Last updated: January 2026 (inflation-adjusted estimates)
The cost of living in Pakistan in 2025–2026 has become a big concern for individuals, families, and the government as well. In recent years, Pakistan has seen steady price increases, repeated hikes in electricity and gas bills, higher fuel costs, rising rent in cities, and noticeable increases in food prices. All these factors have changed the way people manage their money, save, and plan for the future.
For a long time, Pakistan was known as a cheap country to live in. While many people around the world still think that, life for people living here has changed a lot. The main question now isn’t whether Pakistan is cheaper than rich countries, but whether local incomes are enough to cover everyday expenses. This matters for students, fresh graduates, salaried workers, freelancers, small business owners, retirees, and families trying to maintain a comfortable middle-class life.
This article is a complete guide to the real cost of living in Pakistan for 2025–2026. It looks at actual household spending instead of ideal averages. It shows what people really spend each month, why costs can be so different, and how inflation keeps affecting daily money choices. By the end of this guide, readers will have a clear idea of what it really takes to live in Pakistan today.
The term “cost of living” basically means how much money you need to live a stable and reasonably comfortable life. In Pakistan, it’s more than just rent and food. A realistic view of living costs includes housing, bills like electricity and gas, groceries, transport, internet and phone, healthcare, education, and other unavoidable everyday expenses.
Many people underestimate their living costs because they only think about big expenses and forget smaller recurring ones. Over time, these small costs add up and can really affect your monthly budget. The cost of living also depends a lot on your lifestyle. Living very simply is very different from living a typical middle-class life, which is again very different from an upper-middle-class lifestyle.
Another important factor is location. Living costs in Pakistan aren’t the same everywhere. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad are much more expensive than Faisalabad, Multan, or Bahawalpur. Even inside the same city, costs can vary a lot depending on the neighborhood.
Average Cost of Living in Pakistan: A Clear Overview
In simple terms, the average cost of living in Pakistan in 2025–2026 is around PKR 60,000 to PKR 90,000 per month for a single person. For a family of four, it usually takes between PKR 120,000 and PKR 180,000 per month to live a modest middle-class life.
These numbers assume:
- Renting a simple home
- Cooking most meals at home
- Using basic healthcare services
- Paying regular bills for electricity, gas, and water
- Covering transport and phone/internet costs
These amounts don’t include luxury spending, international travel, big savings, or unexpected medical bills. For many households, actual expenses can be even higher than these averages.
| Household Type | Monthly Cost (PKR) |
|---|---|
|
Single person |
60,000 – 90,000 |
|
Married couple |
90,000 – 120,000 |
|
Family of 4 |
120,000 – 180,000 |
Cost of Living for a Single Person in Pakistan
How much a single person spends in Pakistan depends a lot on where and how they live. Someone sharing a place or staying in a hostel will spend much less than someone renting their own apartment. In big cities, a single person usually spends around PKR 60,000 to 90,000 per month.
Rent alone can take up 35–50% of this budget. Bills, food, and transportation make up the rest. Single people often forget about smaller costs like eating out, mobile data, and occasional trips, which can quietly add up and raise monthly expenses.
In smaller cities, a single person can get by on PKR 45,000 to 65,000, but lifestyle choices still matter a lot. Owning a car, for example, can significantly increase costs even in cheaper areas.
Cost of Living for a Married Couple
A married couple without children usually needs around PKR 90,000 to 120,000 per month to live comfortably in urban Pakistan. Couples often rent a slightly bigger home, pay more for bills, and spend more on groceries and healthcare.
Couples with two incomes usually manage better, while those with only one income feel more financial pressure. Couples who plan carefully and avoid unnecessary spending can live comfortably, but unexpected costs like medical bills or rent hikes can quickly put a strain on their budget.
Cost of Living for a Family of Four
For families with children, living costs go up significantly. A family of four typically needs around PKR 120,000 to 180,000 per month, depending on where they live, the schools they choose, and their healthcare needs.
Education is often the biggest added expense. Private school fees, tuition centers, uniforms, and transport can raise monthly costs a lot. Families who use private healthcare also need to budget carefully, since medical expenses can add up fast.
