Nepal🇳🇵

At a Glance

How Nepal compares across key indices

Quality of Life78Safety64Healthcare58Affordability22Climate83Clean Air84

Cost of Living

22 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

64/100

Healthcare

58/100

Quality of Life

78/200

Climate

83/100

Cost of Living

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

City Costs Comparison

Kathmandu

Cheapest

$516/mo

Food$49

Safety & Crime

Moderate Risk

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

Walking Safety

Daytime83
Nighttime52

31 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
Very High82
Drug-related crime
Moderate47
Property crimes
Low43
Violent crimes
Low31

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Home broken into
Low41
Being mugged or robbed
Low35
Being physically attacked
Low29
Being insulted or harassed
Low27
Things stolen from car
Low27
Car stolen
Very Low22
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Very Low15

Based on 269 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities in Nepal

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.

💸Most Affordable

Kathmandu

$516/mo

Safest

Kathmandu

64/100

Best Quality of Life

Kathmandu

75/200

Best Healthcare

Kathmandu

56/100

CityMonthly CostSafetyQuality of LifeHealthcarePollution
Kathmandu$51664/10075/20056/10096

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

Healthcare system overview for Nepal

Healthcare Index

58/100

Quality Breakdown

Friendliness & Courtesy64/100
Accuracy & Completeness62/100
Staff Skill & Competency59/100
Modern Equipment58/100
Speed of Service53/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist47/100
Cost Satisfaction55/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 92 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

None
50.0%
Private
23.9%
Public
18.5%
Employer Sponsored
7.6%
Healthcare58Safety64Quality of Life78
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Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Nepal

Pollution Index

84/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Drinking Water Quality35/100
Green Spaces & Parks31/100
Comfortable to Spend Time31/100
Clean & Tidy27/100
Garbage Disposal25/100
Air Quality24/100

Concerns

Water Pollution76/100
Noise & Light Pollution55/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 321 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

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

How People Commute

Bicycle42.9%
Bus/Trolleybus19.0%
Walking16.7%
Motorcycle9.5%
Car7.1%
Working from Home4.8%

Based on 43 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Nepal, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Nepal?

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.

Is Nepal safe for expats?

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.

What is the best city in Nepal for expats and digital nomads?

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.

How good is healthcare in Nepal?

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.

Is Nepal cheaper than the United States?

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.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Nepal?

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.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Nepal

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