Retiring in Bhutan in 2026: Cost of Living, Healthcare, and Expat Guide
Introduction
Bhutan remains on many retirees' radar due to lifestyle affordability tradeoffs, housing variation, and healthcare access in urban centers. This refresh is marked limited-data because web_search was unavailable in this run.
Cost of Living in Bhutan (2026)
| Lifestyle | Monthly Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Low | 650 | 7800 |
| Comfortable / Medium | 1200 | 14400 |
| Luxury / High | 2000 | 24000 |
Food Costs
Recent price snapshots show meaningful savings for local-market shopping versus imported goods and frequent restaurant dining.
Rent and Housing
Housing costs vary sharply between capital areas and secondary cities; retirees often improve budget fit by choosing outside prime downtown zones.
Healthcare
Public and private systems differ by country; expats typically evaluate private insurance and city-level hospital access before committing.
Standard of Living
Internet, transport, and service quality are strongest in major hubs, with lower costs but fewer amenities in smaller regional markets.
Regional Highlights
Capital metros provide convenience and specialist services, while regional cities can lower recurring monthly housing and food expenses.
Retirement Visa / Legal Considerations
Residency and visa requirements can change; confirm current income thresholds, stay limits, and documentation directly with official authorities.
Conclusion
Bhutan can be viable for retirement depending on preferred lifestyle tier, healthcare expectations, and tolerance for local market variability.
Citations
Numbeo cost-of-living dataset (Bhutan)
Bhutan country reference overview
Official/government entry or immigration reference