Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 78)
Khulna, Bangladesh, sits at an elevation of 9 m above sea level in a tropical savanna climate, where very hot summers give way to heavy monsoonal rains. The city, home to 929 thousand people, operates on Asia/Dhaka time. Expatriates tend to settle in neighborhoods like Sonadanga and Khalishpur, though the overall expat community remains very few.
Living costs in Khulna are strikingly low. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $63/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $40/mo. A three-bedroom in the centre costs $162/mo, and outside the centre it is $83/mo. For a single adult, the budget tier total including rent is $151/mo, and the comfortable tier total including rent is $242/mo. Excluding rent, a single person's monthly cost is $320/mo, and a family of four's is $950/mo. Utilities run $35/mo, internet $20/mo, a mobile phone plan $6/mo, a monthly public transport pass $8/mo, and a gym membership $14/mo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $1 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $7, and a cappuccino is $1. The average monthly net salary locally is $144/mo, and the cost of living index stands at 25/100 relative to New York City.
Safety in Khulna is moderate, with a safety index of 45/100 and a crime index of 55/100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as fair, and English proficiency is limited. The air quality index is 145 (lower is better).
Visitors and longer-term residents typically arrive via the nearest airport, DAC, located 150 km away. The city suits those pursuing financial independence, reflected in a FIRE score of 80/100, and an overall expat score of 78/100. However, with a retiree score of 44/100 and a digital nomad score of 50/100, it appeals most to cost-conscious individuals rather than retirees or remote workers seeking large expat networks.
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Khulna at the budget tier comes to about $168 a month for one adult, with $40.00 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $43.00 on groceries, $6.00 on dining out, $10.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $61.00 on utilities and connectivity and $8.00 on transport.
Rent
$40.00/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$43.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$6.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$10.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$61.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$8.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Khulna at the mid-range tier comes to about $211 a month for one adult, with $40.00 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $58.00 on groceries, $14.00 on dining out, $30.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $61.00 on utilities and connectivity and $8.00 on transport.
Rent
$40.00/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$58.00/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$14.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$30.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$61.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$8.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Khulna at the comfortable tier comes to about $287 a month for one adult, with $63.00 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $81.00 on groceries, $30.00 on dining out, $44.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $61.00 on utilities and connectivity and $8.00 on transport.
Rent
$63.00/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$81.00/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$30.00/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$44.00/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$61.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$8.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $62.83/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Khulna presents moderate safety challenges for expats. While violent crime against foreigners is uncommon, petty theft, pickpocketing, and scams targeting outsiders occur regularly in crowded markets and transport hubs. Political demonstrations and occasional communal tensions can disrupt daily life unpredictably. The city lacks robust infrastructure for emergency response. Expats should avoid displaying wealth, use registered taxis, and stay informed on local developments. It's manageable for experienced expats with street awareness, but not ideal for those seeking a relaxed, low-stress environment.
Khulna has a safety index of 45/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Khulna's healthcare compares with Tungi
Tropical savanna climate; very hot summers followed by heavy monsoonal rains.
Challenging city for digital nomads due to limited resources.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Khulna | Regus offers a reliable, professional environment in Khulna. Located in a central business district, it provides standard amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and administrative support, making it a solid choice for expats seeking a familiar coworking experience. |
| Space Station Khulna | Space Station Khulna provides a modern coworking environment with essential amenities. It's known for its collaborative atmosphere and is located in a convenient area of Khulna, making it a good option for digital nomads looking for a community. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Khulna's digital nomad life compares with Tungi
The gateway to the Sundarbans. Expats are usually NGO workers or in the jute/shrimp trade. Infrastructure is basic but improving.
Areas of Khulna that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Developing residential, quieter outskirts
Located on the outskirts of Khulna, Shiromoni offers a more peaceful environment. It's primarily residential and still developing, so amenities are fewer. Transportation relies on rickshaws and local buses; not particularly walkable.
Modern residential, growing commercial
Sonadanga is a more modern residential area with increasing commercial activity. It's relatively well-planned compared to older parts of the city. While not specifically geared towards expats, it offers better infrastructure and access to newer shops and restaurants. Public transport is available, but traffic can be heavy.
Industrial area, bustling local
Khalishpur is a major industrial area, primarily known for its jute mills and factories. It's a very busy and densely populated area with a strong local flavor. Not recommended for expats seeking a quiet or Westernized environment. Rent is cheaper here.
Residential, schools, family-oriented
Boyra is a residential area known for its schools and family-oriented atmosphere. It's a relatively quieter part of the city, though still densely populated. It's not particularly expat-focused, but offers a glimpse into everyday Bangladeshi life. Transportation is mainly via rickshaws and auto-rickshaws.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $63/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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