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Cost of Living in Pakistan

312 cities covered · Currency: PKR (₨) · Capital: Karachi

Single person, monthly₨74,571 ($268)
Couple, monthly₨132,460 ($476)
Family of four, monthly₨171,412 ($617)
Average net salary₨94,298 ($339)

Average Prices in Pakistan

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₨796 ($2.86)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₨3,183 ($11.45)per meal
Cappuccino₨239 ($0.86)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₨18,034 ($64.87)per month
Monthly public transport pass₨2,917 ($10.49)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₨7,691 ($27.67)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₨2,228 ($8.01)per month
Fitness club membership₨2,228 ($8.01)per month
Cinema ticket₨583 ($2.10)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₨30,947 ($111)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₨21,528 ($77.44)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₨64,585 ($232)per month

Major Cities in Pakistan

Karachi

Sindh · pop. 20,249,000

Lahore

Punjab · pop. 13,004,135

Faisalabad

Punjab · pop. 3,203,846

Rawalpindi

Punjab · pop. 2,098,231

Gujranwala

Punjab · pop. 2,027,001

Peshawar

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · pop. 1,970,042

Multan

Punjab · pop. 1,871,843

Hyderabad City

Sindh · pop. 1,732,693

Islamabad

Islamabad · pop. 1,014,825

Quetta

Balochistan · pop. 1,001,205

Bahawalpur

Punjab · pop. 762,111

Tāndliānwāla

Punjab · pop. 702,733

Sargodha

Punjab · pop. 659,862

Shah Latif Town

Sindh · pop. 641,894

Sialkot City

Punjab · pop. 591,668

Sukkur

Sindh · pop. 499,900

Larkana

Sindh · pop. 490,508

Chiniot

Punjab · pop. 477,781

Shekhupura

Punjab · pop. 473,129

Rahimyar Khan

Punjab · pop. 420,419

Jhang City

Punjab · pop. 414,131

Dera Ghazi Khan

Punjab · pop. 399,064

Gujrat

Punjab · pop. 390,533

Cantonment

Punjab · pop. 374,872

Cheapest Cities in Pakistan

BuniHaripurSillanwaliNushkiSharqpur SharifZhobBadrashniSanjawiFarukaKanganpurFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Pakistan

Karachi vs Lahore

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Pakistan

Karachi vs Faisalabad

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Pakistan

Lahore vs Rawalpindi

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Pakistan

Faisalabad vs Rawalpindi

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Pakistan

Cost of Living by City Size in Pakistan

Living costs in Pakistan 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 ₨74,571 ($268) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Pakistan?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Pakistan is ₨74,571 ($268), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly ₨171,412 ($617) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Pakistan?
Buni ranks among the most affordable cities in Pakistan with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Pakistan?
The estimated average net salary in Pakistan is ₨94,298 ($339) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Pakistan derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.