1. Overview of Hostel Living in Bangladesh
- Many students and young professionals in Bangladesh opt for hostels—especially in major cities like Dhaka—to save on accommodation costs.
- “Hostel” in the Bangladeshi context usually means a shared accommodation (like dormitories or shared rooms), often with meals, basic utilities, and common facilities.
- There are a variety of hostels: budget hostels, capsule-style hostels, private student hostels, and more premium ones with better amenities.
2. Typical Hostel Costs in B
angladeshHere are some examples and common price ranges for hostels in Bangladesh (mostly in Dhaka, since that’s the city with a large student population):
- a) SuperHostelBD (Capsule-Style)
- Monthly rent: ₮ 5,999 for the Uttara branch.
- Features: AC, 3 meals/day, Wi-Fi, common room, gym, 24-hour security, etc. ClickBD
- Another branch (Mirpur) has a higher rent: ₮ 6,999. ClickBD
- b) Typical Student/Boys Hostel (from Listings)
- Example: Tejgaon, Dhaka — ₮ 2,600/month for a seat in a boys’ hostel. Pbazaar
- Another example: Hostel in Moghbazar, Dhaka — ₮ 6,000 for a “student hostel” seat. ClickBD
- c) University / College Hostel Rates
- At Green University of Bangladesh (GUB): Monthly hostel cost (seat, meals, internet) = ₮ 7,500. green.edu.bd
- At Kumudini Women’s Medical College: Hostel seat rent is ₮ 5,500 / month (for local students). kwmc.edu.bd+1
- d) Informal / Unregulated Hostels
- According to The Financial Express, in areas like Farmgate, hostel + service fees can go up significantly: some students pay ₮ 18,000–22,000 for “accommodation + service fees.”
- These fees vary a lot based on location, type of hostel, whether meals are included, and the hostel’s “popularity” or demand. The Financial Express
3. Types of Hostels and What Affects Price
Here are some factors that determine how expensive a hostel will be:
- Room Type: Whether it's a bunk bed, capsule bed, or private room.
- Number of Seats: Dorms with more beds cost less per person.
- Facilities: AC or non-AC, attached bath vs shared bath, Wi-Fi, laundry, reading room, gym.
- Meals: Some hostels include 3 meals per day, others don’t.
- Security: 24/7 security, CCTV, lockable storage increases cost.
- Location: Hostels near major universities, coaching centers, or city centers cost more.
- Advances / Deposits: Many hostels charge a security deposit or advance rent.
4. Pros and Cons of Staying in a Hostel
Pros:
- Cheaper than private flats, especially for students or short-term stays.
- Convenience: Meals, cleaning, and shared facilities often included.
- Community: Good for meeting other students / young professionals.
- Flexible: Some hostels have monthly or semester-based payment options.
Cons:
- Limited privacy: Shared rooms or tight capsule spaces.
- Rules: Curfews, guest policies, quiet hours.
- Service fees: Sometimes “service charge” or “maintenance fee” is high and hidden.
- Quality variance: Not all hostels are well-maintained or regulated.
- Reliability: Some hostels may overcharge or have unofficial practices. As reported: “unregulated Dhaka hostels” causing issues. The Financial Express
5. Tips for Choosing the Right Hostel
- Visit the Hostel First
- Check the room, shared areas, bathroom, and common facilities in person (or via video).
- Check the room, shared areas, bathroom, and common facilities in person (or via video).
- Ask About All Costs
- Monthly rent + “service charge” + food + utilities + advance / deposit.
- Monthly rent + “service charge” + food + utilities + advance / deposit.
- Check the Contract
- What happens if you leave early? Is there a refund on deposits?
- What happens if you leave early? Is there a refund on deposits?
- Safety and Security
- Confirm there is 24/7 security, CCTV, proper locks.
- Confirm there is 24/7 security, CCTV, proper locks.
- Meal Plans
- If meals are included, check the quality and menu.
- If meals are included, check the quality and menu.
- Location
- Is it close to your university or workplace? Consider transport costs.
- Is it close to your university or workplace? Consider transport costs.
- Reviews / References
- Try to talk to existing or past residents. Look for reviews.
- Try to talk to existing or past residents. Look for reviews.
- Internet and Utilities
- Ask whether Wi-Fi is included, and how reliable water and electricity supply are.
- Ask whether Wi-Fi is included, and how reliable water and electricity supply are.
6. Why Hostel Prices Are Rising
- Increased Demand: More students in Dhaka and other big cities.
- Lack of Regulation: As noted, unregulated hostels charge high service fees. The Financial Express
- High Land Cost: Urban land is expensive, pushing up rent.
- Higher Operating Costs: Hostels that provide AC, 24-hour power backup, cleaning, and Wi-Fi have higher maintenance costs.
- Inflation: General inflation in Bangladesh affects all services, including hostel costs.
7. Sample Monthly Budget for Hostel + Living in Dhaka
Here’s an approximate monthly cost breakdown (for a student staying in Dhaka in a hostel):
| Expense | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
| Hostel Rent (mid / good hostel) | ₮ 5,000 – ₮ 10,000 (or more, depending on hostel) |
| Meal (if not included) | ₮ 3,000 – ₮ 6,000+ |
| Utilities & Internet | ₮ 500 – ₮ 1,500+ |
| Transportation | Depends heavily, but could be ₮ 1,000 – ₮ 3,000+ |
Estimated Monthly Total: ~ ₮ 9,000 – ₮ 20,000+ depending on your hostel quality and lifestyle.
8. Real-Life Examples
- SuperHostelBD (Uttara): ₮ 5,999/month for capsule-style living with many amenities. ClickBD
- A budget boys’ hostel in Tejgaon: ₮ 2,600/month for a seat. Pbazaar
- Green University hostel: ₮ 7,500/month including meals and internet. green.edu.bd
- An unregulated hostel in Farmgate: Some students reportedly pay ₮ 18,000–22,000 (rent + service). The Financial Express
9. Alternatives to Hostels
If hostels are too restrictive or not safe/comfortable enough, you can consider:
- Shared Apartments: Rent a flat with 2–3 roommates.
- Sublets: Rent a room in someone’s flat.
- Private Rentals: A small studio or 1-bedroom flat (if budget allows).
10. Final Advice
- Always do your homework: compare different hostels, read reviews, and physically inspect before committing.
- Be clear on costs: hidden fees or high “service charges” can make a cheap hostel very expensive.
- Factor in safety: especially for female students, security and hostel reputation matter a lot.
- Negotiate: In some hostels, you may be able to negotiate a slightly lower rent or better terms (advance, meal plan, etc.).
- Plan ahead: Hostel rooms (especially popular ones) may fill up fast—so try to arrange your accommodation early.