Cost of Living in Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistan · Asia
$600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
24
Cost Index
NYC=100
20
Rent Index
NYC=100
50
Quality of Life
Moderate
38
Safety Index
Below Average
1.1M
Population
PKR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $10 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.8 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.32 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.38 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.1 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.38 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.38 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.28 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.28 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.14 |
| Monthly Pass | $9 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.26 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $34000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $42 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $11 |
| Fitness Club/month | $16 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $240/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $140/mo |
| 3BR Center | $600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $360/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $750/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $380 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 22% |
View Cost of Living in Pakistan
Cost of Living in Islamabad — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan is approximately $600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Islamabad has a cost index of 24, making it around 76% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Islamabad costs around $140/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $240/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $600/month. The rent index is 20 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Islamabad scores 50/100 on the quality of life index and 38/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 52/100. The climate index is 58/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Islamabad is approximately $380/month. With a purchasing power index of 34/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is PKR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Islamabad
The average monthly salary in Islamabad is approximately $380. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 34/100.
Healthcare Costs in Islamabad
Healthcare quality in Islamabad is rated 52/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Islamabad
Islamabad has a quality of life score of 50/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Islamabad
Students living in Islamabad should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Islamabad
Expats moving to Islamabad often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan is approximately $600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 24 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Islamabad
Living in Islamabad offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 24 and a quality of life score of 50/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $380 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Islamabad provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Pakistan and around the world.
Key Facts About Islamabad
- Average Monthly Cost: $600
- Cost Index: 24
- Rent Index: 20
- Average Salary: $380
- Quality of Life: 50/100
- Safety Score: 38/100
- Country: Pakistan
- Currency: PKR
Is Islamabad Expensive?
Islamabad has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Islamabad compare to other cities?
Islamabad is located in Asia with a population of approximately 1.1M. At a cost index of 24 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Islamabad stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Islamabad?
The average cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan is approximately $600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 24 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Islamabad?
Rent in Islamabad varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 20 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Islamabad alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Islamabad expensive to live in?
Islamabad has a cost index of 24 compared to New York City (100). At 24, Islamabad is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $600.
What is the quality of life in Islamabad?
Islamabad has a quality of life index of 50/100 and a safety index of 38/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Islamabad compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Islamabad with any city worldwide. Islamabad's cost index is 24 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Islamabad?
Many residents live comfortably in Islamabad with a monthly budget of around $600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Islamabad good for expats?
Islamabad is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Islamabad?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Islamabad.
Is Islamabad cheaper than New York?
Yes, Islamabad has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Islamabad?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Islamabad.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Islamabad
Cheapest Ways to Live in Islamabad
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Islamabad typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $140/month compared to $240/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Is Islamabad Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 34/100 and a quality of life score of 50/100, Islamabad is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 24 relative to New York City, Islamabad remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Pakistan has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Islamabad Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Islamabad", "Islamabad monthly expenses 2026", and "is Islamabad affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $600, a safety score of 38/100, and healthcare rated 52/100, Islamabad offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Pakistan.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026