Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Pakistan, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Pakistan?" 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 Pakistan and whether the reported $549 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $150.87.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
1.28 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
10.63 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
3.4 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.31 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.21 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.16 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.58 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.4 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.76 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
0.86 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
4.66 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
2.15 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
3.36 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
0.86 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.5 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
0.62 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.47 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.26 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.27 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.24 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.28 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
-- |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
1.06 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.17 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
6.38 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.64 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.17 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
1.28 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.8 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
11484.56 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
15618.97 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
57.58 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.01 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
20.49 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
12.59 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
4.93 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.4 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
35.8 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
944.08 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
12.21 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
19.94 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
39.8 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
28.47 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
95.86 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
63.53 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
222.35 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
147.12 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
538.03 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
305.53 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
150.87 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
13.03 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 1.28 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 10.63 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.58 USD, a loaf of bread 0.4 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 0.86 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.17 USD and a monthly pass around 6.38 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 57.58 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 12.59 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 4.93 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 35.8 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 944.08 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 12.21 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 39.8 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 95.86 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 63.53 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 538.03 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 305.53 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 150.87 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 13.03% annually.
Pakistan
With extreme poverty crushing the country, it is no wonder that Pakistan isn't safe for travelers, as both petty and violent crimes took over the streets of the country. Be extremely careful if you're planning on visiting Pakistan.
No form of transportation is safe in Pakistan. 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.
Petty street crime is a serious issue in Pakistan 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 is of extreme value to any pickpocket in Pakistan, since there is a large black market for all of these items, especially for passports whether forged or stolen.
As for natural disasters, Pakistan is susceptible to a couple of them that have hit in the past, like earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. Monitor the situation and follow the advice from the authorities.
Violent crime rates are also high in Pakistan, and this includes armed robbery, robbery, carjacking, kidnappings, home invasion, and even murder. These are all common, especially in major urban areas.
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Pakistan. 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 Pakistan trying to take advantage of tourists, and the situation with scams is similar as in any other country. 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 Pakistan. This isn't a safe country for anyone to be alone in, and this applies to women too. Apply all precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations.
Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Pakistan. 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, 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.
The Pakistani rupee is the official currency in Pakistan. 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.
Weather in Pakistan can be divided into three seasons: winter, that 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, with plenty of precipitation upon the hills.
Jinnah International Airport is the largest and busiest international airport in Pakistan. It is located in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Pakistan, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.