Vienna vs Dhaka: Cost of Living Comparison
Choosing between Vienna and Dhaka involves navigating a massive disparity in economic landscapes. Vienna is a high-income European capital known for its unparalleled quality of life and infrastructure, while Dhaka is a rapidly growing South Asian megacity offering one of the lowest costs of living globally. This comparison highlights the financial trade-offs between Austrian luxury and Bangladeshi affordability.
Is Vienna more expensive than Dhaka?
Yes, Vienna is significantly more expensive than Dhaka across almost every metric. When standardizing costs in USD, living in Vienna requires a budget roughly 250% to 300% higher than in Dhaka for a similar lifestyle. However, local purchasing power in Vienna is approximately 400% higher than in Dhaka, meaning that while costs are higher in Austria, the average resident's ability to afford those costs is substantially greater.
Rent and Real Estate: Vienna vs Dhaka
Housing represents the largest price gap. In Vienna, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between $1,100 and $1,400 per month. In contrast, a similar apartment in an upscale area of Dhaka like Gulshan or Banani costs between $250 and $450. Real estate prices follow a similar trend; the price per square foot to buy an apartment in central Vienna is nearly 8 to 10 times higher than in central Dhaka.
Dining and Groceries Comparison
Food costs vary wildly based on habits. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Vienna costs around $16, whereas in Dhaka, a local meal can be found for under $3. For a mid-range three-course dinner for two, expect to pay $70 in Vienna versus $20 in Dhaka. Grocery shopping for staples like bread, milk, and eggs is roughly 50-70% cheaper in Dhaka, though imported international brands in Dhaka can often be as expensive as they are in Europe.
Public Transit and Fuel Costs
Vienna boasts one of the world's most efficient public transport systems, with an annual pass costing roughly $1.10 per day ($400/year). Dhaka’s transport is dominated by rickshaws, buses, and ride-sharing services like Uber. While a short ride in Dhaka is very cheap ($1-$3), the lack of structured transit and extreme traffic congestion creates a high 'time cost.' Gasoline is generally more expensive in Vienna due to taxes, though the need for a private vehicle is much lower than in Dhaka.
Lifestyle, Utilities, and Entertainment
Utilities for an 85m² apartment (electricity, heating, water, garbage) average $250–$300 in Vienna, compared to $60–$90 in Dhaka. Fitness enthusiasts will pay about $40 for a gym membership in Vienna, while a similar club in Dhaka costs around $25. Cinema tickets and leisure activities are approximately double the price in Vienna. However, Vienna offers vast amounts of free public parks and high-quality free drinking water, which are not readily available in Dhaka.
How to get from Vienna to Dhaka
There are no direct flight routes between Vienna (VIE) and Dhaka (DAC). The most convenient travel option is via one-stop connections through major hubs. Popular airlines for this route include Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Emirates (via Dubai), and Qatar Airways (via Doha). Total travel time typically ranges from 12 to 16 hours depending on layover duration.
The Verdict: Vienna or Dhaka?
The choice depends entirely on your professional status and lifestyle goals. For digital nomads seeking to minimize expenses while maintaining a decent standard of living, Dhaka offers incredible value, provided you can navigate the urban density and infrastructure challenges. For families and professionals, Vienna is the clear winner; despite the high costs, the safety, healthcare, and education systems provide a much higher return on investment for long-term residency.
Borderly AI