Cost of Living in Pakistan (2026)

COL Index: 20.3% of U.S. national average · Updated for 2026

Cost of Living Index

20.3%

vs U.S. average (100%)

Relative Cost

Very Low

Compared to U.S.

Currency

PKR

Salary Data

10 Jobs

Top 10 highest paying

Top 10 Jobs in Pakistan — COL-Adjusted Salaries

Rank	Job Title	Local Salary	COL-Adjusted (PKR)
1	Surgeons / Doctors	178,737–584,619 PKR/mo	880,426–2,879,802 PKR/mo
2	Judges	150,189–491,527 PKR/mo	739,758–2,421,380 PKR/mo
3	Lawyers	121,641–398,435 PKR/mo	599,090–1,962,680 PKR/mo
4	Bank Managers	114,566–374,851 PKR/mo	564,340–1,846,476 PKR/mo
5	Chief Executive Officers	107,366–351,268 PKR/mo	529,034–1,730,272 PKR/mo
6	Chief Financial Officers	100,167–327,685 PKR/mo	493,450–1,614,346 PKR/mo
7	Orthodontists	96,568–316,514 PKR/mo	475,658–1,559,302 PKR/mo
8	College Professors	85,893–280,518 PKR/mo	423,116–1,381,938 PKR/mo
9	Pilots	71,619–234,592 PKR/mo	352,782–1,155,646 PKR/mo
10	Marketing Directors	64,420–211,009 PKR/mo	317,476–1,039,442 PKR/mo

* COL-adjusted salary is shown in PKR, restated at the purchasing power implied by the cost of living index for Pakistan.

Salary vs. Cost of Living by Category in Pakistan

Category	Avg. Salary (Local)	COL-Adjusted (PKR)	Purchasing Power
AI & Machine Learning	172,035 PKR	847,344 PKR	+393%
Finance & Accounting	170,049 PKR	837,614 PKR	+393%
Business Administration	189,536 PKR	933,802 PKR	+393%
Advertising	144,057 PKR	709,734 PKR	+393%
Architecture	146,155 PKR	720,020 PKR	+393%
Automotive & Car Industry	140,917 PKR	694,166 PKR	+393%
Aviation	173,524 PKR	854,850 PKR	+393%
Banking	203,810 PKR	1,003,858 PKR	+393%
Construction	139,452 PKR	686,938 PKR	+393%
Counseling	138,906 PKR	684,158 PKR	+393%
Customer Service	111,698 PKR	550,162 PKR	+393%
Education & Teaching	145,869 PKR	718,630 PKR	+393%
Energy	158,505 PKR	780,902 PKR	+393%
Engineering	133,048 PKR	655,524 PKR	+393%
Manufacturing	152,051 PKR	748,932 PKR	+393%
Fitness & Sports	101,148 PKR	498,176 PKR	+393%
Hospitality	144,653 PKR	712,514 PKR	+393%
Healthcare	376,465 PKR	1,854,538 PKR	+393%
Human Resources	140,557 PKR	692,498 PKR	+393%
Import & Export	109,203 PKR	537,930 PKR	+393%
Insurance	158,133 PKR	778,956 PKR	+393%
Information Technology	143,238 PKR	705,564 PKR	+393%
Law & Legal Services	221,932 PKR	1,093,374 PKR	+393%
Marketing	155,898 PKR	767,836 PKR	+393%
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology	200,831 PKR	989,402 PKR	+393%
Public Relations	130,577 PKR	643,292 PKR	+393%
Procurement	144,218 PKR	710,568 PKR	+393%
Quality Control	126,606 PKR	623,554 PKR	+393%
Real Estate	167,690 PKR	825,938 PKR	+393%
Sales	169,925 PKR	837,058 PKR	+393%
Telecommunications	126,382 PKR	622,442 PKR	+393%

Cost of Living in Pakistan — Overview

The cost of living in Pakistan is 20.3% of the U.S. national average. This makes Pakistan a more affordable destination compared to the United States. Your salary goes further here, especially for housing, food, and services.

Purchasing Power in Pakistan

A salary with the purchasing power of the U.S. national average works out at approximately 136,945,858 PKR in Pakistan for the same standard of living. This means your money goes further in Pakistan, making it an attractive destination for remote workers and expats.

Cost of Living Categories in Pakistan

Housing

Housing in countries with a cost index of 20.3% tends to be the largest expense, often consuming 30-40% of income. Rent, utilities, and property costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Food

Groceries and dining out in countries at 20.3% COL can vary widely. Local markets offer lower prices while imported goods cost more. Cooking at home is generally more affordable.

Transportation

Public transit and fuel costs in a 20.3% COL country. Many countries have efficient public transportation systems that reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs and insurance in 20.3% COL countries. Some countries have universal healthcare systems that significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Education

Education and childcare costs vary greatly with COL index. Public education is often subsidized while international schools charge premium fees.

Utilities

Electricity, water, internet, and other essential services. Weather patterns affect utility usage and costs significantly.

Clothing

Apparel costs in 20.3% COL environments. Imported brands cost more while local clothing is generally affordable.

Entertainment

Leisure activities and entertainment expenses. Costs for cinema, dining, and recreational activities scale with the overall COL index.

Salary Overview — Top 10 Jobs

Monthly salary in PKR · singhyogendra.com.np

Surgeons / Doctors178,737 – 584,619381,678 PKR
Judges150,189 – 491,527320,858 PKR
Lawyers121,641 – 398,435260,038 PKR
Bank Managers114,566 – 374,851244,709 PKR
Chief Executive Officers107,366 – 351,268229,317 PKR
Chief Financial Officers100,167 – 327,685213,926 PKR
Orthodontists96,568 – 316,514206,541 PKR
College Professors85,893 – 280,518183,206 PKR
Pilots71,619 – 234,592153,106 PKR
Marketing Directors64,420 – 211,009137,715 PKR

singhyogendra.com.np

Top Paying Jobs in Pakistan

See the full list of highest paying careers and salaries in Pakistan.

Best Paying Jobs in Pakistan

Take-Home Pay in Pakistan

Estimate your after-tax salary and see how much you keep after deductions in Pakistan.

Take-Home Pay in Pakistan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pakistan?

The cost of living in Pakistan is 20.3% of the U.S. national average. This means it is less expensive than living in the average U.S. city.

How is the cost of living in Pakistan calculated?

The cost of living index is based on prices for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other goods and services compared to the U.S. national average of 100.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Pakistan?

Salaries in Pakistan should be adjusted by the cost of living index to keep the same purchasing power. A salary equivalent to the U.S. national average corresponds to roughly 136,945,858 PKR in Pakistan.