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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Yangon 2024
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Cost of Living in Yangon

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Yangon helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Yangon is around $400-600 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800-1,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $200-400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $400-600 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Yangon varies greatly depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 to $200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $20,000 to $50,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Yangon is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ride costs around $0.20. Taxis are also available and cost around $1.50 for a short ride. Motorcycle taxis are also available and cost around $0.50 for a short ride.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Yangon is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $0.50. A liter of milk costs around $1.00. A kilogram of rice costs around $1.00. A dozen eggs costs around $1.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Yangon is relatively low. A meal at a cheap restaurant costs around $2.00. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $5.00. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $10.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Yangon is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around $20. The average monthly cost for water is around $5. The average monthly cost for internet is around $20.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Yangon varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition ranges from $100 to $200 per month. Elementary school tuition ranges from $200 to $400 per month. Middle school tuition ranges from $400 to $800 per month. High school tuition ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Yangon

"The cost of living in Yangon, is relatively low compared to many other major cities around the world. Housing and rental prices are affordable, with a variety of options available for different budgets. Local food and groceries are also inexpensive, with a wide range of fresh produce and street food available at low prices. Public transportation is quite affordable, although it may not be as efficient or comfortable as in more developed cities. Utilities, such as electricity and water, are reasonably priced, but internet services can be more expensive compared to other countries. Healthcare is generally affordable, but the quality of public healthcare facilities may not be up to international standards, so expats often opt for private healthcare services, which can be more costly. Overall, Yangon offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work in Southeast Asia," said one expat living in Yangon.

Can I live in Yangon on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Yangon for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The first thing you'll want to do is find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Golden Valley and Bahan, are probably out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for an apartment in areas like Yankin, Tamwe, or Hlaing. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer decent living conditions.Next, you'll want to be mindful of your transportation costs. Taxis can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend using the local buses or even getting a bicycle to get around. It's also a good idea to live close to your workplace to save on commuting costs.Eating out can also be a significant expense, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Local markets are a great place to buy fresh produce and other ingredients at a low cost. If you do eat out, stick to local restaurants and street food, which are much cheaper than Western-style restaurants.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Yangon. You can visit the beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda, take a walk around Kandawgyi Lake, or explore the bustling downtown area. Just be prepared to sacrifice some of the modern amenities you're used to, like high-speed internet and reliable electricity.In terms of healthcare, you might want to consider getting a health insurance plan that covers you in Myanmar, as the local healthcare system can be quite basic. It's also a good idea to have some money set aside for emergencies or unexpected expenses.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Yangon is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle accordingly," commented an expat living in Yangon.

Can I live in Yangon on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Yangon for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Golden Valley or Star City, you'll have to pay a premium for rent, which can easily eat up a significant portion of your budget. I'd recommend looking for a place in more affordable neighborhoods like Yankin, Bahan, or Kamayut, where you can find decent apartments for around $500 to $1,000 per month.As for utilities, electricity can be a bit expensive, especially if you're using air conditioning a lot. I'd suggest investing in a good fan and trying to limit your AC usage to save on electricity costs. Internet service can also be pricey, but there are some providers that offer more affordable plans, so make sure to shop around.When it comes to food, eating out at Western-style restaurants can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and exploring local markets for fresh produce and ingredients. You can also find some great local restaurants that offer delicious and affordable meals if you're willing to venture out of the more touristy areas.Transportation is relatively cheap in Yangon, especially if you use local buses or the circular train. Taxis can be a bit more expensive, but they're still affordable if you need to use them occasionally. Just make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in, as some drivers might try to overcharge foreigners.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options like visiting local parks, temples, and markets. However, if you're into more Western-style entertainment like bars, clubs, and movie theaters, you'll have to be prepared to pay a bit more.Overall, living in Yangon on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. It's a unique and fascinating city with a lot to offer, so I think you'll find it worth the adjustments," said one expat living in Yangon.

Can I live in Yangon on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Yangon for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose your accommodation wisely. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Golden Valley and Bahan, might be out of your budget if you're looking for a luxurious apartment or house. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable neighborhoods like Yankin, Tamwe, or Hlaing. You can still find nice apartments in these areas, but they'll be more reasonably priced.When it comes to dining out, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options in Yangon. Local restaurants and street food vendors offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of Western-style restaurants. Of course, you can still treat yourself to a fancy meal every now and then, but sticking to local cuisine will help you save money.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Taxis are relatively cheap in Yangon, but using public transportation like buses or the circular train can be even more cost-effective. If you're comfortable riding a motorbike, you can also consider renting one to get around the city.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are some modern amenities like shopping malls and movie theaters, they can be quite expensive compared to local options. Instead, consider exploring the city's many cultural attractions, like the Shwedagon Pagoda or the Bogyoke Aung San Market, which are not only more affordable but also offer a unique experience.Lastly, keep in mind that the cost of living in Yangon can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. If you're willing to adapt to the local way of life and make some sacrifices, you can definitely live comfortably on $5,000 a month," commented an expat living in Yangon.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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