Bangladesh is a low-cost country to live in, with a cost of living that is about one-third of the cost of living in the United States. However, the cost of living in Bangladesh does vary depending on where you live. In general, you will spend less money on food and entertainment than you would in the United States, but you will spend more money on utilities and transportation.
History of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a country located in the eastern part of South Asia. The region now known as Bangladesh was first settled at least 8,000 years ago and has a long and diverse history. The region was part of the greater Gangetic Plain, which extended from the Himalayas to the Ganges River basin.
The first inhabitants of what is now Bangladesh were the Indo-Aryan people who migrated into the region from what is now northern India around 1000 BCE. The Bengali people are descendants of these early settlers. From the late 12th century onwards, Bengal emerged as an independent kingdom under Hindu rule. In 1577, Islam spread into Bengal through conquest by Muslim armies led by General Ziauddin Barani.
In 1971, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) became an autonomous province within the Pakistani federation. A nationalist movement began to grow in East Pakistan in response to discrimination and economic neglect by the central government in Islamabad. On August 15, 1971, East Pakistan declared independence as Bangladesh following a bloody civil war with pro-Pakistani paramilitary forces backed by the Pakistani army. Bangladesh became an independent nation on December 16, 1971.
Read also: Updated Price List on the Cost of Living in India
Benefits of Living in Bangladesh
- Affordable Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Bangladesh is comparably lower than most countries in South Asia. With a GDP per capita of only $2,600, it’s one of the cheapest places to live on Earth. Basic needs like groceries, transportation, and utilities are affordable for the average Bangladeshi.
- High Quality of Life:
Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, Bangladesh provides an excellent quality of life for its citizens. The country has a relatively high standard of living with excellent healthcare and education systems. Life expectancy is 75 years, which is above the global average.
- Beautiful Beaches:
One great reason to live in Bangladesh is its stunning coastline lines. There are dozens of beautiful beaches within easy reach and countless more located throughout the country. Bangladeshi beaches are known for their clear waters, soft sand, and abundance of tropical wildlife.
- Home to Beautiful Natural Attractions
Bangladesh is home to several stunning natural attractions that can be enjoyed without spending a penny. Some popular tourist destinations include the Sundarbans mangroves, the Rakshasa Hills National Park, and the beaches of Cox’s Bazar. These areas offer visitors plenty of opportunities to explore nature while enjoying scenic views and mild climates.
Read also: Updated Price List on the Cost of Living in Mumbai
Bangladesh’s Gross Domestic Product
Bangladesh ranks 116th out of 190 countries in terms of GDP per capita, with a 2009 figure of $2,643. Inflation rates in Bangladesh are high, averaging 10.5% annually. The cost of living is on the rise in Bangladesh as well, with food prices increasing by an average of 10% annually and housing prices doubling within the past five years. As a result, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
The good news is that there are ways to save money in Bangladesh. For example, one can live without air conditioning by using fans or opening windows during hotter months. One can also economize on food by eating at home rather than going out to restaurants or buying snacks from convenience stores. Additionally, one can find discounts on goods and services if one shops around before making a purchase.
Despite these savings opportunities, many people are still struggling to get by due to the high cost of living. To make ends meet, many people have had to take on additional jobs or reduce their hours at their current job to make more money. Additionally, many people are having to rely on family members for financial support.
Read also: Updated Price List on the Cost of Living in Hyderabad
Different Costs of Living in Bangladesh
- Cost of Transportation
The average Bangladeshi resident spends just $0.50 per day on transportation, which is one-seventh of what an American spends on transportation. This means that there is plenty of money left over to spend on other things, such as food and housing. Additionally, due to the lack of traffic congestion in Bangladesh, it takes just 10 minutes to travel from one end of the country to the other by car.
Bangladesh’s excellent transportation system makes it a great place to visit as well. It only takes about two hours by car to explore all of the major tourist destinations in Bangladesh, such as Dhaka City, Sylhet City, Kushtia Town, Rajshahi City, and Barisal Town. Transportation in Bangladesh is also relatively cheap, with a one-way journey typically costing less than $5.
- Cost of Accommodation
Bangladesh is an impoverished country with a population of over 150 million. The cost of living in Bangladesh is high, and apartments are often out of reach for the average person. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Dhaka is around US$250, and food costs can be quite high as well. A subsistence diet can cost as much as US$5 per day.
The cost of living in Bangladesh varies depending on where you live. Dhaka, the capital, is more expensive than the rural areas. Additionally, some basic amenities, such as water and electricity, are not always available in rural areas. However, despite the high cost of living, many people can make ends meet by working odd jobs or by relying on family support.
- Cost of Feeding
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with more than 150 people per square kilometer. This high population density means that food is expensive in Bangladesh. The cost of a kilogram of rice, for example, can be as much as $2.50 in Dhaka.
To compensate for the high cost of food, many people in Bangladesh depend on subsistence farming and fishing. In addition to these traditional methods of farming, farmers in Bangladesh are increasingly using modern agricultural techniques such as crop rotation and fertilizers to increase their yields. Despite these advances, the cost of living remains high, making it difficult for many Bangladeshi families to escape poverty.
- Cost of Utilities
The cost of utilities in Bangladesh varies depending on the location. In general, utilities are cheaper in Dhaka than elsewhere in the country. However, they are still expensive by international standards.
Electricity: Electricity is relatively cheap in Bangladesh, costing around US$0.10 per kilowatt hour (kWh). This is lower than most other countries in South Asia but higher than many countries in Southeast Asia.
Gas: Gas prices are also relatively low in Bangladesh, costing around US$0.06 per gallon (g). This is about half the price of gas in most developed countries.
Water: Water costs vary depending on location, but tend to be very high by international standards. A single-family home should expect to pay around US$5 per month for water access and usage.
Read also: Updated Price List on the Cost of Living in Indonesia
Conclusion
Bangladesh is a country that is both affordable and full of culture and natural beauty. If you are looking for an affordable place to live with great travel opportunities, Bangladesh may be the perfect option for you.