73 cities covered · Currency: AFN (؋) · Capital: Kabul
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ؋223 ($3.18) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ؋890 ($12.72) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ؋66.78 ($0.95) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ؋5,046 ($72.08) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ؋816 ($11.66) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ؋2,152 ($30.74) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ؋623 ($8.90) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ؋623 ($8.90) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ؋163 ($2.33) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ؋8,658 ($124) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ؋6,023 ($86.04) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ؋18,069 ($258) | per month |
Kābul · pop. 5,333,284
Kandahār · pop. 614,254
Balkh · pop. 568,013
Herāt · pop. 556,205
Kunduz · pop. 356,536
Nangarhār · pop. 318,733
Takhār · pop. 258,758
Helmand · pop. 201,546
Jowzjān · pop. 175,599
Parwān · pop. 171,200
Khōst · pop. 160,214
Ghaznī · pop. 143,379
Baghlān · pop. 139,252
Kandahār · pop. 123,945
Fāryāb · pop. 108,049
Baghlān · pop. 89,625
Bāmyān · pop. 76,000
Paktiyā · pop. 70,000
Uruzgān · pop. 70,000
Nangarhār · pop. 66,392
Badakhshān · pop. 64,704
Farāh · pop. 54,000
Herāt · pop. 54,000
Sar-e Pul · pop. 51,075
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Afghanistan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Afghanistan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Afghanistan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Afghanistan
Living costs in Afghanistan vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ؋20,863 ($298) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.