Cost of Living in Karachi, Pakistan
Pakistan · Asia
Cost of Living in Karachi: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Karachi, Pakistan is approximately $550 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 22, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$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
| 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% |
Cost of Living in Karachi: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Karachi, Pakistan, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $550. The city's cost of living index is 22, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Karachi
A typical monthly budget in Karachi 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 Karachi
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $130 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $220. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $550 per month.
Average Salary in Karachi
The average net salary in Karachi is approximately $350 per month. Purchasing power is rated 32out of 100.
Is Karachi Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 22,Karachi 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 Karachi
Safety
Karachi has a safety score of 28/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Karachi is rated 48/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Karachi is 55/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Karachi has a purchasing power score of 32/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Karachi
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 Karachi 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 Karachi fits their monthly budget.
Is Karachi Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 22provides a useful benchmark when comparing Karachi with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Karachi
- Average Monthly Cost
- $550
- Cost Index
- 22
- Rent Index
- 18
- Average Net Salary
- $350
- Quality of Life
- 42/100
- Safety
- 28/100
- Healthcare
- 48/100
- Currency
- PKR
Frequently Asked Questions About Karachi
What is the cost of living in Karachi?
The estimated cost of living in Karachi, Pakistan, is approximately $550 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Karachi?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $130 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $220.
Is Karachi expensive to live in?
Karachi has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Karachi?
The average net salary in Karachi is approximately $350 per month.
Is Karachi good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Karachi is suitable for relocation.