Pakistan became an independent country in 1947 when India gained independence from Britain. Unlike India, which is predominantly Hindu, Pakistan’s population is mainly Muslim and has the world’s second largest Muslim population. The country has stunning scenery and is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including K2.

If you are considering moving to Pakistan, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of South Asia.

Quick Pakistan Facts:

Population: 243,498,675 (2023 estimate)
Official Language:Urdu and English are the official languages of Pakistan. Other languages spoken in Pakistan include Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi and Balochi.
GDP Per Capita:$1,658.36 USD (2022)
Himalayan Salt: Most of the pink Himalayan salt which is found in shops and restaurants worldwide is from Pakistan. The salt is mined from red brick hills in Khewra, approximately two hours’ drive from Islamabad. The mine was discovered C.320 BC by Alexander the Great’s troops.
Currency: Pakistani rupee (₨). As of 2022, Rs100 = USD$0.36, Rs100 = CAD$0.49, Rs100 = £0.27, Rs100 = AUD$0.052, Rs100 = €0.33

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Pakistan

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from a selection of global cities, and shipping it to the five largest Pakistani cities:

Origin City	Destination City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	Karachi	$5,050 - $5,150	$8,750 - $8,950
	Lahore	$5,080 - $5,180	$8,800 - $9,000
	Faisalabad	$5,110 - $5,210	$8,850 - $9,050
	Rawalpindi	$5,140 - $5,240	$8,900 - $9,100
	Multan	$5,170 - $5,270	$8,950 - $9,150
Berlin	Karachi	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,750 - $7,950
	Lahore	$4,080 - $4,180	$7,800 - $8,000
	Faisalabad	$4,110 - $4,210	$7,850 - $8,050
	Rawalpindi	$4,140 - $4,240	$7,900 - $8,100
	Multan	$4,170 - $4,270	$7,950 - $8,150
Chicago	Karachi	$4,550 - $4,650	$8,250 - $8,450
	Lahore	$4,580 - $4,680	$8,300 - $8,500
	Faisalabad	$4,610 - $4,710	$8,350 - $8,550
	Rawalpindi	$4,640 - $4,740	$8,400 - $8,600
	Multan	$4,670 - $4,770	$8,450 - $8,650
Chongqing	Karachi	$5,100 - $5,200	$8,800 - $9,000
	Lahore	$5,130 - $5,230	$8,850 - $9,050
	Faisalabad	$5,160 - $5,260	$8,900 - $9,100
	Rawalpindi	$5,190 - $5,290	$8,950 - $9,150
	Multan	$5,220 - $5,320	$9,000 - $9,200
Delhi	Karachi	$4,950 - $5,050	$8,650 - $8,850
	Lahore	$4,980 - $5,080	$8,700 - $8,900
	Faisalabad	$5,010 - $5,110	$8,750 - $8,950
	Rawalpindi	$5,040 - $5,140	$8,800 - $9,000
	Multan	$5,070 - $5,170	$8,850 - $9,050
Dubai	Karachi	$5,200 - $5,300	$9,000 - $9,200
	Lahore	$5,230 - $5,330	$9,050 - $9,250
	Faisalabad	$5,260 - $5,360	$9,100 - $9,300
	Rawalpindi	$5,290 - $5,390	$9,150 - $9,350
	Multan	$5,320 - $5,420	$9,200 - $9,400
Houston	Karachi	$4,600 - $4,700	$8,350 - $8,550
	Lahore	$4,630 - $4,730	$8,400 - $8,600
	Faisalabad	$4,660 - $4,760	$8,450 - $8,650
	Rawalpindi	$4,690 - $4,790	$8,500 - $8,700
	Multan	$4,720 - $4,820	$8,550 - $8,750
Los Angeles	Karachi	$4,550 - $4,650	$8,250 - $8,450
	Lahore	$4,580 - $4,680	$8,300 - $8,500
	Faisalabad	$4,610 - $4,710	$8,350 - $8,550
	Rawalpindi	$4,640 - $4,740	$8,400 - $8,600
	Multan	$4,670 - $4,770	$8,450 - $8,650
Madrid	Karachi	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,750 - $7,950
	Lahore	$4,080 - $4,180	$7,800 - $8,000
	Faisalabad	$4,110 - $4,210	$7,850 - $8,050
	Rawalpindi	$4,140 - $4,240	$7,900 - $8,100
	Multan	$4,170 - $4,270	$7,950 - $8,150
New York City	Karachi	$4,500 - $4,600	$8,200 - $8,400
	Lahore	$4,530 - $4,630	$8,250 - $8,450
	Faisalabad	$4,560 - $4,660	$8,300 - $8,500
	Rawalpindi	$4,590 - $4,690	$8,350 - $8,550
	Multan	$4,620 - $4,720	$8,400 - $8,600
Paris	Karachi	$4,100 - $4,200	$7,800 - $8,000
	Lahore	$4,130 - $4,230	$7,850 - $8,050
	Faisalabad	$4,160 - $4,260	$7,900 - $8,100
	Rawalpindi	$4,190 - $4,290	$7,950 - $8,150
	Multan	$4,220 - $4,320	$8,000 - $8,200
Phoenix	Karachi	$4,600 - $4,700	$8,350 - $8,550
	Lahore	$4,630 - $4,730	$8,400 - $8,600
	Faisalabad	$4,660 - $4,760	$8,450 - $8,650
	Rawalpindi	$4,690 - $4,790	$8,500 - $8,700
	Multan	$4,720 - $4,820	$8,550 - $8,750
Rome	Karachi	$4,100 - $4,200	$7,800 - $8,000
	Lahore	$4,130 - $4,230	$7,850 - $8,050
	Faisalabad	$4,160 - $4,260	$7,900 - $8,100
	Rawalpindi	$4,190 - $4,290	$7,950 - $8,150
	Multan	$4,220 - $4,320	$8,000 - $8,200
Shanghai	Karachi	$5,150 - $5,250	$8,900 - $9,100
	Lahore	$5,180 - $5,280	$8,950 - $9,150
	Faisalabad	$5,210 - $5,310	$9,000 - $9,200
	Rawalpindi	$5,240 - $5,340	$9,050 - $9,250
	Multan	$5,270 - $5,370	$9,100 - $9,300
Sydney	Karachi	$5,300 - $5,400	$9,100 - $9,300
	Lahore	$5,330 - $5,430	$9,150 - $9,350
	Faisalabad	$5,360 - $5,460	$9,200 - $9,400
	Rawalpindi	$5,390 - $5,490	$9,250 - $9,450
	Multan	$5,420 - $5,520	$9,300 - $9,500
Vienna	Karachi	$4,150 - $4,250	$7,850 - $8,050
	Lahore	$4,180 - $4,280	$7,900 - $8,100
	Faisalabad	$4,210 - $4,310	$7,950 - $8,150
	Rawalpindi	$4,240 - $4,340	$8,000 - $8,200
	Multan	$4,270 - $4,370	$8,050 - $8,250

