What is the cost of living in Kabul?

The cost of living in Kabul is 88.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 11.9). Groceries are 79.9% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 85.9% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately AFN 7,993 per month. Local purchasing power index is 56.9 (NYC = 100).

🇦🇫 Afghanistan · #561 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Kabul?

Q: Should I move to Kabul?

Kabul, Afghanistan has a cost of living 88.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 11.9). It is ranked #561 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is weak (index: 56.9 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

88.1% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

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

-88.1%

vs NYC

AFN 7,993

1-BR, city centre

56.9

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 Kabul?

Cost breakdown: Kabul

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

11.9 Very affordable

Rent

2.6 Very affordable

Groceries

20.1 Very affordable

Restaurants

14.1 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

56.9 Weak

Rent in Kabul

1-BR, city centre AFN 7,993/mo

1-BR, outside centre AFN 7,065/mo

3-BR, city centre AFN 14,086/mo

3-BR, outside centre AFN 7,457/mo

Save by going outside centre 12% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

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