Monthly Cost of Living in Pakistan (Summary Table)
| Expense Category | Single (PKR) | Family of 4 (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Rent |
25,000 – 45,000 |
40,000 – 70,000 |
|
Utilities |
6,000 – 12,000 |
10,000 – 18,000 |
|
Groceries |
12,000 – 20,000 |
30,000 – 45,000 |
|
Transportation |
5,000 – 10,000 |
10,000 – 15,000 |
|
Internet & Mobile |
2,000 – 3,500 |
3,000 – 5,000 |
|
Healthcare |
3,000 – 6,000 |
6,000 – 10,000 |
|
Total |
60k – 90k |
120k – 180k |
Housing and Rent Costs across Pakistan
Housing is usually the biggest expense for most households. Rent can vary a lot depending on the city, neighborhood, type of property, and available amenities. In big cities, a simple two-bedroom apartment in a decent area usually costs between PKR 35,000 and 60,000 per month. Independent houses or homes in gated communities often cost PKR 80,000 or more.
Smaller cities are much cheaper. The same type of place may cost around PKR 20,000 to 30,000, making housing much more affordable. But lower rent often comes with some trade-offs, like fewer job opportunities or limited infrastructure and services.
Utility Costs: Electricity, Gas, and Water
Utility bills in Pakistan have become less predictable because of frequent tariff changes. Electricity costs often spike during the hot summer months, especially in cities with extreme heat. A typical household spends around PKR 6,000–12,000 per month, while larger families may spend PKR 15,000 or more.
Gas shortages during winter force many households to use alternative energy sources, which raises costs further. Water charges also vary depending on the area, and many households rely on private water tankers, adding extra expenses.
Food and Grocery Expenses in Daily Life
Food costs are one of the most noticeable effects of inflation. Even households that mainly cook at home have seen grocery bills rise. A single person usually spends around PKR 12,000–20,000 per month, while a family of four may spend PKR 30,000–45,000.
Diet choices make a big difference. Families that eat more meat, packaged foods, or imported items spend much more. Regular dining out can easily double food expenses.
Transportation and Commuting Costs
Transportation costs depend on how far you commute and whether you own a vehicle. Public transport users spend relatively little, while car owners face fuel, maintenance, and parking costs. Fuel price changes directly affect monthly budgets, especially for middle-class families.
Internet and Mobile Communication Costs
Internet and mobile services are essential today. In Pakistan, they are relatively affordable, but costs vary depending on connection type and usage. Most households spend around PKR 2,000–3,500 per month on broadband and mobile services combined.
Fiber internet is common in big cities, providing high-speed connections for remote work, online classes, and streaming. Mobile packages with data, calls, and SMS range from PKR 500–1,500 per month depending on the plan. Freelancers, online business owners, and students often need faster connections, which can slightly increase costs. Families with multiple devices or children studying online may also spend more.
Healthcare Costs in Pakistan
Healthcare costs vary depending on whether you use public or private services. Government hospitals are cheap but often overcrowded and under-resourced. Private consultations usually cost PKR 2,000–5,000 per visit, and basic medicines may add another PKR 2,000–4,000 per month for one person. Families generally spend PKR 6,000–10,000 per month on routine healthcare.
Unexpected medical emergencies, surgeries, or chronic disease care can push costs much higher. Insurance is still limited, so most households pay out of pocket. Budgeting for healthcare is especially important for families with children or elderly members.
Education Expenses
Education is one of the biggest extra costs for families. Private school fees usually range from PKR 10,000 to 30,000 per child per month, depending on the school and city. Tuition, extra classes, and study materials add more. University programs vary widely, costing anywhere from PKR 30,000–100,000 per semester.
While government schools are cheaper, many families prefer private schools for better quality, safety, and extracurricular options. For middle-class families, education can easily make up 15–25% of monthly expenses.
