From ancient heritage sites to snow-capped mountains, Pakistan really is a country like no other. A beautiful country known for having cities with their unique personalities. However, if you live there, or have family there, you might be wondering what the cost of living is in Pakistan, as well as how it compares with other countries around the world.
In 2020, the inflation rate in Pakistan hit just over 10%. While it looks to be dropping again now [Statista], an inflation rate this high means a steady rise in how much it costs to buy basic goods and services for people living in Pakistan.
So, we’ve summarised everything you need to know about the cost of living in Pakistan and compared it to a few other countries. Here, we are going to cover:
- What is the average cost of living in Pakistan?
- The cost of living in Pakistan compared to other countries
- How to send money to Pakistan
What is the average cost of living in Pakistan?
According to Salary Explorer, the average salaries in Pakistan range from around 20,700 PKR per month (minimum salary) to 365,000 PKR per month, with the mean average salary working out at about 81,800 PKR per month.
About a quarter of the population are thought to earn less than 43,900 and around a quarter are thought to earn more than 208,000 PKR.
Sadly, salaries don’t often change at the same speed as the rises in the cost of living that come about due to inflation. So, what is the cost of living in Pakistan?
Generally, the cost of living is roughly the same across Pakistan, except for the capital, Islamabad, which is slightly more expensive [Cost of Living Reports]. As a percentage of their monthly income, the average Pakistani household spends around:
- 36.6% on food and groceries
- 16.8% on rent
- 13.4% transportation
- 12.6 % eating out at restaurants
- 8.3% bills and utilities
- 8.3% sports and leisure activities
- 4% clothes and shoes
Expatistan estimates that the cost of living in Pakistan is approximately ₨230,901 for a family of four and ₨97,190 for a single person.
The cost of living in Pakistan compared to other countries
Here are some examples of prices in Pakistan compared with other countries:
|
|
Pakistan |
India |
USA |
UK |
|
Average monthly salary |
₨81,800 ($518.56) |
₨31,900 ($430.62) |
$3,664 |
£1,950 (42721.04) |
|
Estimated monthly costs for a family of four |
₨230,901 ($1,453) |
₨111,739 ($1,545) |
$4,611 |
£3,632 ($5,132) |
|
Estimated monthly costs for a single person |
₨97,190 ($612)
|
₨47,501 ($657) |
$2,602 |
£2,034 ($2,875) |
|
A litre of milk |
₨111 ($0.70) |
₨52 ($0.73) |
$0.88 |
£0.82 ($1.16) |
|
12 eggs |
₨146 ($0.92) |
₨73 ($1.01) |
$2.94 |
£2.48 ($3.50) |
|
A beer at a bar |
₨189 ($2.74) |
₨435 ($2.62) |
$5.81 |
£4.60 ($7) |
|
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) in furnished accommodation in a normal area |
₨40,675 ($256) |
₨19,892 ($275) |
$1,545 |
£1,101 ($1,556) |
|
Utilities 1 month for 2 people in an 85m2 flat |
₨11,662 ($73) |
₨4,541 ($63) |
$111 |
£145 ($204) |
If we directly compare Pakistan with the UK, the cost of living in Pakistan is 69.62% lower than in United Kingdom (without rent) and rent in Pakistan is, on average, 86.19% lower than in United Kingdom [Numbeo].
In general, as you can see, the cost of living in Pakistan and India is fairly similar, but in both countries the estimated living costs are far higher than the average salary.
If inflation continues to happen, it will become more and more unmanageable for the average family to afford the basic goods and services that their lives depend upon.
By sending money to friends and loved ones in Pakistan, you are offering them much needed financial support and when they buy goods they are putting additional money into the country’s economy. Or, you may be looking to make an investment in a property or a business, if so, here’s why now could be the best time to send money to Pakistan for a homebuilding investment.
How to send money to Pakistan
Small World offers you four ways to send money to Pakistan:
- Cash pick-up
- Bank deposit
- Airtime top-up
- Mobile wallet
No matter the needs of your family, there is bound to be an option that suits you all. Plus, your first transaction with Small World is fee-free.
