Is Islamabad more expensive than Rawalpindi?

Islamabad is 16.4% more expensive than Rawalpindi overall. Rent is 36.4% higher, groceries 12.0% cheaper, and restaurants 31.7% more expensive.

Which city has better purchasing power, Rawalpindi or Islamabad?

Rawalpindi has a purchasing power index of 23.4 while Islamabad has 43.1 (NYC = 100). Islamabad offers better purchasing power.

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

🇵🇰 Rawalpindi vs 🇵🇰 Islamabad

2026

Islamabad is 16.4% more expensive

Category	🇵🇰 Rawalpindi	🇵🇰 Islamabad	Difference
Cost of Living	21.9	25.5	+16.4%
Rent	4.4	6.0	+36.4%
Groceries	23.3	20.5	-12.0%
Restaurants	18.0	23.7	+31.7%
Purchasing Power	23.4	43.1	+84.2%

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 Rawalpindi

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🇵🇰 Cost of Living in Islamabad

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🇵🇰 Should I Move to Rawalpindi?

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