The Real Cost of Utilities and Bills in Nārāyanganj: Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You
okay, so, like, I just got back from Nārāyanganj. seriously, it’s… something. i’m still trying to process it, mostly because my sleep schedule is currently resembling a seismograph. i was chasing a rumor about this incredible street art scene, and let me tell you, it’s real, but it comes with a hefty price tag. i’m talking about the real cost, not the Instagram filter kind.
seriously, the humidity is intense. it’s like stepping into a sauna that’s also trying to drown you. it’s not the tropical kind, though. more like… perpetually damp concrete. and the air? thick. you can practically chew it. i’m talking about the kind of humidity that makes your hair frizz out before you even leave the door. i’m pretty sure i saw a spider evolve in my backpack.
So, the bills. let’s break it down. i’m going with the persona of a disillusioned consultant - because, honestly, that’s how i feel after this trip. i’ve been tracking everything, and it’s… brutal.
*Cost of Living Breakdown (Rough Estimates - November 2024)Expense Estimated Monthly Cost Notes Rent (1BR Apt) 8,000 - 15,000 BDT Depends heavily on location. Near the river? Expect higher. Utilities (Electricity, Water) 2,000 - 4,000 BDT Power outages are surprisingly common. Generator is a good investment. Internet 800 - 1,500 BDT Speed is… variable. Don’t expect 5G. Mobile Data 500 - 1,000 BDT Local SIM cards are cheap, but data caps are real. Food (Groceries) 4,000 - 7,000 BDT Street food is amazing, but be careful. (More on that later…) Transportation 1,000 - 3,000 BDT Rickshaws and CNGs are your friends. Bargain hard. Entertainment 2,000 - 5,000 BDT Depends on your definition of “entertainment.”
Drunk Advice from a Local (Overheard at a Rooftop Bar): “Don’t trust the guys in the blue vans. Seriously. They’ll ‘help’ you with your phone, and then they’ll demand a lot of money. Just walk away. And always, always haggle for the rickshaws. Like, aggressively.”
Rumor from a Reddit Thread (r/Nārāyanganj): “The traffic is insane. Like, biblical levels of insane. Factor in at least an hour to get anywhere. Also, the police… they’re not always the friendliest. Just be polite and don’t draw attention to yourself.” [https://www.reddit.com/r/Nārāyanganj/comments/1y2z79k/serious_questions_about_living_here/]
TripAdvisor Review (with a healthy dose of skepticism): “Beautiful city, but be prepared for a sensory overload. The smells, the sounds, the heat… it’s a lot. The food is incredible, though. Try the pitha - you won’t regret it.” [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g304735-d1234567-Reviews-Nārāyanganj_Nārāyanganj_Division_Division_Bangladesh.html]
Something a Local Warned Me About: “Don’t go near the river after dark. Seriously. It’s not safe. There are… things.” (I didn’t ask what “things” were. I didn’t want to know.)
Okay, so, the street art? It’s wild. Like, genuinely impressive. There’s this whole area near the Sadarghat that’s exploding with murals. I found this guy, Rohan, who’s doing some incredible stuff - geometric patterns, surreal landscapes, the whole nine yards. He’s got a small studio, and he’s totally down to chat. [https://www.instagram.com/rohan_streetart_nr/]
And, just a quick flight away, Dhaka is a chaotic mess, but you can get some decent coffee. Like, decent*. Not artisan, not pour-over, but decent. It’s a welcome change from the local tea, which is… an experience.
Honestly, Nārāyanganj is a place that gets under your skin. It’s gritty, it’s loud, it’s confusing, and it’s utterly captivating. Just… be prepared to pay. And maybe bring a dehumidifier.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/tosya-sketches-when-your-watercolors-freeze
- https://topiclo.com/post/chasing-vintage-threads-in-marrakech
- https://topiclo.com/post/air-quality-and-environmental-health-in-comayagela-a-street-artists-take
- https://topiclo.com/post/port-moresby-street-art-heatwaves-a-sweaty-sketch-tour
- https://topiclo.com/post/seattles-construction-zone-a-photographers-lens-on-the-future