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (October 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from sites such as Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Pakistan Housing Costs

There are many housing options available in Pakistan, ranging from low-cost apartments to high-end villas. The cost of living and accommodation in Pakistan is low compared to many other countries in the world.

Monthly Rental Prices in Pakistan

1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: Rs.15,000 – Rs.50,000
1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: Rs.10,000 – Rs.30,000
3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: Rs.30,000 – Rs.100,000
3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: Rs.20,000 – Rs.70,000
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: Rs.53,819 – Rs.271,712
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: Rs.32,291 – Rs.215,278

Pakistan Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Pakistan compare with other countries around the globe.

United Kingdom is 962.1% more expensive
United States is 1,535.8% more expensive
Canada is 1,075.9% more expensive
Australia is 1,298.7% more expensive
France is 743.2% more expensive
Germany is 799.8% more expensive
Spain is 653.4% more expensive
Italy is 607% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share an apartment or house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate: Eramusu, Jagahonile, and iRoommates.
Different areas – different prices. Karachi is the most expensive city in Pakistan but it’s still cheaper than most cities around the world. As soon as you move away from Karachi, accommodation almost halves in cost.

3. Pakistan Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Pakistan has a wide selection of international restaurants, both fast food and fine dining, as well as Pakistani restaurants. Pakistani food is spicier than Indian food and tends to be meat based rather than vegetable based.

Inexpensive Restaurant: Rs.150 – Rs.800
Takeout Coffee: Rs.100 – Rs.600
Bottle of Coke: Rs.40 – Rs.80
1L of milk: Rs.100 – Rs.200
Loaf of Bread: Rs.60 – Rs.200
12 Eggs: Rs.140 – Rs.336
1kg Chicken: Rs.300 – Rs.832
1kg Beef: Rs.600 – Rs.1,200
1kg Apples: Rs.100 – Rs.350
1kg White Rice: Rs.130 – Rs.215

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other countries around the world.

