Capital city in Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Cost of living in Islamabad
How much a month costs in Islamabad
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $795–1,260 (Rs220,000–350,000).
Prices in Islamabad
Typical 2026 ranges in PKR, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | PKR | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | Rs80,000–180,000 | $289–650 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | Rs45,000–90,000 | $163–325 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | Rs1,500–3,000 | $5.4–10.8 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | Rs12,000–30,000 | $43–108 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | Rs400–900 | $1.4–3.3 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | Rs2,000–4,500 | $7.2–16.3 |
| Cappuccino | Rs600–1,000 | $2.2–3.6 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | Rs30–80 | $0.11–0.29 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | Rs500–900 | $1.8–3.3 |
| Work and life | ||
| Coworking day pass | Rs1,500–3,500 | $5.4–12.6 |
| Gym membership (month) | Rs8,000–20,000 | $29–72 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | Rs1,000–2,500 | $3.6–9.0 |
Value for money: 57/100
A value score of 57/100 means Islamabad gives more quality of life per dollar than 56% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 39/100. It's the 7th most affordable of 7 places we cover in Pakistan.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Pakistan
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Swat Valley | $397–614 | 67/100 |
| Gilgit | $470–722 | 78/100 |
| Hunza Valley | $542–903 | 80/100 |
| Skardu | $542–903 | 82/100 |
| Lahore | $722–1,160 | 50/100 |
| Karachi | $722–1,190 | 52/100 |
| Islamabad | $795–1,260 | 57/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to Islamabad
Similar safety, lower cost, in South Asia.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Hampi | India | $291–467 |
| Darjeeling | India | $332–519 |
| Mysore | India | $363–571 |
| Dharamshala | India | $394–674 |
| Pondicherry | India | $415–674 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Islamabad?
About $361–506 on a lean budget, $795–1,260 for a comfortable month and $1,810–3,250 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Islamabad?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs Rs80,000–180,000 ($289–650) a month in the center and Rs45,000–90,000 ($163–325) outside it.
How much does food cost in Islamabad?
A local meal is Rs400–900 ($1.4–3.3); a mid-range restaurant is Rs2,000–4,500 ($7.2–16.3) per person.
Is Pakistan expensive?
Prices in Pakistan are about 24% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Islamabad
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA)
- Islamabad International Airport (CAA)
- Shifa International Hospital
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.