Cost of Living in Timor-Leste (2026) – Prices, Rent, Salary & Expenses

Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a young Southeast Asian nation known for its rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and strong cultural heritage. Its capital, Dili, is the center of commerce, education, and expat activity, while rural areas remain traditional and much more affordable. The cost of living in Timor-Leste is moderate: daily expenses are low, but imported goods and housing for expats can be comparatively costly.

Learn more about the country on the Timor-Leste country page.

Cost of Living in Timor-Leste: Summary Table

Category	Cost (USD)	Cost (Centavos)
Average Monthly Cost (Single Person)	$600 – $900	60,000 – 90,000 Centavos
Average Monthly Cost (Family of Four)	$1,200 – $2,000	120,000 – 200,000 Centavos
Rent Range	$200 – $800	20,000 – 80,000 Centavos
Food Cost (Monthly)	$150 – $300	15,000 – 30,000 Centavos
Transport Cost	$20 – $50	2,000 – 5,000 Centavos
Utilities	$40 – $100	4,000 – 10,000 Centavos
Healthcare	$5 – $25	500 – 2,500 Centavos
Education	$20 – $200	2,000 – 20,000 Centavos
Miscellaneous Expenses	$30 – $80	3,000 – 8,000 Centavos

Housing & Rent Prices in Timor-Leste

Apartment Rent (Monthly)

1-bedroom in city center: $350 – $600 (35,000 – 60,000 Centavos)
1-bedroom outside center: $200 – $350 (20,000 – 35,000 Centavos)
3-bedroom in city center: $600 – $900 (60,000 – 90,000 Centavos)
3-bedroom outside center: $350 – $600 (35,000 – 60,000 Centavos)

Buying Property

Price per sq meter (city center): $900 – $2,000 (90,000 – 200,000 Centavos)
Price per sq meter (outside center): $400 – $900 (40,000 – 90,000 Centavos)

Food & Grocery Costs

Milk (1 liter): $1.20 – $2 (120 – 200 Centavos)
Bread (loaf): $0.80 – $1.50 (80 – 150 Centavos)
Rice (1 kg): $0.80 – $1.50 (80 – 150 Centavos)
Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50 (150 – 250 Centavos)
Chicken (1 kg): $2.50 – $4.50 (250 – 450 Centavos)
Beef (1 kg): $5 – $8 (500 – 800 Centavos)
Bananas (1 kg): $0.60 – $1 (60 – 100 Centavos)
Apples (1 kg): $2 – $3.50 (200 – 350 Centavos)
Water (1.5L): $0.60 – $1 (60 – 100 Centavos)
Soft drink (can): $0.80 – $1.20 (80 – 120 Centavos)

Restaurant & Dining Costs

Inexpensive restaurant meal: $3 – $6 (300 – 600 Centavos)
Mid-range meal for two: $15 – $30 (1,500 – 3,000 Centavos)
Fast-food combo: $4 – $7 (400 – 700 Centavos)
Coffee: $1.50 – $3 (150 – 300 Centavos)

Transportation Costs

One-way bus/minibus ticket: $0.20 – $0.50 (20 – 50 Centavos)
Taxi (per km): $0.50 – $1 (50 – 100 Centavos)
Monthly public transport pass: $10 – $20 (1,000 – 2,000 Centavos)
Gasoline (per liter): $1.10 – $1.40 (110 – 140 Centavos)

Utility Costs

Electricity (monthly): $20 – $40 (2,000 – 4,000 Centavos)
Water: $5 – $10 (500 – 1,000 Centavos)
Internet (unlimited): $25 – $40 (2,500 – 4,000 Centavos)
Mobile plan: $3 – $7 (300 – 700 Centavos)

Healthcare Costs

General doctor visit: $5 – $10 (500 – 1,000 Centavos)
Specialist visit: $10 – $25 (1,000 – 2,500 Centavos)
Prescription medicine: $2 – $10 (200 – 1,000 Centavos)
Private clinic: $20 – $50 (2,000 – 5,000 Centavos)

Education Costs

Public schools: Very low cost
Private schools: $20 – $80 (2,000 – 8,000 Centavos) monthly
International schools: $2,000 – $8,000 yearly

Entertainment & Lifestyle Expenses

Gym membership: $20 – $40 (2,000 – 4,000 Centavos)
Movie ticket: $3 – $6 (300 – 600 Centavos)
Nightlife outing: $5 – $15 (500 – 1,500 Centavos)
Beach activities: $5 – $20 (500 – 2,000 Centavos)

Cost of Living for Different Groups

For Singles

Singles can live comfortably in Timor-Leste with moderate expenses, though imported goods may increase the budget.

For Couples

Couples benefit from shared housing and utilities, keeping costs low.

For Families

Families find local schooling affordable, but costs rise significantly for international education.

For Students

Students benefit from low transport and food costs, especially in Dili and university areas.

For Expats

Expats may face higher housing and import costs but overall enjoy a reasonable cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle.

Comparison With Other Countries

Timor-Leste vs Indonesia – Indonesia is generally cheaper and more developed.
Timor-Leste vs Philippines – Similar costs, but imported items are pricier in Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste vs Vietnam – Vietnam is more affordable in almost every category.

Pros & Cons of Living in Timor-Leste

Pros

Low daily living costs
Beautiful beaches and natural scenery
Calm lifestyle with friendly communities
Fresh local produce

Cons

Imported goods are expensive
Limited healthcare facilities
Infrastructure is still developing
Higher rent for expat-standard housing

Final Summary

Timor-Leste offers a peaceful and affordable lifestyle, particularly appealing to volunteers, expats working in development, and families seeking a slower pace. While daily essentials are inexpensive, housing, healthcare, and imported goods can be costlier. Overall, it is a budget-friendly destination with a unique cultural and natural environment.

FAQs

Is Timor-Leste expensive to live in?

No, daily living costs are low, but imported goods and expat-standard housing can be expensive.

How much salary is enough to live comfortably in Timor-Leste?

Singles need $600–$900 monthly, while families need $1,200–$2,000 to live comfortably.

What is the average rent in Timor-Leste?

Rent ranges from $200 to $800 depending on location and house size.

Is Timor-Leste good for expats?

Yes, especially for those in the development sector, though infrastructure is still maturing.

Is Timor-Leste cheaper than Indonesia?

No, Indonesia is generally cheaper and more developed in terms of infrastructure and services.