Dhaka vs Shenzhen: Cost of Living Comparison
This comparison evaluates the economic landscape of Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, and Shenzhen, China’s premier high-tech SEZ. Generally, Shenzhen is significantly more expensive than Dhaka, offering a high-tier urban infrastructure at a much higher price point, while Dhaka remains one of the most affordable major cities in South Asia for expatriates.
Is Dhaka more expensive than Shenzhen?
No, Dhaka is substantially more affordable than Shenzhen. In a direct comparison using USD, the cost of living in Shenzhen is approximately 70% to 100% higher than in Dhaka. However, Shenzhen residents benefit from significantly higher local purchasing power. While Dhaka offers a lower barrier to entry for daily expenses, Shenzhen provides a modern, high-efficiency environment that justifies its higher price tag for many international professionals.
Housing and Rent: Dhaka vs Shenzhen
Housing is the largest cost differentiator. In Shenzhen, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically ranges from $900 to $1,500 USD per month. In contrast, a high-end one-bedroom apartment in Dhaka’s upscale neighborhoods like Gulshan or Banani costs between $350 and $650 USD. Property prices per square meter in Shenzhen are among the highest in the world, often quadruple the rates found in Dhaka’s premium real estate market.
Food and Dining: Dhaka vs Shenzhen
Daily food expenses are lower in Dhaka, particularly for local produce and street food, where a meal can cost under $2 USD. In Shenzhen, a basic meal at a local eatery or food court costs between $5 and $9 USD. Grocery prices for staples like milk, eggs, and bread are roughly 40% higher in Shenzhen. However, Shenzhen offers a much wider variety of international cuisine and standardized supermarket chains compared to Dhaka.
Transportation: Dhaka vs Shenzhen
Shenzhen features a world-class, fully electric public transit system, with metro fares costing roughly $0.50 to $1.50 USD per trip. Dhaka’s transport is dominated by rickshaws and buses which are very cheap ($0.20 - $0.50) but often inefficient due to extreme traffic congestion. While fuel prices are higher in Shenzhen, the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle in Dhaka is inflated by high import duties, making private car ownership surprisingly expensive in both cities.
Lifestyle and Entertainment: Dhaka vs Shenzhen
A lifestyle in Shenzhen is more costly; a gym membership averages $50–$80 USD per month, compared to $20–$40 USD in Dhaka. Entertainment, such as cinema tickets and international concerts, is also more expensive in Shenzhen. However, utilities like high-speed internet are more reliable and offer better value for money in Shenzhen, whereas Dhaka residents may face higher costs for consistent high-bandwidth connections and backup power solutions.
How to get from Dhaka to Shenzhen
There are currently no direct flight routes between Dhaka (DAC) and Shenzhen (SZX). Travelers typically opt for connecting flights through Guangzhou (CAN), which is accessible via a short high-speed train ride to Shenzhen, or through hubs like Kunming, Bangkok, or Hong Kong. Total travel time usually ranges from 8 to 13 hours depending on layover durations.
The Verdict: Dhaka or Shenzhen?
Dhaka is the ideal choice for budget-conscious digital nomads or NGOs where low overhead is a priority. Shenzhen is the superior choice for tech professionals and families seeking top-tier infrastructure, safety, and international schools, provided they have the higher income necessary to support a Tier-1 Chinese lifestyle.
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