Cost of living in Pakistan compared to India
Currency:
Food | - 18% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Pakistan is 18% cheaper than in India | ||||
Pakistan | India | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ₨916 (₨278) | ₨405 | - 31% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ₨1,082 (₨328) | ₨361 | - 9% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ₨533 (₨162) | ₨178 | - 9% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ₨230 (₨70) | ₨62 | + 12% | |
12 eggs, large | ₨315 (₨96) | ₨102 | - 6% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ₨165 (₨50) | ₨45 | + 12% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ₨836 (₨254) | ₨254 | - 0% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ₨289 (₨88) | ₨195 | - 55% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ₨114 (₨35) | ₨41 | - 16% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ₨391 (₨119) | ₨166 | - 28% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ₨2,739 (₨831) | ₨909 | - 9% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | ₨216 (₨66) | ₨93 | - 29% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ₨144 (₨44) | ₨41 | + 5% | |
Housing | - 21% | |||
Housing in Pakistan is 21% cheaper than in India | ||||
Pakistan | India | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ₨137,741 (₨41,775) | ₨47,435 | - 12% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ₨58,708 (₨17,805) | ₨28,288 | - 37% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ₨21,580 (₨6,545) | ₨5,128 | + 28% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ₨75,090 (₨22,774) | ₨30,304 | - 25% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ₨35,699 (₨10,827) | ₨17,855 | - 39% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ₨17,044 (₨5,169) | ₨4,698 | + 10% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ₨2,308 (₨700) | ₨737 | - 5% | |
40” flat screen tv | ₨58,431 (₨17,721) | ₨25,574 | - 31% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ₨29,384 (₨8,912) | ₨12,652 | - 30% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ₨1,281 (₨389) | ₨536 | - 28% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | ₨625 (₨190) | ₨743 | - 74% | |
Clothes | - 4% | |||
Clothes in Pakistan is 4% cheaper than in India | ||||
Pakistan | India | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ₨4,832 (₨1,465) | ₨2,366 | - 38% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ₨9,004 (₨2,731) | ₨2,561 | + 7% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ₨13,089 (₨3,970) | ₨4,197 | - 5% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ₨13,255 (₨4,020) | ₨2,957 | + 36% | |
Transportation | - 28% | |||
Transportation in Pakistan is 28% cheaper than in India | ||||
Pakistan | India | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ₨2,800,000 (₨849,197) | ₨1,758,920 | - 52% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ₨272 (₨82) | ₨103 | - 20% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | ₨4,030 (₨1,222) | ₨1,626 | - 25% | |
Personal Care | - 22% | |||
Personal Care in Pakistan is 22% cheaper than in India | ||||
Pakistan | India | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ₨230 (₨70) | ₨94 | - 26% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ₨838 (₨254) | ₨250 | + 2% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | ₨3,307 (₨1,003) | ₨1,186 | - 15% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ₨1,222 (₨371) | ₨346 | + 7% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ₨649 (₨197) | ₨229 | - 14% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ₨557 (₨169) | ₨271 | - 38% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | ₨396 (₨120) | ₨195 | - 38% | |
Tube of toothpaste | ₨217 (₨66) | ₨96 | - 31% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ₨495 (₨150) | ₨314 | - 52% | |
Entertainment | + 159% | |||
Entertainment in Pakistan is 159% more expensive than in India | ||||
Pakistan | India | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ₨3,859 (₨1,170) | ₨1,276 | - 8% | |
2 tickets to the movies | ₨1,827 (₨554) | ₨640 | - 13% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ₨6,844 (₨2,076) | ₨1,586 | + 31% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ₨8,435 (₨2,558) | ₨2,144 | + 19% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ₨2,877 (₨873) | ₨709 | + 23% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ₨566 (₨172) | ₨234 | - 27% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ₨965 (₨293) | ₨200 | + 46% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | ₨149,999 (₨45,492) | ₨42,549 | + 7% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ₨255 (₨77) | ₨5.78 | + 1238% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | ₨5,226 (₨1,585) | ₨1,629 | - 3% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | ₨637 (₨193) | ₨273 | - 29% | |
TOTAL | + 7% |

These prices were last updated on May 21, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.30328
INR
/
PKR
*
Cost of living in Pakistan is 7% more expensive than in India
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