Rising Commodity Prices Leave Residents in Myitkyina Struggling to Survive

Pajau Media

May 7, 2026

In Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, people who have recently moved in from other areas are reportedly struggling to cope due to sharply rising commodity prices and increasingly expensive rental housing.

Since around March 2025, a large number of internally displaced people, students, and job seekers have arrived in the city. However, the continuous increase in basic commodity prices, rent, and fuel costs has made it difficult for many to survive on their incomes, according to a young man displaced from Hpakant.

“There are low-income jobs here, but they only pay around 200,000 to 300,000 kyats. That income is not enough to cover rent, food, and transport costs. As displaced people, our families are also asking whether we’ve found work, and I feel pressured and guilty,” he said.

In Myitkyina, a modest room now costs around 100,000 to 150,000 kyats per month. If two people share one room, each person still has to pay around 70,000 to 80,000 kyats, while basic monthly wages range only between 250,000 and 280,000 kyats.

“If an employer provides accommodation and food, it is somewhat manageable. But for those who come from other places without such support, it is extremely difficult. With rent, food expenses, and rising fuel prices for transport, it becomes unsustainable,” said another young woman.

Due to continuously increasing living costs, it is estimated that a minimum salary of around 500,000 kyats would be needed to balance income and expenses and live more sustainably in the city.

The price of a bag of rice in Myitkyina, which previously cost around 80,000 to 90,000 kyats, has now risen to over 100,000 kyats. Fuel prices have also increased from around 7,000 kyats to between 13,000 kyats.

Along with ongoing increases in commodity and fuel prices, broader regional conflicts and political instability have contributed to persistent inflation, making survival increasingly difficult for low-income daily wage workers.

News: Zaw