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Cost of Living in Karachi

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan · Population 20,249,000 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Pakistan average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₨92,837 ($334)
Couple, monthly₨165,336 ($595)
Family of four, monthly₨214,369 ($771)

Estimated Prices in Karachi

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₨976 ($3.51)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₨3,903 ($14.04)per meal
Cappuccino₨293 ($1.05)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₨22,118 ($79.56)per month
Monthly public transport pass₨3,578 ($12.87)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₨9,433 ($33.93)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₨2,732 ($9.83)per month
Fitness club membership₨2,732 ($9.83)per month
Cinema ticket₨716 ($2.57)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₨39,941 ($144)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₨27,785 ($99.95)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₨83,354 ($300)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Karachi is ₨115,648 ($416) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₨92,837 ($334) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₨120,688 ($434) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₨27,785 ($100)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Karachi

Karachi vs LahoreKarachi vs FaisalabadKarachi vs RawalpindiKarachi vs GujranwalaKarachi vs PeshawarKarachi vs Multan

Nearby Cities

Shah Latif Town

16 km away · Sindh

Gadani

40 km away · Balochistan

Mirpur Sakro

72 km away · Sindh

Thatta

93 km away · Sindh

Sujawal

112 km away · Sindh

Uthal

112 km away · Balochistan

Dureji

118 km away · Balochistan

Mirpur Bhtoro

127 km away · Sindh

Other Major Cities in Pakistan

Lahore

Punjab · pop. 13,004,135

₨91,303 ($328) / mo

Faisalabad

Punjab · pop. 3,203,846

₨80,624 ($290) / mo

Rawalpindi

Punjab · pop. 2,098,231

₨80,624 ($290) / mo

Gujranwala

Punjab · pop. 2,027,001

₨80,624 ($290) / mo

Peshawar

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · pop. 1,970,042

₨80,624 ($290) / mo

Multan

Punjab · pop. 1,871,843

₨80,624 ($290) / mo

Hyderabad City

Sindh · pop. 1,732,693

₨80,624 ($290) / mo

Islamabad

Islamabad · pop. 1,014,825

₨80,624 ($290) / mo

Living in Karachi

Karachi is the capital and one of the key cities in Pakistan. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₨92,837 ($334), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₨27,785 ($100) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₨214,369 ($771) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₨165,336 ($595) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Karachi is ₨115,648 ($416). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₨120,688 ($434) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Karachi expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₨92,837 ($334) per month in Karachi including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Pakistan.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Karachi?
A net salary of around ₨120,688 ($434) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Karachi with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Karachi is ₨115,648 ($416).
How much is rent in Karachi?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₨39,941 ($144) per month in the city centre and ₨27,785 ($100) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₨83,354 ($300).
Is Karachi cheaper than Pakistan on average?
No — Karachi is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Pakistan average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Karachi?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₨22,118 ($80) in Karachi. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₨976 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ₨293 ($1).
How do transport costs in Karachi compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Karachi is estimated at ₨3,578 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Karachi are estimates based on Pakistan national averages adjusted for city size (population 20,249,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.