Suppose you are planning about moving to Pakistan or planning your monthly budget, it benefits to recognize the cost of living in Pakistan. Expenses for things like food, housing and transport can be very different around the world.
What is inexpensive in one country may be costly in another. Living costs in Pakistan in 2025 are usually lower than in many Western countries which makes it a good choice for both locals and people coming from abroad. But rates are not the same all over and they can change depending on the city, lifestyle and personal selections.
This guide will show you how much it costs to live in Pakistan today. We will look at the basic expenses like housing, food, transport and utilities, and relate Pakistan to other countries so you get a clear idea of affordability.
How Pakistan Compares Globally
Living in Pakistan in 2025 is much cheaper than in many other countries. Pakistan's cost-of-living index is about 17.8 while New York's is 100. This means daily things like food, transport and utilities cost much less. Expats say regular expenses (without rent) are approximately 72% expensive than in the US.
- Food and groceries are low-priced, particularly local items.
- Housing is reasonable though the rate depends on location and quality.
- Utilities and transport are lower, but rising prices can make life tougher.
- Even with low prices, local salaries may not always cover all expenses comfortably.
In short, Pakistan's living costs in 2025 are much lower than in many countries but how easy life is depends on your income and lifestyle.
Typical Monthly Costs (2025 Estimates)
Living in Pakistan is quite inexpensive. A single person typically spends about US $340–$560 (PKR 96,000–158,000) per month on food, transport and bills. Groceries, travel and everyday things are not costly, so it is easy to live easily without spending too much.
For a family of four, the cost is around US $1,150–$1,650 (PKR 323,000–465,000) per month for the same requirements. Rent is very low, frequently much lower than in the United States. This makes it easy to find a home without using most of your money.
Generally, Pakistan is much more reasonable than numerous other countries. Costs can differ depending on the city and lifestyle, but food, transport and utilities are typically low. Together, single people and families can live well without spending a lot.
Main Expense Categories
Housing/Rent
Housing costs in Pakistan vary by city and area. Large cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have advanced rents, particularly in central or modern areas. Smaller towns and suburbs are much cheaper. Generally, living in Pakistan is more affordable than in many other countries.
Food & Groceries
Food and groceries are typically cheap. Fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and meat are stress-free to catch at low prices in local markets. Imported or branded foods are priced more. Prices can sometimes go up because of inflation or supply difficulties, so it's good to plan your grocery budget wisely.
Transportation
Travelling in Pakistan is not expensive. Buses, metro and rickshaws are low-cost and common. Fuel costs are lower than in many Western countries but owning a car can add to prices. Traffic in large cities can make travel slower and increase fuel use which disturbs monthly transport spending.
Utilities & Services
Electricity, gas, water and Internet are reasonably priced. Bills can change depending on how much you use and the season. For example, electricity charges go up in hot summers and heating prices rise in winter. The Internet is reasonable but fast connections cost a bit more.
Inflation & Local Economy
The inflation affects to everyday costs like food, fuel and household bills. Even moderate inflation can gradually increase prices over time. It is smart to plan for small cost increases. Knowing to the local economy aids both locals and expats in managing their monthly budgets well.
Regional & Lifestyle Differences
Living costs in Pakistan vary widely between cities and villages. The large cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are costlier due to higher demand, up-to-date buildings and better services. Apartments in central or new areas cost a lot. And more, smaller towns and villages have low-cost housing, food, transport and entertainment. Hence, saving money is stress-free but fewer facilities are accessible.
Urban vs Rural
Living in a city is suitable but it's more expensive. Rent, food, transport and fun activities are costly in cities. The villages and small towns are much cheaper for housing and groceries. But jobs, hospitals, schools and entertainment options are limited. People want to balance cost and convenience when selecting where to live.
Lifestyle Choices
The way you live affects how much you spend each month. Eating out a lot, purchasing imported goods or living in fancy neighbourhoods can cause costs to rise rapidly. The simple habits like cooking at home, taking public transport and shopping at local markets can save a lot. Hobbies, entertainment and shopping selections can also add up over time. Small changes in everyday life can lead to big savings.
Currency and Local Income
Pakistan may look inexpensive if you relate it to US dollars or other strong currencies, but most locals earn just sufficient for basic desires. Even low rates can feel high for them. Expats with foreign income frequently find living prices very low. Locals, particularly in large cities, face higher rent, school fees and rising bills. Inflation and currency changes also disturb how far money goes.
Knowing lifestyle habits, regional changes, and income helps plan an accurate budget and live easily without overspending.
Key Takeaways for Expats & Locals
For Expats
Pakistan has one of the lowest cost-of-living baselines globally, so it is cheaper than many countries. But you should consider things like city facilities, service quality and roads. Plan your money cautiously for rent, transport, healthcare and everyday life. Also, learn about local rules, culture and safe areas to avoid complications and enjoy your stay.
For Locals
Although living costs in Pakistan in 2025 are low compared to other countries, lots of people still feel financial pressure due to low income, inflation and changes between regions. Increasing prices for fuel, food and electricity can create tight monthly budgets particularly in cities. Smart selections like purchasing from local markets or using public transport can help manage money better.
Budget Tip
Each time, keep additional money for inflation, rent changes, healthcare and transport when making your Pakistan monthly budget. This helps cover surprise costs like medical bills, price increases or seasonal utility changes. Planning ahead makes life easier and safer for both expats and locals.
Final Words
To conclude that the cost of living in Pakistan is much lower than in a lot of countries like the United States or Western Europe. Things like food, transport and housing are typically inexpensive. But how reasonable it is depends on your income, inflation, location and lifestyle. Large cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad are more expensive than smaller towns. So, it's important to check Pakistan rent prices and other local prices carefully.
If you are thinking about moving to Pakistan cost or only relating prices, don’t only look at the main numbers. Consider all—food, utilities, transport and possible price increases—to get the real cost of living. Using sites and questioning locals for prices will help you plan a correct Pakistan monthly budget and make smart selections for an easy move.