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Dili, Timor-Leste
Capital City

Follows Timor-Leste Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$670
Retiree Score
69.0
Safety Index
32.1
Healthcare
11 facilities

The population of 193,563 may seem manageable, but Dili's chaotic infrastructure and uneven development are constant headaches. With less than 30% of residents enjoying reliable water supply and electricity costs four times higher than neighboring Indonesia, the challenges of daily life in this capital are undeniable. Bureaucracy is a persistent hassle, as land rights remain tangled after decades of upheaval. And while the tropical climate is pleasant, the risk of flooding and landslides looms. Dili is a city for the resilient few, those willing to navigate its complexities in pursuit of opportunity.

Can I afford Dili?

$

Dili

You could save

2,330/mo

Savings Rate78%

Monthly Costs

Rent $350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$320

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
78/100
Retiree Score
(i)
69/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Timor-Leste Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
32
Safety
11
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $3
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $80
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $150
Mobile Plan (mo) $30
Gym (mo) *$50
Cinema Ticket $6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $280
1BR Outside (mo) *$611
3BR Center (mo) $560
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,205

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Lecoune
Best For
NGO workers, adventurers

Expat Life Notes

Dili is a small coastal capital with a tight-knit expat community of diplomats, UN staff, and NGO workers.

Pros

  • ✓ Warm tropical climate
  • ✓ Close to world-class diving
  • ✓ Laid-back lifestyle

Cons

  • ✗ Poor utility reliability
  • ✗ Limited medical facilities
  • ✗ Isolated from main international hubs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
897 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Dili

Click any question to expand the answer.

Dili has a population of approximately 193,563 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $875 per month in Dili, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $350/month.

The nearest airport to Dili is DIL, approximately 6km away.

Dili is considered a higher-crime area that requires caution, with a safety index of 32.1. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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