South Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Karachi
The average cost of living in Karachi, Pakistan is $262 per month for a single person, and $653 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $126 per month. The local average net salary is $179 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 5.9 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $262 / month
- Family of 4
- $653 / mo
- Student
- $156 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Karachi
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
$178.97 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Karachi | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Karachi | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Karachi | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Karachi | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Karachi | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Karachi | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Karachi | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Karachi | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Karachi | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Karachi | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Karachi FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Karachi. |
Rent & Property Prices in Karachi
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $126 | $72 – $215 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $75 | $54 – $115 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $301 | $179 – $538 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $193 | $126 – $359 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $777 | $354 – $1,418 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $468 | $258 – $592 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $126$72 – $215
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $75$54 – $115
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $301$179 – $538
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $193$126 – $359
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $777$354 – $1,418
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $468$258 – $592
Grocery Prices in Karachi
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.79 – $1.18 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.57 | $0.39 – $1.00 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.22 | $0.75 – $1.61 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.22 | $0.86 – $1.61 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $6.45 | $3.23 – $11 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $3.28 | $2.15 – $4.31 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $5.86 | $3.59 – $6.46 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $1.17 | $0.72 – $1.61 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $0.63 | $0.36 – $1.19 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.02 | $0.36 – $1.79 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $0.48 | $0.18 – $0.72 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.34 | $0.18 – $0.54 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $0.31 | $0.18 – $0.54 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.40 | $0.18 – $0.72 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.42 | $0.25 – $0.54 |
| Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range) | $1.26 | $0.68 – $2.87 |
| Domestic Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.52 | $0.54 – $2.15 |
| Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.23 | $1.26 – $3.59 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $2.15 | $1.26 – $3.59 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.85$0.79 – $1.18
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.57$0.39 – $1.00
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.22$0.75 – $1.61
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.22$0.86 – $1.61
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $6.45$3.23 – $11
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $3.28$2.15 – $4.31
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $5.86$3.59 – $6.46
- Apples (1 kg) $1.17$0.72 – $1.61
- Bananas (1 kg) $0.63$0.36 – $1.19
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.02$0.36 – $1.79
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $0.48$0.18 – $0.72
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.34$0.18 – $0.54
- Onions (1 kg) $0.31$0.18 – $0.54
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.40$0.18 – $0.72
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.42$0.25 – $0.54
- Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range) $1.26$0.68 – $2.87
- Domestic Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.52$0.54 – $2.15
- Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.23$1.26 – $3.59
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $2.15$1.26 – $3.59
Public Transport & Car Costs in Karachi
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.29 | $0.18 – $0.36 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $8.97 | $3.59 – $20 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.81 | $0.36 – $1.61 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.72 | $0.36 – $1.26 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $1.79 | $1.08 – $3.59 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.03 | $0.95 – $1.41 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $17,944 | $16,149 – $19,738 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $27,319 | $25,121 – $28,710 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.29$0.18 – $0.36
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $8.97$3.59 – $20
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.81$0.36 – $1.61
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.72$0.36 – $1.26
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $1.79$1.08 – $3.59
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.03$0.95 – $1.41
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $17,944$16,149 – $19,738
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $27,319$25,121 – $28,710
Utility & Internet Costs in Karachi
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $107 | $54 – $215 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $5.71 | $3.59 – $8.97 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $13 | $5.74 – $22 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $107$54 – $215
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $5.71$3.59 – $8.97
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $13$5.74 – $22
Childcare & Preschool in Karachi
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $63 | $29 – $126 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $1,793 | $718 – $8,613 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $63$29 – $126
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $1,793$718 – $8,613
Clothing Prices in Karachi
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $17 | $5.38 – $36 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $25 | $6.46 – $54 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $58 | $18 – $108 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $33 | $18 – $54 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $17$5.38 – $36
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $25$6.46 – $54
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $58$18 – $108
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $33$18 – $54
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Karachi
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $19 | $7.18 – $36 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $19 | $13 – $29 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $4.31 | $3.59 – $8.97 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $19$7.18 – $36
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $19$13 – $29
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $4.31$3.59 – $8.97
Restaurant Prices in Karachi
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $1.79 | $0.90 – $5.38 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $14 | $11 – $29 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.38 | $4.67 – $6.46 |
| Domestic Draft Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.08 | $1.08 – $3.59 |
| Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $6.99 | $3.45 – $8.97 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.44 | $1.44 – $3.59 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.35 | $0.25 – $0.54 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.23 | $0.18 – $0.36 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $1.79$0.90 – $5.38
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $14$11 – $29
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.38$4.67 – $6.46
- Domestic Draft Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.08$1.08 – $3.59
- Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $6.99$3.45 – $8.97
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.44$1.44 – $3.59
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.35$0.25 – $0.54
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.23$0.18 – $0.36
Salaries & Mortgages in Karachi
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $179 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 13.84% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $179
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 13.84%
Compare Karachi with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Pakistan
Rawalpindi
Monthly / 1 person
$276
vs NYC
6.3/100
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Pakistan
Peshawar
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Pakistan
Faisalabad
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$213
vs NYC
4.8/100
Pakistan
Islamabad
Monthly / 1 person
$342
vs NYC
7.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Karachi?
- An estimated $262 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Karachi. A family of four needs around $653 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $156.
- How much money do I need to live in Karachi?
- Plan for at least $262 per month as a single person, $653 per month for a family of four, or $156 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 Karachi.
- What is the average rent in Karachi?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Karachi rents for around $126 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $301 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Karachi?
- The average monthly net salary in Karachi is around $179. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 70% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Karachi?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Karachi costs around $1.79. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $22 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.85/L) and bread ($0.57/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Karachi?
- A monthly public transport pass in Karachi costs around $8.97. 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 Karachi?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Karachi costs around $13 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.