Cost of Living in Karachi, Pakistan
Pakistan · Asia
$550
Monthly Cost
avg/person
22
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
42
Quality of Life
Below Average
28
Safety Index
Poor
14.9M
Population
PKR
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) | $9 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3.5 |
| 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) | $0.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $1 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $10 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.25 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $35000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $40 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $12 |
| Fitness Club/month | $18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $220/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $130/mo |
| 3BR Center | $550/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $330/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,200/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $700/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 22% |
View Cost of Living in Pakistan
Cost of Living in Karachi — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Karachi, Pakistan is approximately $550 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Karachi has a cost index of 22, making it around 78% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Karachi costs around $130/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $220/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $550/month. The rent index is 18 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Karachi scores 42/100 on the quality of life index and 28/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 48/100. 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 Karachi is approximately $350/month. With a purchasing power index of 32/100, 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 Karachi
The average monthly salary in Karachi is approximately $350. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $550, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 32/100.
Healthcare Costs in Karachi
Healthcare quality in Karachi is rated 48/100. 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 Karachi
Karachi has a quality of life score of 42/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Karachi
Students living in Karachi 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 Karachi
Expats moving to Karachi 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 Karachi, Pakistan is approximately $550 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 22 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Karachi
Living in Karachi offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 22 and a quality of life score of 42/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $350 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Karachi provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Pakistan and around the world.
Key Facts About Karachi
- Average Monthly Cost: $550
- Cost Index: 22
- Rent Index: 18
- Average Salary: $350
- Quality of Life: 42/100
- Safety Score: 28/100
- Country: Pakistan
- Currency: PKR
Is Karachi Expensive?
Karachi has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Karachi compare to other cities?
Karachi is located in Asia with a population of approximately 14.9M. At a cost index of 22 (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 Karachi stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Karachi?
The average cost of living in Karachi, Pakistan is approximately $550 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 22 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Karachi?
Rent in Karachi varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 18 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Karachi alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Karachi expensive to live in?
Karachi has a cost index of 22 compared to New York City (100). At 22, Karachi is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $550.
What is the quality of life in Karachi?
Karachi has a quality of life index of 42/100 and a safety index of 28/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Karachi compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Karachi with any city worldwide. Karachi's cost index is 22 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Karachi?
Many residents live comfortably in Karachi with a monthly budget of around $550 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Karachi good for expats?
Karachi is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Karachi?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $550 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Karachi.
Is Karachi cheaper than New York?
Yes, Karachi has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Karachi?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Karachi.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Karachi
Cheapest Ways to Live in Karachi
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Karachi typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $130/month compared to $220/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 Karachi, Pakistan.
Is Karachi Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 32/100 and a quality of life score of 42/100, Karachi is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 22 relative to New York City, Karachi remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Pakistan has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Karachi Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Karachi", "Karachi monthly expenses 2026", and "is Karachi affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $550, a safety score of 28/100, and healthcare rated 48/100, Karachi 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