Cost of Living: Pakistan vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Pakistan and United States.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Pakistan is 92.9% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 95.2% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $7 in Pakistan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 95.2%

Pakistan is 95.2% cheaper

Childcare 95.0%

Pakistan is 95.0% cheaper

Rent Per Month 92.7%

Pakistan is 92.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 92.9%

Pakistan is 92.9% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

Is Pakistan cheaper than United States?

Yes, Pakistan is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Pakistan are 92.9% lower than in United States.

Where Pakistan is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 95.2% cheaper
  • Childcare 95.0% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 92.7% cheaper

Where Pakistan is more expensive:

No significant cost disadvantages found.

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Pakistan: 1.86 $ United States: 20.00 $
90.7% cheaper in Pakistan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Pakistan: 112.12 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
93.6% cheaper in Pakistan

Monthly public transport pass

Pakistan: 7.09 $ United States: 65.00 $
89.1% cheaper in Pakistan

1 liter of milk

Pakistan: 0.79 $ United States: 1.06 $
25.5% cheaper in Pakistan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Pakistan is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 92.9% on living expenses by choosing Pakistan over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

92.9%

Pakistan is 92.9% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

80.3%

Pakistan is 80.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

69.1%

Pakistan is 69.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

80.5%

Pakistan is 80.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

26.3%

Pakistan is 26.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Household Utilities

47.8%

Pakistan is 47.8% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

84.7%

Pakistan is 84.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

68.3%

Pakistan is 68.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

95.0%

Pakistan is 95.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

51.9%

Pakistan is 51.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

92.7%

Pakistan is 92.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

82.2%

Pakistan is 82.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

95.2%

Pakistan is 95.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Pakistan United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 1.86 $ 20.00 $ 90.7%
Pakistan is 90.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 12.41 $ 75.00 $ 83.5%
Pakistan is 83.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 4.25 $ 11.50 $ 63.0%
Pakistan is 63.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.78 $ 5.24 $ 66.0%
Pakistan is 66.0% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.35 $ 2.56 $ 86.3%
Pakistan is 86.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.22 $ 2.09 $ 89.5%
Pakistan is 89.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.37 $ 2.23 $ 83.4%
Pakistan is 83.4% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.96 $ 4.38 $ 32.4%
Pakistan is 32.4% cheaper
Milk (1L) 0.79 $ 1.06 $ 25.5%
Pakistan is 25.5% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.57 $ 3.63 $ 84.3%
Pakistan is 84.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.19 $ 4.61 $ 74.2%
Pakistan is 74.2% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.18 $ 4.29 $ 72.5%
Pakistan is 72.5% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 5.80 $ 12.93 $ 55.1%
Pakistan is 55.1% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 2.91 $ 12.20 $ 76.1%
Pakistan is 76.1% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 19.24 $ 10.78 $ 78.5%
Pakistan is 78.5% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 1.02 $ 5.28 $ 80.7%
Pakistan is 80.7% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 0.63 $ 1.68 $ 62.5%
Pakistan is 62.5% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 0.78 $ 4.50 $ 82.7%
Pakistan is 82.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 0.52 $ 4.91 $ 89.4%
Pakistan is 89.4% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.37 $ 2.94 $ 87.4%
Pakistan is 87.4% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.51 $ 3.08 $ 83.4%
Pakistan is 83.4% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.37 $ 2.20 $ 83.2%
Pakistan is 83.2% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 7.09 $ 65.00 $ 89.1%
Pakistan is 89.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.95 $ 10.00 $ 80.5%
Pakistan is 80.5% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.18 $ 2.50 $ 92.8%
Pakistan is 92.8% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.89 $ 3.75 $ 76.3%
Pakistan is 76.3% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.53 $ 1.74 $ 69.5%
Pakistan is 69.5% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 1.77 $ 30.00 $ 94.1%
Pakistan is 94.1% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.94 $ 0.93 $ 1.1%
Pakistan is 1.1% more expensive
New Economy Car 17,729.01 $ 30,000.00 $ 40.9%
Pakistan is 40.9% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 23,562.30 $ 25,982.09 $ 9.3%
Pakistan is 9.3% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 108.80 $ 208.61 $ 47.8%
Pakistan is 47.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 4.62 $ 57.38 $ 91.9%
Pakistan is 91.9% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 15.16 $ 71.66 $ 78.8%
Pakistan is 78.8% cheaper
Gym Membership 13.14 $ 46.22 $ 71.6%
Pakistan is 71.6% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.80 $ 21.94 $ 59.9%
Pakistan is 59.9% cheaper
Movie Ticket 4.25 $ 14.44 $ 70.6%
Pakistan is 70.6% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 38.56 $ 1,372.78 $ 97.2%
Pakistan is 97.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 1,163.63 $ 22,512.19 $ 94.8%
Pakistan is 94.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 15.30 $ 52.18 $ 70.7%
Pakistan is 70.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 23.29 $ 42.56 $ 45.3%
Pakistan is 45.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 72.10 $ 89.93 $ 19.8%
Pakistan is 19.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 32.88 $ 113.60 $ 71.1%
Pakistan is 71.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 112.12 $ 1,746.65 $ 93.6%
Pakistan is 93.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 66.89 $ 1,440.62 $ 95.4%
Pakistan is 95.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 274.79 $ 2,896.11 $ 90.5%
Pakistan is 90.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 165.19 $ 2,403.74 $ 93.1%
Pakistan is 93.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 642.32 $ 3,233.83 $ 80.1%
Pakistan is 80.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 415.87 $ 2,715.21 $ 84.7%
Pakistan is 84.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 187.38 $ 4,329.01 $ 95.7%
Pakistan is 95.7% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 19.03 6.51 192.3%
Pakistan is 192.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United States. Enter your monthly expenses in Pakistan to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Pakistan and United States goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Pakistan vs United States

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Pakistan

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

United States

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.