common questions about living in Bhutan, answered with data
Bhutan has a cost of living index of 23 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $153 in Paro.
Bhutan has a safety index of 70/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers.
Bhutan scores 73/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Yes. Bhutan's cost of living is roughly 77% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 98% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
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