Cost of Living in Kabul, Afghanistan
Afghanistan · Asia
$450
Monthly Cost
avg/person
18
Cost Index
NYC=100
14
Rent Index
NYC=100
22
Quality of Life
Poor
8
Safety Index
Poor
4.6M
Population
AFN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.25 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.9 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.22 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $5 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.85 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $20000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $15000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $28 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $12 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $180/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $100/mo |
| 3BR Center | $420/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $240/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $700/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $380/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 15% |
View Cost of Living in Afghanistan
Cost of Living in Kabul — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kabul, Afghanistan is approximately $450 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kabul has a cost index of 18, making it around 82% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Kabul costs around $100/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $180/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $420/month. The rent index is 14 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kabul scores 22/100 on the quality of life index and 8/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 25/100. The climate index is 55/100. 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 Kabul is approximately $200/month. With a purchasing power index of 18/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is AFN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Kabul
The average monthly salary in Kabul is approximately $200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $450, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 18/100.
Healthcare Costs in Kabul
Healthcare quality in Kabul is rated 25/100. 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 Kabul
Kabul has a quality of life score of 22/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Kabul
Students living in Kabul 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 Kabul
Expats moving to Kabul 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 Kabul, Afghanistan is approximately $450 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 18 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Kabul
Living in Kabul offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 18 and a quality of life score of 22/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Kabul provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Afghanistan and around the world.
Key Facts About Kabul
- Average Monthly Cost: $450
- Cost Index: 18
- Rent Index: 14
- Average Salary: $200
- Quality of Life: 22/100
- Safety Score: 8/100
- Country: Afghanistan
- Currency: AFN
Is Kabul Expensive?
Kabul has a cost index of 18 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Kabul compare to other cities?
Kabul is located in Asia with a population of approximately 4.6M. At a cost index of 18 (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 Kabul stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kabul?
The average cost of living in Kabul, Afghanistan is approximately $450 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 18 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Kabul?
Rent in Kabul varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 14 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Kabul alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Kabul expensive to live in?
Kabul has a cost index of 18 compared to New York City (100). At 18, Kabul is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $450.
What is the quality of life in Kabul?
Kabul has a quality of life index of 22/100 and a safety index of 8/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Kabul compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Kabul with any city worldwide. Kabul's cost index is 18 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Kabul?
Many residents live comfortably in Kabul with a monthly budget of around $450 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Kabul good for expats?
Kabul is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Kabul?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $450 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Kabul.
Is Kabul cheaper than New York?
Yes, Kabul has a cost index of 18 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Kabul?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Kabul.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Kabul
Cheapest Ways to Live in Kabul
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Kabul typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $100/month compared to $180/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 Kabul, Afghanistan.
Is Kabul Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 18/100 and a quality of life score of 22/100, Kabul is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 18 relative to New York City, Kabul remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Afghanistan has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Kabul Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Kabul", "Kabul monthly expenses 2026", and "is Kabul affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $450, a safety score of 8/100, and healthcare rated 25/100, Kabul offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Afghanistan.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026