Cost of Living in Afghanistan

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 1.69 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 8.38 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.6 USD, a loaf of bread 0.24 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.23 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.23 USD and a monthly pass around 14.07 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 38.13 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 12.22 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 7.32 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 22.98 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 1519.77 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 17.91 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 29.27 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 83.7 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 56.29 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 604.94 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 254.55 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 184.34 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 12.94% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Afghanistan

Afghanistan

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing