How Nepal compares across key indices
Cost of Living
22 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
64/100
Healthcare
58/100
Quality of Life
78/200
Climate
83/100
How far your money goes in Nepal
Cost of Living
22
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
3
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
22
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
17
100 = NYC dining
$516/mo
How safe residents feel in Nepal — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
64/100
Crime Index
36/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
47/100
Mixed perception
31 point drop from day to night
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
Based on 269 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Nepal has 1 city with Numbeo data. Kathmandu has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $516. Kathmandu leads on safety, scoring 64/100. Kathmandu ranks highest for quality of life at 75/200.
Kathmandu
$516/mo
Kathmandu
64/100
Kathmandu
75/200
Kathmandu
56/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | $516 | 64/100 | 75/200 | 56/100 | 96 |
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 Nepal
Healthcare Index
58/100
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 92 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 Nepal
Pollution Index
84/100
Lower is better
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 321 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
How people get around in Nepal
Average One-Way Commute
33minutes
Average
Traffic Index
96
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
102
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
1.1kg/trip
Based on 43 survey responses.
Common questions about living in Nepal, answered with data
Nepal has a cost of living index of 22 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $516 in Kathmandu.
Nepal has a safety index of 64/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Kathmandu scores highest on safety at 64/100.
Kathmandu ranks highest for quality of life in Nepal, scoring 75/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $516/mo for a single person.
Nepal scores 58/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Yes. Nepal's cost of living is roughly 78% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 97% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Nepal has a pollution index of 84/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Your pre-departure checklist for Nepal
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.
Learn about our mission