Cost of Living in Lahore, Pakistan
Pakistan · Asia
$500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
20
Cost Index
NYC=100
16
Rent Index
NYC=100
44
Quality of Life
Below Average
30
Safety Index
Poor
13.1M
Population
PKR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $1.8 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.35 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.45 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.28 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.9 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.12 |
| Monthly Pass | $8 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.22 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $34000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $35 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $10 |
| Fitness Club/month | $15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $190/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $110/mo |
| 3BR Center | $480/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $280/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $580/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $320 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 22% |
View Cost of Living in Pakistan
Cost of Living in Lahore — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Lahore, Pakistan is approximately $500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Lahore has a cost index of 20, making it around 80% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Lahore costs around $110/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $190/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $480/month. The rent index is 16 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Lahore scores 44/100 on the quality of life index and 30/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 50/100. The climate index is 52/100. 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 Lahore is approximately $320/month. With a purchasing power index of 30/100, 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 Lahore
The average monthly salary in Lahore is approximately $320. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 30/100.
Healthcare Costs in Lahore
Healthcare quality in Lahore is rated 50/100. 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 Lahore
Lahore has a quality of life score of 44/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Lahore
Students living in Lahore 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 Lahore
Expats moving to Lahore 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 Lahore, Pakistan is approximately $500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 20 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Lahore
Living in Lahore offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 20 and a quality of life score of 44/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $320 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Lahore provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Pakistan and around the world.
Key Facts About Lahore
- Average Monthly Cost: $500
- Cost Index: 20
- Rent Index: 16
- Average Salary: $320
- Quality of Life: 44/100
- Safety Score: 30/100
- Country: Pakistan
- Currency: PKR
Is Lahore Expensive?
Lahore has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Lahore compare to other cities?
Lahore is located in Asia with a population of approximately 13.1M. At a cost index of 20 (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 Lahore stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lahore?
The average cost of living in Lahore, Pakistan is approximately $500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 20 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Lahore?
Rent in Lahore varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 16 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Lahore alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Lahore expensive to live in?
Lahore has a cost index of 20 compared to New York City (100). At 20, Lahore is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $500.
What is the quality of life in Lahore?
Lahore has a quality of life index of 44/100 and a safety index of 30/100. 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 Lahore compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Lahore with any city worldwide. Lahore's cost index is 20 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Lahore?
Many residents live comfortably in Lahore with a monthly budget of around $500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Lahore good for expats?
Lahore is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Lahore?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Lahore.
Is Lahore cheaper than New York?
Yes, Lahore has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Lahore?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Lahore.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Lahore
Cheapest Ways to Live in Lahore
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Lahore typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $110/month compared to $190/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 Lahore, Pakistan.
Is Lahore Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 30/100 and a quality of life score of 44/100, Lahore is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 20 relative to New York City, Lahore remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Pakistan has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Lahore Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Lahore", "Lahore monthly expenses 2026", and "is Lahore affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $500, a safety score of 30/100, and healthcare rated 50/100, Lahore 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