Pakistan🇵🇰
At a Glance
How Pakistan compares across key indices
Cost of Living
20 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
58/100
Healthcare
59/100
Quality of Life
99/200
Climate
67/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Pakistan
Cost of Living
20
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
3
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
18
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
18
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Karachi
Cheapest$517/mo
Lahore
$518/mo
Rawalpindi
$563/mo
Islamabad
$644/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Pakistan — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
58/100
Crime Index
42/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
41/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
21 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 2,553 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Pakistan
Pakistan has 4 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $517 in Karachi to $644 in Islamabad. Islamabad leads on safety, scoring 69/100. Islamabad ranks highest for quality of life at 135/200.
Karachi
$517/mo
Islamabad
69/100
Islamabad
135/200
Islamabad
64/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi | $517 | 43/100 | 79/200 | 58/100 | 90 |
| Lahore | $518 | 64/100 | 101/200 | 64/100 | 79 |
| Rawalpindi | $563 | 48/100 | — | — | — |
| Islamabad | $644 | 69/100 | 135/200 | 64/100 | 42 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Pakistan
Healthcare Index
59/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 383 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Pakistan
Pollution Index
73/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 893 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Pakistan
Average One-Way Commute
38minutes
Average
Traffic Index
164
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
198
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
6.1kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 321 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Pakistan, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Pakistan?
Pakistan has a cost of living index of 20 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $517 in Karachi and reach $644 in Islamabad.
What is the cheapest city in Pakistan for expats?
Karachi is the most affordable city in Pakistan with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $517 for a single person including rent. Lahore is the next most affordable at $518/mo.
Is Pakistan safe for expats?
Pakistan has a safety index of 58/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Islamabad scores highest on safety at 69/100.
What is the best city in Pakistan for expats and digital nomads?
Islamabad ranks highest for quality of life in Pakistan, scoring 135/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $644/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Karachi offers the lowest monthly costs at $517/mo.
How good is healthcare in Pakistan?
Pakistan scores 59/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Pakistan cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Pakistan's cost of living is roughly 80% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 97% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Pakistan?
Pakistan has a pollution index of 73/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Pakistan
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