Lahore, Pakistan

Cost of Living in Pakistan

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 13, 2025

Summary: The cost of living in Pakistan is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Pakistan can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Pakistan is usually around $10 to $15 per person.

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Is the cost of living in Pakistan high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Pakistan, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Pakistan varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are relatively inexpensive. However, the cost of luxury items such as electronics, cars, and imported goods can be quite high. Additionally, the cost of utilities such as electricity and water can be quite expensive in some areas. Overall, the cost of living in Pakistan is generally lower than in many other countries," said one expat in Pakistan.

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Will I save money living in Pakistan?

"Living in Pakistan can be significantly cheaper than living in the United States. The cost of living in Pakistan is generally lower than in the United States, with the average cost of living in Pakistan being around 40% lower than in the United States. Additionally, the cost of housing, food, and transportation are all much lower in Pakistan than in the United States. As a result, living in Pakistan can be a great way to save money compared to living in the United States," explained one expat living in Pakistan.

What is the average cost of housing in Pakistan?

If you are thinking about moving to Pakistan, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Pakistan varies greatly depending on the location and type of property. Generally, housing in major cities such as Karachi and Lahore is more expensive than in smaller towns and rural areas. Prices for apartments and houses range from low-cost options to more luxurious properties. In addition, the cost of housing is affected by the availability of amenities such as electricity, water, and gas," explained one expat living in Pakistan.

"We had a 3-bedroom portion and paid 24,000 rupees per month, although prices have gone up since 2009. Costs are MUCH lower than in the U.S," said one expat in Lahore.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Pakistan?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Pakistan can vary depending on the location, but generally ranges from around $200 to $400 per month. For a nice 2 bedroom apartment, the rental price can range from around $300 to $600 per month," commented one expat who moved to Pakistan.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Pakistan what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Pakistan, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Other common appliances may include a microwave, air conditioner, and water heater. Depending on the property, some landlords may also provide additional appliances such as a dishwasher, clothes dryer, and water purifier," said one expat living in Pakistan.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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