UK restaurants are 464% more expensive and groceries are
2% more expensive than Pakistan.
US restaurants are 506.3% more expensive and groceries are 427.3% more expensive than Pakistan.
Canadian restaurants are 429.2% more expensive and groceries are 373.1% than Pakistan.
Australian restaurants are 498.2% more expensive and groceries are 373.1% more expensive than Pakistan.
French restaurants are 4.56.1% more expensive and groceries are 370.9% more expensive than Pakistan.
German restaurants are 366.5% more expensive and groceries are 274.7% more expensive than Pakistan.
Spanish restaurants are 326.5% more expensive and groceries are 200/4% more expensive than Pakistan.
Italian restaurants are 412% more expensive and groceries are 278.8% more expensive than Pakistan.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know your supermarkets: Imtiaz considers itself to be the top hypermarket in Pakistan with 25 stores, Metro Cash & Carry comes a close second. All of the large supermarkets stock food from most major international countries. Have a look at the following sites to see what these supermarkets and hypermarkets have on offer – Spar, Metro Cash & Carry, Imtiaz, and CSD Pakistan. You can also spend hours wandering round Pakistan’s many markets and immersing yourself in the array of spices, breads and everything else that’s on offer.
Find Cheap Eats: Eating out in Pakistan is not at all expensive but you can have a look at the following sites for special deals – Trip Advisor, Wanderlog, Food Nerd and Karl Rock.

4. Pakistan Alcohol Costs

As a Muslim country, there’s strict legislation on alcohol sales. Restaurants in the country’s 5* hotels can serve alcohol to non-Muslims. These hotels usually have a small bottle store attached where you can buy alcohol, but you need a permit to legally buy it.

Pint (0.5L) domestic beer (non-alcoholic) at a restaurant/pub: Rs.300 – Rs.1,000
Bottle of imported beer (non-alcoholic) at a restaurant/pub: Rs.480 – Rs.1,500
Pint (0.5L) domestic beer (non-alcoholic) at a supermarket: Rs.100 – Rs.500
Bottle of imported beer (non-alcoholic) at a supermarket: Rs.150 – Rs.800
Mid-range bottle of wine (non-alcoholic) at a supermarket: Rs.100 – Rs.800

5. Pakistan Transportation Fares

Most expats in Pakistan avoid public transport for safety reasons. The majority of companies supply expats with a car and a driver.

There is both a bus and train network which link the various cities in the country. The train network functions more efficiently than the bus network but it’s still subject to delays and the rolling stock is in need of replacement.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult Single – Rs.30 – Rs.60
One day ticket – Rs.150
Monthly season ticket, unlimited travel – Rs.500 – Rs.3,500

6. Cost of Internet in Pakistan

Internet prices in Pakistan are very reasonable but there are not reliable. Below are current internet prices from PTCL, the most used Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Pakistan:

6 Mbps – Rs 1,829 per month
8 Mbps – Rs 2,319 per month
15 Mbps – Rs 2,829 per month
25 Mbps – Rs 3,339 per month
50 Mbps – Rs 5,249 per month
100 Mbps – Rs 7,849 per month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Pakistan’s climate varies considerably depending on the area. It’s hot and dry at the coast and along the plains of the Indus river. The temperature cools down the closer you get to the Himalaya. Rainfall is low in most areas but northern areas experience monsoons from July to September with rainfall of around 200mm per month. The hottest temperature recorded in Pakistan was on 28^th May 2017 – 53.7C – in Turbat. The lowest recorded temperature was -65C on the peak of K2. Heavy snow falls occur in the Himalayan foothills and around Pakistan’s western border.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: Rs.1,200 – Rs.6,000
Summer Dress: Rs.2,000 – Rs.10,000
Running Shoes (Trainers): Rs.4,000 – Rs.20,000
Business Shoes: Rs.3,000– Rs.15,000
Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): ₨.2,343
Deodorant: Rs.175 – Rs.1,152
Shampoo: Rs.685 – Rs.2,152
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): Rs.60 – Rs.712
Gym membership: Rs.1,000 – Rs.8,000 per month
Movie (cinema) ticket: Rs.500 – Rs.1,500

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Pakistan

Expats who live in the cities usually have a car and a driver so they can work while sitting in the traffic jams! It’s common for companies and embassies to insist that their staff and executives only travel in chauffeur driven vehicles. Carjacking are common.

