Is Islamabad more expensive than Rawalpindi?

Islamabad is 17.1% more expensive than Rawalpindi overall. Rent is 38.1% higher, groceries 8.4% cheaper, and restaurants 41.4% more expensive.

Which city has better purchasing power, Rawalpindi or Islamabad?

Rawalpindi has a purchasing power index of 24.8 while Islamabad has 44.3 (NYC = 100). Islamabad offers better purchasing power.

Rawalpindi vs Islamabad: Islamabad is 17.1% more expensive, rent 38% higher (2026)

Category	🇵🇰 Rawalpindi	🇵🇰 Islamabad	Difference
Cost of Living	10.5	12.3	+17.1%
Rent	4.2	5.8	+38.1%
Groceries	22.5	20.6	-8.4%
Restaurants	19.1	27.0	+41.4%
Purchasing Power	24.8	44.3	+78.6%

Data from October 2026 · Cost of living: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available. Rent, groceries, restaurants and purchasing power: Numbeo (NYC = 100) · 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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🇵🇰 Should I Move to Islamabad?

🇵🇰 Rawalpindi vs 🇵🇰 Islamabad

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