Cost of Living in Kabul, Afghanistan

Are you considering a move to Kabul, Afghanistan, and wondering about the cost of living? Kabul 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 Kabul and help you understand whether $790 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $183.97.

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

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2.14 $

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

8.57 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.36 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

--

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

--

Cappuccino (regular)

1.34 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.41 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.19 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.79 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.26 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.71 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.46 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

3.86 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.39 $

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

6.5 $

Apples (1 lb)

0.57 $

Banana (1 lb)

0.82 $

Oranges (1 lb)

0.86 $

Tomato (1 lb)

0.53 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.33 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.31 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.36 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.36 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

--

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

--

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

--

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.57 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.36 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

8.73 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.93 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.14 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

1.26 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.0 $

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

6916.0 $

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

--

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

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

96.45 $

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

--

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

127.17 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

10.72 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

5.24 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

2.14 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

24.65 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

1428.93 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

16.43 $

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

24.67 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

45.25 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

32.87 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

128.6 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

78.59 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

273.28 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

167.39 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

656.54 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

214.34 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

183.97 $

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

13.88 %

Cost of Living in Kabul, Afghanistan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Kabul?

The monthly expenses for living in Kabul come to a total of approximately $790. This includes an average monthly rent of around $128 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $160 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $262 per month.

How affordable is living in Kabul?

Living in Kabul appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $183.97. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Kabul, you would likely need an income exceeding $183.97.

What is the average salary in Kabul?

In Kabul, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $183.97, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Kabul?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Kabul is approximately $128. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $78.59 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Kabul?

The expense for groceries in Kabul can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $197 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.

What is the cost of living in Afghanistan?

The cost of living in Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan.

Kabul, Afghanistan

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

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Kabul is not a preferred travel destination. In addition to a high domestic crime and crime index, the city is susceptible to terrorist attacks and military action. Trips to Kabul are not recommended. However, if you have such a need, consult with the embassy of your country and take increased security measures.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

In Kabul, you can travel mainly by taxi or by your transport. Public transport is not functioning correctly and is not safe. You must bear in mind that there are cases of the hijacking of cars by terrorists. It is better to move around the city with military security.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing is common in the country, and Kabul is no exception. However, amid hostilities in the region, pickpocketing will worry you the least. To protect yourself from minor thefts, take care of your belongings, do not carry valuables and do not leave personal things unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Afghanistan is vulnerable to numerous natural hazards, including earthquakes, flooding, drought, landslides, and avalanches. Explore natural disasters before visiting Kabul.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Armed robberies are common in Kabul. Tourists are not recommended to walk the streets alone. move in groups, do not carry a lot of cash with you and stay at the hotel in the dark.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorism in Afghanistan is the leading and real problem. Military operations and terrorist operations continue to take place in Kabul as well. Avoid mass gatherings, mosques, and embassy buildings - as these are the primary targets for terrorists.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scam in Kabul is also there. But this is unlikely to be your primary concern in this city. Avoid talking to street vendors or those trying to distract you. Order only licensed taxis and services and always negotiate the price of everything in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Women must cover their heads with a handkerchief and wear modest, closed clothes in Kabul. It is not recommended to walk unaccompanied, preferably male. Do not stay in the streets of Kabul after sunset, and do not ride in a taxi alone.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

By the law, citizens of all countries require a visa to visit Afghanistan. The only exemptions are travelers born in Afghanistan, born to Afghan parents, or with parents born in Afghanistan. Visa exemption applies to holders of diplomatic or service passports of China, India (diplomatic only), Indonesia, Iran, Tajikistan, and Turkey for visits up to 30 days.

currency_exchange

Currency

The afghani is the currency of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which is issued by the nation's central bank called Da Afghanistan Bank. It is nominally subdivided into 100 puls, although there are no pul coins currently in circulation. It has a sign: Afs and code: AFN.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best times to visit Kabul for ideal weather are mid-April to mid-June or September to November. The average temperatures in Kabul vary drastically. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Hamid Karzai International Airport is an airport serving Kabul. It is located 5 kilometers from the city center of Kabul in Afghanistan. It serves as one of the nation's main international airports and as one of the largest military bases, capable of housing over one hundred aircraft.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Kabul, Afghanistan

What about weather in Kabul, Afghanistan ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 44°F 47°F 57°F 70°F 81°F 89°F 93°F 91°F 84°F 73°F 60°F 50°F
Temp 33°F 37°F 48°F 59°F 69°F 77°F 81°F 79°F 71°F 59°F 47°F 38°F
Low 25°F 29°F 38°F 47°F 54°F 62°F 67°F 65°F 57°F 45°F 36°F 28°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 6°C 8°C 13°C 21°C 27°C 31°C 33°C 32°C 28°C 22°C 15°C 10°C
Temp 0°C 2°C 8°C 15°C 20°C 25°C 27°C 26°C 21°C 15°C 8°C 3°C
Low -3°C -1°C 3°C 8°C 12°C 16°C 19°C 18°C 13°C 7°C 2°C -2°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Afghanistan with Kabul

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries