Cost of Living in Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistan · Asia
Cost of Living in Islamabad: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan is approximately $600 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 24, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$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
| 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% |
Cost of Living in Islamabad: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $600. The city's cost of living index is 24, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Islamabad
A typical monthly budget in Islamabad includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Islamabad
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $140 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $240. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $600 per month.
Average Salary in Islamabad
The average net salary in Islamabad is approximately $380 per month. Purchasing power is rated 34out of 100.
Is Islamabad Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 24,Islamabad is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Islamabad
Safety
Islamabad has a safety score of 38/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Islamabad is rated 52/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Islamabad is 58/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Islamabad has a purchasing power score of 34/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Islamabad
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Islamabad should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Islamabad fits their monthly budget.
Is Islamabad Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 24provides a useful benchmark when comparing Islamabad with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Islamabad
- Average Monthly Cost
- $600
- Cost Index
- 24
- Rent Index
- 20
- Average Net Salary
- $380
- Quality of Life
- 50/100
- Safety
- 38/100
- Healthcare
- 52/100
- Currency
- PKR
Frequently Asked Questions About Islamabad
What is the cost of living in Islamabad?
The estimated cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan, is approximately $600 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Islamabad?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $140 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $240.
Is Islamabad expensive to live in?
Islamabad has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Islamabad?
The average net salary in Islamabad is approximately $380 per month.
Is Islamabad good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Islamabad is suitable for relocation.