South Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Islamabad
The average cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan is $342 per month for a single person, and $980 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $238 per month. The local average net salary is $312 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 7.8 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $342 / month
- Family of 4
- $980 / mo
- Student
- $207 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Islamabad
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$312.44 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Islamabad | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Islamabad | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Islamabad | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Islamabad | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Islamabad | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Islamabad | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Islamabad | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Islamabad | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Islamabad | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Islamabad | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Islamabad FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Islamabad. |
Rent & Property Prices in Islamabad
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $238 | $144 – $495 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $127 | $90 – $215 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $562 | $359 – $897 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $267 | $179 – $431 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $1,540 | $897 – $1,931 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $744 | $449 – $1,794 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $238$144 – $495
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $127$90 – $215
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $562$359 – $897
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $267$179 – $431
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $1,540$897 – $1,931
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $744$449 – $1,794
Grocery Prices in Islamabad
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.93 | $0.72 – $1.31 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.74 | $0.43 – $1.00 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.20 | $0.79 – $1.44 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.22 | $0.72 – $1.71 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $5.58 | $1.97 – $11 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $2.98 | $1.79 – $4.31 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $4.61 | $3.05 – $5.74 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $1.17 | $0.54 – $1.72 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $0.83 | $0.54 – $1.26 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.02 | $0.36 – $1.44 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $0.53 | $0.22 – $0.90 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.36 | $0.14 – $0.54 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $0.44 | $0.18 – $0.72 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.33 | $0.11 – $0.54 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.39 | $0.29 – $0.54 |
| Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range) | $1.95 | $1.79 – $5.74 |
| Domestic Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.48 | $1.16 – $2.15 |
| Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.35 | $1.79 – $3.59 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $2.24 | $1.79 – $2.87 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.93$0.72 – $1.31
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.74$0.43 – $1.00
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.20$0.79 – $1.44
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.22$0.72 – $1.71
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $5.58$1.97 – $11
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $2.98$1.79 – $4.31
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $4.61$3.05 – $5.74
- Apples (1 kg) $1.17$0.54 – $1.72
- Bananas (1 kg) $0.83$0.54 – $1.26
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.02$0.36 – $1.44
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $0.53$0.22 – $0.90
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.36$0.14 – $0.54
- Onions (1 kg) $0.44$0.18 – $0.72
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.33$0.11 – $0.54
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.39$0.29 – $0.54
- Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range) $1.95$1.79 – $5.74
- Domestic Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.48$1.16 – $2.15
- Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.35$1.79 – $3.59
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $2.24$1.79 – $2.87
Public Transport & Car Costs in Islamabad
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.18 | $0.11 – $0.36 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $22 | $11 – $22 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.90 | $0.72 – $1.79 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.72 | $0.29 – $0.90 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $2.15 | $1.44 – $3.59 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.98 | $0.90 – $1.41 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $53,831 | $34,093 – $53,831 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $24,909 | $23,327 – $28,710 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.18$0.11 – $0.36
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $22$11 – $22
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.90$0.72 – $1.79
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.72$0.29 – $0.90
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $2.15$1.44 – $3.59
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.98$0.90 – $1.41
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $53,831$34,093 – $53,831
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $24,909$23,327 – $28,710
Utility & Internet Costs in Islamabad
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $110 | $72 – $179 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $5.64 | $3.59 – $7.18 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $18 | $11 – $29 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $110$72 – $179
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $5.64$3.59 – $7.18
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $18$11 – $29
Childcare & Preschool in Islamabad
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $74 | $36 – $144 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $3,626 | $1,378 – $12,400 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $74$36 – $144
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $3,626$1,378 – $12,400
Clothing Prices in Islamabad
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $21 | $7.18 – $36 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $27 | $11 – $47 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $90 | $29 – $144 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $40 | $18 – $72 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $21$7.18 – $36
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $27$11 – $47
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $90$29 – $144
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $40$18 – $72
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Islamabad
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $23 | $5.38 – $43 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $9.20 | $3.59 – $14 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $4.31 | $3.59 – $7.18 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $23$5.38 – $43
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $9.20$3.59 – $14
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $4.31$3.59 – $7.18
Restaurant Prices in Islamabad
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $3.05 | $1.26 – $7.18 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $21 | $11 – $38 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.38 | $4.31 – $7.18 |
| Domestic Draft Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $3.23 | $0.90 – $4.67 |
| Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $5.38 | $2.51 – $7.18 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.37 | $0.72 – $4.67 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.39 | $0.29 – $0.72 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.24 | $0.18 – $0.54 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $3.05$1.26 – $7.18
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $21$11 – $38
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.38$4.31 – $7.18
- Domestic Draft Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter) $3.23$0.90 – $4.67
- Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $5.38$2.51 – $7.18
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.37$0.72 – $4.67
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.39$0.29 – $0.72
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.24$0.18 – $0.54
Salaries & Mortgages in Islamabad
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $312 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 14.56% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $312
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 14.56%
Compare Islamabad with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Pakistan
Lahore
Monthly / 1 person
$295
vs NYC
6.7/100
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Multan
Monthly / 1 person
$285
vs NYC
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Pakistan
Rawalpindi
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$276
vs NYC
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Pakistan
Karachi
Monthly / 1 person
$262
vs NYC
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Pakistan
Peshawar
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$225
vs NYC
5.1/100
Pakistan
Faisalabad
Monthly / 1 person
$213
vs NYC
4.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Islamabad?
- An estimated $342 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Islamabad. A family of four needs around $980 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $207.
- How much money do I need to live in Islamabad?
- Plan for at least $342 per month as a single person, $980 per month for a family of four, or $207 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Islamabad.
- What is the average rent in Islamabad?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Islamabad rents for around $238 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $562 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Islamabad?
- The average monthly net salary in Islamabad is around $312. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 76% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Islamabad?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Islamabad costs around $3.05. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $23 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.93/L) and bread ($0.74/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Islamabad?
- A monthly public transport pass in Islamabad costs around $22. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Islamabad?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Islamabad costs around $18 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.