MigrantoCost of living in East Timor
Average monthly spending, by standard of living and against other countries
Monthly cost
$92
what a typical person spends
Spending by standard of living
$50richest 20%
$202
Life in East Timor is cheap, with local food and low labor costs carrying most of a daily budget. Because it's a small economy that brings in much of what it doesn't grow, anything imported costs more — but the basics of a simple life stay cheap. A comfortable life and a scarce one don't sit far apart, so lives here don't fan out into widely different levels.
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in East Timor
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in East Timor and how much you could have left each month
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Cost of living in East Timor
$50/mo
vs $800 in your country
Take-home
$74
vs $1,200 in your country
Potential savings
$24
more than in your country
Standard of living
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How living costs in East Timor compare
East Timor is among the cheapest places to live in Asia, and it under-prices most of the world. A small, young economy leaning on local produce and low wages keeps everyday costs down, even where imported goods pull the other way.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank), PPP price levels (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in East Timor?
A typical person in East Timor spends about $92 a month — around $1,104 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in East Timor?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about $50 a month per person, a typical one around $92, and a comfortable life around $115. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in East Timor enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about $92 a month, while the average take-home pay in East Timor is about $133. For more on incomes, see salaries in East Timor.
Is East Timor an expensive country to live in?
No. East Timor is more expensive than 15% of countries worldwide and ranks 27th of 27 in Asia by cost of living.
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Living in East Timor
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