What is the cost of living in Islamabad?

The cost of living in Islamabad is 87.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 12.3). Groceries are 79.4% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 73.0% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately PKR 75,574 per month. Local purchasing power index is 44.3 (NYC = 100).

🇵🇰 Pakistan · #555 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Islamabad?

Q: Should I move to Islamabad?

Islamabad, Pakistan has a cost of living 87.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 12.3). It is ranked #555 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is weak (index: 44.3 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

87.7% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-87.7%

vs NYC

PKR 75,574

1-BR, city centre

44.3

Purchasing Power

Weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Islamabad?

Cost breakdown: Islamabad

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

12.3 Very affordable

Rent

5.8 Very affordable

Groceries

20.6 Very affordable

Restaurants

27.0 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

44.3 Weak

Rent in Islamabad

1-BR, city centre PKR 75,574/mo

1-BR, outside centre PKR 38,694/mo

3-BR, city centre PKR 159,686/mo

3-BR, outside centre PKR 76,336/mo

Save by going outside centre 49% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇵🇰 Lahore

Pakistan

CoL index 11.8

Compare Lahore vs Islamabad →

🇵🇰 Karachi

Pakistan

CoL index 13.7

Compare Karachi vs Islamabad →

🇵🇰 Rawalpindi

Pakistan

CoL index 10.5

Compare Rawalpindi vs Islamabad →

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