Cost of Living in Afghanistan

If you've ever considered moving to Afghanistan, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Afghanistan?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Afghanistan and whether the reported $708 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $184.34.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Afghanistan
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.69 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

8.38 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

3.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

--

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

--

Cappuccino (regular)

1.05 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.38 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.15 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.6 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.24 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.16 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.23 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

3.0 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

2.56 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

4.9 $

Apples (1 lb)

0.77 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.0 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.06 $

Tomato (1 lb)

0.48 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.29 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.24 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.23 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.3 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

--

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

--

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

--

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

1.69 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.23 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

14.07 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.84 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.79 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

3.38 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.86 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

6754.53 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

23040.46 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

38.13 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.04 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

270.18 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

12.22 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

7.32 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

2.81 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

22.98 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

1519.77 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

17.91 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

18.16 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

29.27 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

32.65 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

83.7 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

56.29 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

213.89 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

132.59 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

604.94 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

254.55 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

184.34 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

12.94 %

Afghanistan

How Safe Is Afghanistan for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Afghanistan

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Afghanistan isn't a safe destination for travelers. You should know that many governments advise their citizens not to travel to the country as it is considered practically a war zone. Be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Both petty and violent crimes are normal here. Do not travel to Afghanistan unless it is of dire necessity.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

About 79% of roads in Afghanistan are just dirt. Public transportation in Afghanistan generally works by loads of people, animals, and produce just being packed into small spaces on the roofs of buses and trucks.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As you would expect, petty theft and pickpocketing are widespread in Afghanistan. If you do leave your accommodation and have to walk the streets, make sure you don't flash your valuables. Dangling cameras, flashing money or credit cards or expensive jewelry is strongly recommended against.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

Afghanistan is highly susceptible to common natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, snow avalanches, landslides, and droughts. This happens to Afghanistan because of its geographical location and decades of environmental degradation.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent crime happens in Afghanistan during all times of day, so do not think that daylight makes you safe. You can expect muggings, burglaries, and carjacking since this country is shaken by war and in extremely bad condition. The risk increases after dark, so avoid going anywhere after nightfall.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try to and carry out attacks in Afghanistan. Taliban rebels are causing fear throughout the country while the Afghanistan government is still trying to fight them. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scams should be the least of your concerns when in Afghanistan. They do exist, though, so be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Afghanistan is definitely not safe for solo female travelers. They are advised, if it is absolutely necessary that they leave their accommodation at night, to go out accompanied by someone. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Remain hidden from view.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

All countries need a visa in order to enter Afghanistan. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your applying for a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Afghan afghani is the official currency in Afghanistan. There are some ATMs in the country but you should carry cash with you wherever you go.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Afghanistan has clearly defined seasons: weather during summer is hot and winters can be extremely cold. Summer temperatures can go as high as 49 °C. Midwinter temperatures can go as low as -9 °C in the Hindu Kush.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Hamid Karzai International Airport is the busiest airport in Afghanistan. It is located 5 km from the city center of Kabul in Afghanistan.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Afghanistan, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Afghanistan with other countries

Cost of living in countries