Imran Khan is trying to encourage more expats into the country and is in the process of changing many laws which will make life easier for expats. For example, should you choose to drive yourself, you can now drive on your own country’s licence. In the coming months, you’ll be able to import a car in Pakistan duty free which cuts out the 200% import duty. The process of buying a car is also being simplified over the next few months.

Sadly, the roads in Pakistan are badly maintained as are the majority of vehicles on the road. Many people who drive have never passed a driving test. You’ll also find donkeys, cattle, goats, horse and cats and even the occasional camel on the roads. Driving a night is extremely dangerous as many vehicles have no lights.

Volkswagen Golf:Rs.2,200,000 – Rs.3,500,000
1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):Rs.144.82 – Rs.249.33
Other fees (if any):The average monthly cost of owning and driving a four seater car in Pakistan is Rs.64,000.

Source: Numbeo

Ways to save money driving in Pakistan

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpool PK, Carpoolyn and Carpoolworld.
Taxis are an option. Try Uberand Rehbur.

Need your car/vehicle moved to Pakistan? Then read our guide to: Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping

9. Taxes in Pakistan

Income tax of between 2.5% and 35% is levied on both residents and non-residents based on their income. Residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed on income earned in Pakistan.

VAT is 17% on most goods and services although, like most countries, essential goods attract a lower rate. Property tax is levied at between 0.5% and 2%. There are a number of different taxes related to buying and selling property.

10. Flight Costs from Pakistan

If you do make the move to Pakistan, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

London: Rs.51,882
New York: Rs.124,871
Toronto: Rs.162, 772
Sydney Rs.133,624
Paris: Rs.51,541
Berlin: Rs.50, 988
Rome: Rs.49,354
Madrid: Rs.49,332

Other Pakistan Relocation Tips

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Pakistan but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Relocating to Pakistan Alone

Moving is always a stressful time but moving on your own can be exceptionally difficult. Moving to Pakistan can be a culture shock but there’s a large expat contingent who will no doubt help you learn the ropes. Here are a few tips about settling in Pakistan.

Meetups:Pakistan has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from history and architecture to mountaineering and skiing.
Attend local events: There is always something going on in Pakistan and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration: Eventbrite, Trip Advisor, Active Tours Pakistan, and Event Always.

12. Moving to Pakistan with a Family

Moving anywhere with a family is challenging and moving to Pakistan is no different but there are many family-oriented groups out there that will make your move easier. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

New parents (or parents to be):Check out House of Pakistan and Good Times for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
Live in a family friendly area:Most expats live and work in either Karachi or Islamabad, both of which have family friendly areas to settle down in. Islamabad is a quieter, greener city than Karachi and, due to its proximity to the mountains, has a much milder climate.
Find things to do with the kids:Pakistan has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Inspirock, Trip Advisor, Trips Klarna, Little Passports and Away With The Steiners.

13. Moving to Pakistan for Work

Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people opt to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

Pakistan is encouraging expats in all fields to move to the country. Engineers, teachers and lecturers, IT specialists, accountants, lawyers, bankers, healthcare professionals and people working in hospitality are always in demand.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary:The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Pakistan, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start – Indeed, Pakistan Jobs Bank, pk and Splash Find. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Pakistan from Australia

There’s relatively large number of Aussie expats living and working in Pakistan. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Pakistan, here are a few things to consider.

Size comparison:Pakistan is a tenth of the size of Australia, but its population is ten times larger.
Join expat groups:Meetup and InterNations offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Pakistan.

15. Moving to Pakistan from Canada

There are a comparatively large number of Canadians living in Pakistan, many of whom are of Pakistani original but were born in Canada. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size:Canada is around 13 times the size of Pakistan but has 204.7 million less people living in the country.
Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as Meetup and InterNations.

16. Moving to Pakistan from the United Kingdom

There’s a sizeable British contingent living in Pakistan, many of whom are descendants of Pakistani immigrants to the UK. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you are making the decision to move to Pakistan.

Size: Pakistan’s population is just under four times larger than that of the UK and is 3.3 times the size of the UK.
Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the United Kingdom, then go to InterNations and Meetup.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Pakistan you can start by comparing moving quotes here.

Moving to Pakistan? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips