🇵🇰 Cost of Living in Pakistan - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameIslamic Republic of Pakistan
CapitalIslamabad
Population241.5 million
Area796,095 km² (307,374 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish, Urdu
CurrencyPakistani rupee (₨)
TimezoneUTC+05:00
RegionAsia / Southern Asia
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$6,252 (2024)
Inflation Rate12.6% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$30 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend52.9% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)1.9% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$20-30 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$40-60 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$80-120 USD
CurrencyPKR
Tipping Customnot expected
How Expensive Is Pakistan?
Pakistan is considered an affordable country to live in or visit, with a low cost of living compared to global averages. The country's economy is largely driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and remittances from overseas workers. Compared to its neighbors, Pakistan is generally cheaper than India and China, but more expensive than Afghanistan and Iran. The cost of living in Pakistan can vary depending on the city, with major cities like Karachi and Lahore tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Overall, Pakistan offers a great value for travelers and expats looking for an affordable and culturally rich experience.
Pakistan's affordability is due in part to its low labor costs, which keep prices for goods and services relatively low. Additionally, the country has a large and vibrant informal economy, which provides a range of affordable options for food, transportation, and other necessities. However, it's worth noting that prices can vary depending on the location and the type of establishment, with high-end restaurants and hotels catering to foreigners and wealthy locals tend to be more expensive.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$5-15
basic dorms and guesthouses
Mid-Range Hotel
$20-50
comfortable hotels with amenities
Luxury/Resort
$100-250
high-end hotels and resorts
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$100-500
city center vs outside, 1-3 bedrooms
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$1-3
Casual Restaurant
$5-10
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$15-30
Fine Dining
$30-50
Beer (local)
$2-5
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$0.50-1.50
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.20-0.50
Taxi (per km)
$0.50-1.00
Domestic flight
$50-150
Fuel (per liter)
$0.50-1.00
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
100-300
300-600
800-1500
Food
150-300
300-600
600-1200
Transport
50-100
100-200
200-300
Utilities
50-100
100-200
200-300
Entertainment
100-200
200-400
400-600
Total
550-1200
1200-2400
2800-4500
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations, such as guesthouses or hostels, which can be found for as low as $5-10 per night.
Eat at local eateries or street food stalls, which offer delicious and affordable meals for as low as $1-3 per meal.
Use public transportation, such as buses or rickshaws, which are inexpensive and convenient.
Avoid traveling during peak season (June to August) when prices for accommodations and transportation tend to be higher.
Learn some basic Urdu phrases, such as "hello" (assalamu alaikum) and "thank you" (shukriya), which can go a long way in getting better prices and service.
Haggle when shopping at markets or from street vendors, as prices are often negotiable.