Key Cost of Living Data
Islamabad 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | N/A | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | N/A | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $124 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $81 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $2 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $85 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $22 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
24%
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Pakistan
Avg net salary
$508
Food basket /mo
$130
Avg rent /mo
$124
Internet speed
4 Mbps
Safety index
4.1
HDI
0.540
Life expectancy
64.8 yrs
Purchasing power
12.4
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $124 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $81 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $124 | Pakistan (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $2 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $7 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $85 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | $130 | Pakistan (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $22 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
In Islamabad, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment ($124/mo) absorbs approximately 24% of the average net salary ($508/mo). This leaves solid disposable income.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Pakistan
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Pakistan for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
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Monthly Budget Estimates
Islamabad · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $500 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $800 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,300 | Private apt, regular travel |
Monthly Budget Calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Islamabad cost of living
Is Islamabad good for digital nomads on a budget?
Islamabad is one of the more affordable cities for digital nomads, with a CoL Index of 18.6 (roughly 81% below New York City). A comfortable remote-work lifestyle — including a private apartment, fast internet, and regular dining out — typically costs $186–$260/month, making it highly competitive on a USD or EUR income.
What is the cheapest area to live in Islamabad?
Outside the city centre, a 1-bedroom apartment in Islamabad averages $81/month, compared to $124/month in central areas. Outer districts and emerging neighbourhoods can be even cheaper — local expat forums are the best source for current listings.
How does Islamabad compare to other affordable cities?
With a CoL Index of 18.6, Islamabad sits comfortably in the affordable tier (below 60 on the NYC=100 scale). It compares favourably with similar budget destinations in the region, offering a good balance of infrastructure and low cost that appeals to long-stay travellers and expats alike.
Is Islamabad, the capital, more expensive than other cities in Pakistan?
As the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad tends to command a premium over smaller regional cities. Its CoL Index of 18.6 (NYC=100) reflects the concentration of government, business, and international institutions that typically drive up housing and service costs. Secondary cities in Pakistan are often 20–40% cheaper for rent.
What is the average salary in Islamabad?
The average net monthly salary in Islamabad is approximately $508, equivalent to around $6,096/year after taxes. Technology, finance, and international companies typically pay above average. Expat packages often include housing allowances on top of the base salary.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
Comparable CoL Index (+/- 10 points) to Islamabad
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.