Table of Contents
Nepal’s economy has shown steady growth from 2010 to 2025, with GDP reaching an estimated $47.826 billion in 2025. Inflation remains moderate at 6.2%, impacting income levels and living costs. The average monthly income has grown significantly from NPR 15,000 in 2010 to a projected NPR 50,000 in 2025.
Income levels have increased consistently, with the highest growth observed between 2015 and 2025, averaging around 8-10% annually. However, the cost of living has also followed an upward trend, with essential expenses such as housing and food making up 65% of total expenditures.
Housing costs have risen from NPR 10,000 in 2010 to a projected NPR 20,000 in 2025, reflecting growing urbanization and demand for accommodation. Food costs have also increased steadily, from NPR 6,250 in 2010 to NPR 12,500 in 2025, driven by inflation and changing consumption patterns.
Despite the rise in income, the increasing cost of essential services, including healthcare and utilities, poses financial challenges for households. Nepal’s economic stability in the future will depend on sustainable income growth, inflation management, and policies to improve living standards for its citizens.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Nepal’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Get detailed insights on rent, food, and other expenses.
Country Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kathmandu |
| Population (2025) | 30.2 million |
| Currency | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) |
| Official Language | Nepali |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | $47.826 billion |
| Inflation Rate (2025) | 6.2% |
| Average Monthly Income (2025) | NPR 50,000 |
Living Cost Per Month (Per Person) Breakdown (2025)
| Expense Category | Cost (NPR) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 20,000 | 40% |
| Food | 12,500 | 25% |
| Transportation | 4,500 | 9% |
| Utilities | 2,000 | 4.5% |
| Healthcare | 5,000 | 11% |
| Entertainment | 3,500 | 7.3% |
| Miscellaneous | 4,500 | 10% |
| Total | 50,000 | 100% |
Income Per Month (Per Person) Table (2010-2025)
| Year | Income (NPR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,000 | – |
| 2011 | 16,000 | 6.7% |
| 2012 | 17,500 | 9.4% |
| 2013 | 18,500 | 5.7% |
| 2014 | 20,000 | 8.1% |
| 2015 | 22,000 | 10.0% |
| 2016 | 24,500 | 11.4% |
| 2017 | 26,000 | 6.1% |
| 2018 | 28,000 | 7.7% |
| 2019 | 30,000 | 7.1% |
| 2020 | 32,500 | 8.3% |
| 2021 | 35,000 | 7.7% |
| 2022 | 38,000 | 8.6% |
| 2023 | 42,000 | 10.5% |
| 2024 | 46,000 | 9.5% |
| 2025 | 50,000 | 8.7% |
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025) (Per Person)
| Year | Living Cost (NPR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,000 | – |
| 2011 | 26,500 | 6.0% |
| 2012 | 28,000 | 5.7% |
| 2013 | 29,500 | 5.4% |
| 2014 | 31,500 | 6.8% |
| 2015 | 33,500 | 6.3% |
| 2016 | 35,500 | 6.0% |
| 2017 | 37,500 | 5.6% |
| 2018 | 39,500 | 5.3% |
| 2019 | 42,000 | 6.3% |
| 2020 | 44,000 | 4.8% |
| 2021 | 45,500 | 3.4% |
| 2022 | 47,000 | 3.3% |
| 2023 | 48,500 | 3.2% |
| 2024 | 49,250 | 1.5% |
| 2025 | 50,000 | 1.5% |
Breakdown of Housing and Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (NPR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,000 | – |
| 2011 | 10,600 | 6.0% |
| 2012 | 11,200 | 5.7% |
| 2013 | 11,800 | 5.4% |
| 2014 | 12,600 | 6.8% |
| 2015 | 13,400 | 6.3% |
| 2016 | 14,200 | 6.0% |
| 2017 | 15,000 | 5.6% |
| 2018 | 15,800 | 5.3% |
| 2019 | 16,800 | 6.3% |
| 2020 | 17,600 | 4.8% |
| 2021 | 18,200 | 3.4% |
| 2022 | 18,800 | 3.3% |
| 2023 | 19,400 | 3.2% |
| 2024 | 19,850 | 1.5% |
| 2025 | 20,000 | 1.5% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (NPR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,250 | – |
| 2011 | 6,625 | 6.0% |
| 2012 | 7,000 | 5.7% |
| 2013 | 7,375 | 5.4% |
| 2014 | 7,875 | 6.8% |
| 2015 | 8,375 | 6.3% |
| 2016 | 8,875 | 6.0% |
| 2017 | 9,375 | 5.6% |
| 2018 | 9,875 | 5.3% |
| 2019 | 10,500 | 6.3% |
| 2020 | 11,000 | 4.8% |
| 2021 | 11,375 | 3.4% |
| 2022 | 11,750 | 3.3% |
| 2023 | 12,125 | 3.2% |
| 2024 | 12,375 | 1.5% |
| 2025 | 12,500 | 1.0% |
Conclusion
Nepal’s cost of living has steadily increased over the years, with housing and food expenses forming the largest part of monthly expenditures. While income levels have grown, inflation remains a challenge. Overall, Nepal remains an affordable destination compared to other South Asian countries.
Sources:
World Bank – Data.worldbank.org
Numbeo – Numbeo.com
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) –Oecd.org
IMF (International Monetary Fund) – imf.org
