Are you considering a move to Islamabad, Pakistan, and wondering about the cost of living? Islamabad is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Islamabad and help you understand whether $715 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $211.52.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
1.33 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
14.17 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
4.07 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
-- |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.54 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.29 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.22 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.77 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.63 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.23 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
4.65 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
2.98 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
3.91 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.8 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
0.86 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.52 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.33 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.57 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.29 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
-- |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
-- |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
1.77 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.18 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
5.31 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.71 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
2.66 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
17713.37 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21569.72 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
88.6 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
16.2 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
19.72 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
5.02 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.54 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
50.64 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
1213.17 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
16.14 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
23.33 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
74.04 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
31.81 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
157.88 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
92.78 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
404.19 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
263.04 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
773.28 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
475.65 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
211.52 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
17.27 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Islamabad come to a total of approximately $715. This includes an average monthly rent of around $157 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $96 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $220 per month.
Living in Islamabad appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $211.52. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Islamabad, you would likely need an income exceeding $211.52.
In Islamabad, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $211.52, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Islamabad is approximately $157. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $92.78 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Islamabad can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $182 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Pakistan can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Pakistan.
Petty street crime is somewhat of an issue in Islamabad and tourists are strongly advised against carrying valuables with them while on the streets: passports, bank cards, bags, jewelry, laptops, mobile phones, iPads and anything else you can think of should be left at home.
Islamabad is, in general, a safe and calm city. But, with poverty flooding the country, it does have many dangers. Your biggest risks are shootings, bombings, and terrorist attacks.
Tourists are advised to take be extra careful at the airport itself. Avoid all forms of public transportation including taxis and buses: if at all possible, arrange with the people you're staying with to pick you up from the airport.
As for natural disasters, Islamabad is susceptible to a couple of them that have hit in the past, like heatwaves, earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. Monitor the situation and follow the advice from the authorities.
Violent crime rates are pretty low in Islamabad when it comes to armed robbery, robbery, carjacking, kidnappings, home invasion, and even murder. Men can walk safely anywhere in Islamabad, while women can too, but they'll often attract the unwanted attention of men. Apart from that, you're safe.
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Islamabad. The biggest threat comes from Tehrik-e Taleban Pakistan, which is an umbrella organization of groups based in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. TTP carry out attacks throughout Pakistan, and the attacks are usually carried out using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), including suicide attacks.
There are scammers in Islamabad trying to take advantage of tourists, and the situation with scams is similar as in any other city. Be wary when handling money and of anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.
Women shouldn't let their guard down in Islamabad. Women walking alone, be it day or night, will attract the unwanted attention of men and passers-by. Apply all precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations.
Most countries do need a visa to enter Islamabad. Some travelers can get a visa on arrival if traveling as part of a group tour, or for business. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your stay in Pakistan. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Pakistani embassy for further information.
The Pakistani rupee is the official currency in Islamabad. There are ATMs in Lahore and Islamabad and they accept foreign credit cards. Top-end establishments accept credit cards, but you are advised to bring cash with you.
Islamabad climate can be divided into three seasons: winter, which lasts from November to March, which is warm and affected by sea breezes on the coast, summer that lasts from April to July, with extreme temperatures and the monsoon season that lasts from July to September.
Islamabad International Airport is the main international airport in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. It is built 20 km outside the twin cities near the Kashmir Highway and Motorway Interchange.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Islamabad, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 62°F | 66°F | 75°F | 85°F | 95°F | 99°F | 95°F | 92°F | 91°F | 85°F | 75°F | 66°F |
| Temp | 50°F | 54°F | 63°F | 73°F | 83°F | 88°F | 86°F | 83°F | 80°F | 71°F | 60°F | 52°F |
| Low | 39°F | 44°F | 52°F | 61°F | 70°F | 75°F | 77°F | 75°F | 70°F | 59°F | 48°F | 40°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 16°C | 18°C | 23°C | 29°C | 35°C | 37°C | 35°C | 33°C | 32°C | 29°C | 23°C | 18°C |
| Temp | 10°C | 12°C | 17°C | 22°C | 28°C | 31°C | 30°C | 28°C | 26°C | 21°C | 15°C | 11°C |
| Low | 3°C | 6°C | 11°C | 16°C | 21°C | 23°C | 25°C | 23°C | 21°C | 15°C | 8°C | 4°C |