Costs of Living in Bangladesh

One certain thing about Bangladesh despite this country's many uncertainties is that the cost of daily living can be very economical for common goods. I have compiled a quick list of typical items and their cost.

500ml Bottle of Cold Water = 15tk ($0.20 CDN)

Hot Tea (with Milk & Sugar) = 5tk ($0.06)

Samosa/Singara (Veggie) = 4tk ($0.05)

Lunch Meal for two (Rice, Veggies & dhal) = 30tk ($0.40)

Loaf of Bread = 30tk ($0.40)

1 lb Apples = 54tk ($0.73)

1 lb Rice = 23tk ($0.30)

1 lb tomatoes = 4tk ($0.05) (During peak growing season)

1 lb potatoes = 12tk ($0.15)

1 live chicken 4 lbs = 350tk ($4.65)

1 lb peanuts (raw) = 54tk ($0.73)

1 roll toilet paper = 20tk ($0.25)

Quality Ice Cream Drumstick = 40tk ($0.53)

5 kg Watermelon = 75tk ($1.00)

Prices do fluctuate greatly for many items, especially for produce and fruit during growing season when their prices are greatly reduced. Many items are simply not available out of season so we have to bottle and freeze while the prices are good. There are some items that are more expensive in country as well - especially if we ever feel like having some imported comfort foods. Milk products are generally pricey- 200g of Butter the other day cost us $3.33. Fresh milk is not generally available (there are two cows on the compound that occasionally produce some), powder milk is used in its replacement. 500g of full cream powder runs $4.50.

Jon