Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is a major city in Nepal with a population of 1,500,000.
Below Average vs Nepal Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Kathmandu vs Nepal Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Rs 600,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 1,500,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 38°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: Rs15,000,000
- 1BR Rent: Rs25000/mo
Cost of Living
Kathmandu's cost of living index is 100 (Nepal average = 100).
| Category | Kathmandu | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Rs15,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Rs25000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Rs31,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Rs10,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kathmandu:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Rs1500 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Rs42 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Rs500 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Rs1500 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Rs3542 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Kathmandu scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Kathmandu has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 56°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Kathmandu faces the following natural hazards:
Himalayan seismic zone with major earthquake risk.
Himalayan region with frequent landslides.
Monsoon floods.
Himalayan region with frequent avalanches.
Southern Nepal experiences tornadoes.
High-altitude regions experience extreme cold.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in April. Dashain break is the longest festival holiday.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kathmandu, Nepal?
The cost of living index in Kathmandu is 100, which is Lower the Nepal national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Kathmandu?
The median home price in Kathmandu is Rs15,000,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kathmandu is approximately Rs25000/mo.
Does Kathmandu, Bagmati have income tax?
Kathmandu is in Bagmati, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.