Cost of Living in Dhaka for an Indian Medical Student

Surviving and Thriving in Dhaka

Dhaka is a bustling, vibrant metropolis. The good news for Indian students is that the cost of living in Dhaka is almost identical to living in a Tier-1 city in India (like Delhi or Kolkata).

Monthly Budget Breakdown

• Hostel & Accommodation: Most Indian students stay in college hostels. The fee ranges from $50 to $100 per month (₹4,000 to ₹8,000). If you rent a shared apartment off-campus, expect to pay ₹10,000 per month.
• Food & Indian Mess: The biggest relief for Indian students is the availability of authentic Indian food. A monthly mess subscription (serving dal, roti, sabzi, chicken) costs around $80 to $100 (₹6,500 to ₹8,000).
• Internet and Mobile: Mobile data is incredibly cheap. A high-speed unlimited data plan costs around ₹500 to ₹800 per month.
• Local Transport: Commuting via rickshaws, Uber, or Pathao (the local bike-taxi app) is very affordable. Budget around ₹1,000 per month if you travel on weekends.
• Personal Expenses: Toiletries, snacks, and occasional movies will cost another ₹2,000.

Total Estimated Monthly Budget

An Indian student can live very comfortably in Dhaka on a budget of ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per month (including food and hostel). Because the culture and lifestyle are so similar to India, you won't experience any financial culture shock.