Cost of Living in Pakistan

The cost of living in Pakistan is extremely low compared to many other international expat cities. The capital city, Islamabad, is one of the most affordable expat destinations in the world, and Karachi, the country’s largest city, also has a low cost of living for expats.

Although Pakistan’s economic situation is on the mend, there are fluctuations in the cost of living caused by high inflation. Nevertheless, expats earning a foreign salary or working in well-paid sectors can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the country.

Cost of accommodation in Pakistan

Accommodation in Pakistan is likely to be the most significant expense in your budget. If you are moving to a major city like Islamabad and Karachi, you will find various suitable housing options, with prices depending on the proximity to the city centre. The closer you live to a metropolitan area, the pricier your rent will be.

Still, you can find affordable housing anywhere in the country. Utilities are typically not included in the rental and will be an additional cost. Pakistan faces frequent power outages, and some areas have water supply issues, so you should also account for the cost of running generators and possibly securing an alternative water supply.

Cost of transport in Pakistan

Public transport in Pakistan, including buses and trains, is very cheap, but the system lacks safety measures, and the roads can be quite dangerous. Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and InDrive are widely used in major cities and give you an on-demand alternative to public transport.

Fortunately, buying and maintaining a car is affordable in Pakistan. It’s also fairly common for employers to provide a car and driver as part of a relocation package, so you may not need to worry about transport at all while living in Pakistan.

Transport and Driving in Pakistan

Cost of groceries in Pakistan

Groceries are cheap in Pakistan. There are plenty of markets selling local produce, but ensure you wash food items carefully with filtered or purified water to prevent food- or water-borne illness.

Some of Pakistan’s most popular shops for affordable groceries include Imtiaz Supermarket and Metro Cash and Carry. If you have some more room in your budget, you can find high-quality groceries at Greenvalley Premium Hypermarket.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Pakistan

Eating out in Pakistan is an adventurous, flavourful, and affordable experience. Pakistan’s culinary scene offers everything from local fusion cuisine to Italian and Chinese delights. The country also has a strong street food culture, meaning you can get tasty meals at a low cost. If you prefer the finer things in life, you are not left behind, as plenty of restaurants offer fine dining experiences. Naturally, these cost more.

Sport is a massive part of the country’s culture, and much of its entertainment offering centres around it; you can purchase tickets to cricket and football matches at reasonable prices. Shopping is another favourite pastime in Pakistan, and you can have fun haggling with traders at one of the country’s many colourful bazaars.

Cost of education in Pakistan

Schooling is compulsory (and free at public schools) for all children aged 5 to 16. That said, expat parents will find that the educational standards in public schools can be lacking.

With this in mind, expat parents usually send their children to one of the international schools located in Islamabad, Karachi, or other main cities. International school fees in Pakistan are high, and that’s before you count extra costs like uniforms and extracurricular activities. That said, many expat parents believe that their facilities and teaching standards typically justify the cost.

Education and Schools in Pakistan

Cost of healthcare in Pakistan

Healthcare in Pakistan’s major cities is generally adequate, but is poor or non-existent in rural areas. For this reason, most expats moving to Pakistan for work will have access to private healthcare.

Most employers sponsor their employees’ health insurance, but if you do not have this luxury, you should purchase comprehensive private medical insurance with medical evacuation provisions. The cost for this will vary depending on lifestyle habits, age, and coverage level.

Healthcare in Pakistan