Is Islamabad more expensive than Lahore?

Islamabad is 19.0% more expensive than Lahore overall. Rent is 73.5% higher, groceries 8.9% more expensive, and restaurants 11.7% more expensive.

Which city has better purchasing power, Lahore or Islamabad?

Lahore has a purchasing power index of 27.5 while Islamabad has 44.6 (NYC = 100). Islamabad offers better purchasing power.

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

🇵🇰 Lahore vs 🇵🇰 Islamabad

2026

Islamabad is 19.0% more expensive

Category	🇵🇰 Lahore	🇵🇰 Islamabad	Difference
Cost of Living	21.6	25.7	+19.0%
Rent	3.4	5.9	+73.5%
Groceries	19.2	20.9	+8.9%
Restaurants	21.3	23.8	+11.7%
Purchasing Power	27.5	44.6	+62.2%

Data verified Q1 2026 · Source: Numbeo cost-of-living indices (NYC = 100 baseline) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.

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🇵🇰 Cost of Living in Lahore

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🇵🇰 Cost of Living in Islamabad

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🇵🇰 Should I Move to Lahore?

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