Cost of Living in Myanmar

The cost of living in Myanmar is fairly reasonable, and with lucrative salary packages, expats can live comfortable lives in the country. Mercer’s 2023 Cost of Living Survey ranks Myanmar’s former capital, Yangon, 204th out of the 227 cities surveyed, making it one of the most affordable cities for expats in Southeast Asia.

Apart from housing, utilities and high-speed internet are likely to be an expat’s biggest expenses in Myanmar. The country suffers chronic power outages, which necessitate backup generators. While the internet infrastructure has developed recently, high-speed internet is still quite costly.

Cost of accommodation in Myanmar

Accommodation in Myanmar is one of the priciest in Southeast Asia, especially in major cities such as Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. Rent in new buildings is steep, but these new constructions offer luxury features, including gyms and swimming pools.

Price-conscious expats can look for housing in the areas and suburbs further out of the city, although the buildings may be older and have varying standards. In addition to monthly rental fees, expats must budget for utilities, which can become costly when factoring in backup power.

Cost of transport in Myanmar

Buses are the cheapest and most reliable mode of transport in Myanmar, but they are also quite uncomfortable and overcrowded. The rail system in the country is known for constantly being behind schedule and for its ageing infrastructure, so most expats do not use train services.

Most expats in Myanmar will use taxis, which are relatively affordable, given that passengers can negotiate a price with the driver before beginning the journey. Expats looking to explore further afield in the country will find that flying is often the best mode of transport, and fortunately, flight tickets are priced competitively.

Cost of groceries in Myanmar

Myanmar is home to many markets where fruit and vegetables are available at low costs. Basic grocery staples such as eggs and milk are accessible and largely inexpensive. For dairy and meat products, it’s recommended that expats shop at supermarkets to ensure they get the freshest quality food that won’t lead to illness. Expats can find imported Western foods at select supermarkets, but these will set them back significantly more than they may be used to.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Myanmar

Myanmar has a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with everything from Japanese, Indian and Italian cuisine on offer. Eating out can be pricey, though, especially in luxury high-end restaurants. Although hygiene standards at these establishments can be questionable, street food is plentiful and affordable in Myanmar.

Entertainment and leisure activities in Myanmar are largely affordable. Cinema tickets and alcoholic drinks at local bars are cheap, while outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming and cycling are free or low cost. Expats looking to visit local temples and historic sites will pay high tourist prices, but this will still remain within reach for most expats.

Cost of education in Myanmar

Public schools in Myanmar are underfunded, and Burmese is the language of instruction in these institutions, making them a largely unsuitable option for expats who are in the country on a short-term assignment. For that reason, most expat parents choose to enrol their children in pricey international schools.

These schools typically offer high-quality facilities and qualified teaching staff, who are usually native speakers of the school’s language instruction, so many parents find the cost of international schools well worth it. Expat parents should negotiate school fees and related costs into their relocation package to minimise their expenses.

Cost of healthcare in Myanmar

The public healthcare system in Myanmar is still under development. Many expats will find the level of care inadequate for their healthcare needs and will often use qualified private healthcare facilities. Some of these private hospitals and clinics cater specifically to expats and have English-speaking staff members.

To access these healthcare facilities, expats must secure comprehensive private health insurance that offers medical evacuation. Most expat employers will cover this insurance. Those who need to secure it on their own must be aware that the cost varies depending on their age, whether they smoke, drink and exercise and if they have any pre-existing health conditions.