City-Wise Cost of Living in Pakistan
Karachi
Karachi is the financial hub with plenty of job opportunities. Living costs are high, especially for rent and transport. A single person may spend PKR 70,000–100,000 per month, while a family of four could spend PKR 150,000–200,000 depending on lifestyle and schooling.
Lahore
Lahore offers a balance between affordability and urban amenities. A single person spends around PKR 65,000–90,000 per month, while a family of four may spend PKR 130,000–170,000. Food is a bit cheaper than in Karachi, but rent in popular areas can be slightly higher.
Islamabad
Islamabad has some of the highest rents in Pakistan but provides great infrastructure, safety, and public services. A single person spends around PKR 75,000–110,000 per month, and a family of four may spend PKR 150,000–200,000. Being close to government offices and international institutions increases rent in top neighborhoods.
Smaller Cities
Cities like Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, and Gujranwala are much cheaper. Single people can live comfortably on PKR 45,000–65,000, while families may need PKR 90,000–120,000. Inflation is slower, housing is cheaper, and transport costs are lower, but job opportunities are more limited.
Lifestyle-Based Cost of Living
Single Person
A single person sharing accommodation and cooking at home can live comfortably on PKR 60,000–80,000 per month. Lifestyle choices, dining out, and entertainment can increase or decrease this amount.
Married Couple
A couple without children usually spends PKR 90,000–120,000 per month. Households with two incomes may have extra money for dining out, travel, or savings.
Family of Four
A family typically spends PKR 120,000–180,000, covering rent, groceries, education, healthcare, transport, and communication. Lifestyle choices, private schools, and car ownership can increase costs significantly.
Salary vs Cost of Living in Pakistan
Whether a salary is enough depends on family size, city, and lifestyle.
| Household Type | Comfortable Salary (PKR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Single |
80,000+ |
Covers rent, food, utilities, and basic transport comfortably |
|
Married couple |
120,000+ |
Stable lifestyle, allows small discretionary spending |
|
Family of four |
150,000+ |
Covers rent, groceries, education, healthcare; emergencies may need extra savings |
A salary of PKR 100,000 is enough for a single person but tight for a family, especially in big cities like Karachi or Islamabad.
Inflation Outlook: 2024–2026
Inflation continues to affect living costs in Pakistan. Food prices have risen by 25–30%, electricity bills have gone up multiple times, and fuel prices remain unstable. Real purchasing power has decreased, especially for households with fixed incomes. Careful planning, tracking expenses, and saving are essential for financial stability.
Cost of Living Comparison: Pakistan vs Other Countries
Pakistan is cheaper than countries like the USA, UK, UAE, or Saudi Arabia, but local salaries are lower, so purchasing power matters.
| Expense | Pakistan | USA | UK | UAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rent (2-bedroom) |
PKR 35,000–60,000 |
$1,200–2,500 |
£1,000–2,000 |
AED 4,000–7,000 |
|
Groceries (family of 4) |
PKR 30,000–45,000 |
$600–900 |
£500–800 |
AED 1,500–2,500 |
|
Utilities |
PKR 6,000–12,000 |
$150–300 |
£120–250 |
AED 400–800 |
In absolute terms, Pakistan is cheaper, but budgeting carefully is important given local salaries.
FAQs
Yes, but it depends on income, city, and family size.
Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, and Gujranwala.
Possible in smaller cities with compromises, difficult in major cities.
Yes, rent and service costs are lower, but salaries must support a comfortable lifestyle.
Single: PKR 12,000–20,000; Family of 4: PKR 30,000–45,000. Costs vary based on diet.
About PKR 150,000+ per month for a family of four.
Typical households spend PKR 6,000–12,000 per month; larger families may spend PKR 15,000+.
Final Thoughts
Inflation, housing, utilities, food, healthcare, education, and transportation shape the cost of living in Pakistan for 2025–2026. While Pakistan is more affordable than many developed countries, rising costs and limited purchasing power make careful financial planning crucial.
This guide is a complete resource for anyone planning to live, work, or study in Pakistan. Knowing real costs, choosing the right city, budgeting wisely, and planning for inflation are key to maintaining financial stability in 2025–2026 and beyond.