Childcare Costs and Options in Chattogram: Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You
okay, so like, I’ve been bouncing around Chattogram for the last six weeks, chasing the last of the monsoon rains and trying to figure out if this place is actually worth the hype. it’s… complicated. seriously, the humidity is a whole thing. it’s like being wrapped in a wet towel that’s also judging your life choices. and the rain? it’s not gentle. it’s a full-on, biblical downpour that just happens. you’ll be dodging puddles the size of small cars, trust me.
I’m a touring session drummer, which basically means I’m perpetually exhausted and fueled by lukewarm coffee and the faint hope of a decent gig. But I’m also trying to, you know, parent - hypothetically. My friend Liam’s got a little dude, Finn, and he’s been practically screaming about the cost of everything. So, I figured I’d do a little digging, a little rummaging through the local Facebook groups (seriously, the local groups are a goldmine of questionable advice), and try to give you the lowdown.
First off, let’s talk numbers. Chattogram’s getting more expensive, like, fast. Rent’s creeping up - you’re looking at around 18,000-35,000 BDT a month for a decent one-bedroom in Sadarghat or Panchgachia. I saw a listing for a place in Karnaphuli Palli for 15k, but the landlord was suspiciously insistent on a six-month lease. Red flag, people. Red flag. The job market’s decent for expats - mostly teaching English, IT, and some tourism stuff. But for locals, it’s a bit tougher. I’m seeing a lot of postings for factory work, which, you know, isn’t exactly glamorous. You can find some freelance gigs on Upwork, but competition’s fierce.
*Cost of Living Breakdown (Rough Estimates - BDT)Category Low End High End Rent (1-Bedroom) 15,000 35,000 Groceries 8,000 15,000 Utilities 3,000 7,000 Transportation 2,000 5,000 Entertainment 3,000 10,000
Okay, so childcare. This is where it gets… interesting. There aren’t a ton of formal, licensed daycare centers, especially outside the main tourist areas. Most families rely on babysitters - and they’re surprisingly expensive. I overheard a conversation at a cafe in the New Market - something like 800-1500 BDT an hour, depending on the experience and the location. It’s insane.
Options I’ve Found (and a few warnings)
*Private Babysitters: This is the most common route. You’ll find them through Facebook groups like Chattogram Moms & Kids. Just… be very careful. Check references, meet them in person, and don’t just hand your kid over to anyone. Seriously.
*Family Babysitting: This is the most affordable option, but it requires a good relationship with a trusted family member. My neighbor, Mrs. Rahman, offered to watch Finn for a few hours a week for 500 BDT. Bless her heart.
*Community Centers: A few community centers offer basic childcare services, but they’re often overcrowded and don’t have a lot of resources. I checked out the one in Sholashahar - it looked… chaotic. Sholashahar Community Center Website (fake link, obviously).
*Au Pairs: I saw a few listings for au pairs, but they’re rare and expensive.
Overheard Gossip (Don’t Quote Me On This)
> “My cousin’s baby sitter got fired for letting the kid eat dirt. Dirt! Seriously, Chattogram is wild.” - A local shopkeeper, near the Sadarghat docks.
> “The best babysitters are the ones who know how to haggle. You gotta be tough.” - A stressed-out mom at a playground in Panchgachia.
> “Don’t even think about sending your kid to a daycare center in the Old City. It’s a breeding ground for… well, let’s just say you don’t want to know.” - A slightly paranoid expat, over a bottle of local beer.
Seriously, Chattogram is a beautiful, chaotic mess. It’s got a pulse, a weird energy, and a whole lot of potential. But the childcare situation? It’s a struggle. If you’re planning on having a family here, do your research, build a network, and be prepared to hustle. And maybe invest in a really good pair of waterproof boots.
Resources:
*TripAdvisor Chattogram: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g304747-Chattogram_Chattogram_Division_Bangladesh.html
*Yelp Chattogram: https://www.yelp.com/search?query=childcare&sort_by=relevance&location=Chattogram%2C+Bangladesh
*Reddit Chattogram:* https://www.reddit.com/r/Chattogram/ (Might be mostly guys, but you never know.)
Okay, I’m gonna go find a coffee. And maybe a slightly less rainy spot to sit. Peace.
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