Cost of Living in Islamabad
Planned, green capital; offers a quiet, safe, and family-friendly environment with a lower cost of living than Karachi.
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£482
Average cost per month
Distribution of Expenses
Elite dining & hiking trails
Green foothills of Himalayas
Gov/Diplomatic; planned & premium
Cost of living breakdown for Islamabad
Living costs in Islamabad can vary. You can expect to spend around £482 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.
Housing
Standard of Living
Food & Drink
Islamabad average costs for food and drink.
Salary & Services
Islamabad average salaries and services.
Average living costs in Islamabad
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £175.76 | £105.93 - £365.47 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £93.70 | £66.21 - £158.90 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £414.86 | £264.84 - £662.09 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £197.04 | £132.42 - £317.81 |
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Cities in Pakistan
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in Islamabad depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £306 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £1,022. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £176 on average.
Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Islamabad costs £0.13. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £16.
The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Islamabad is currently £231.
Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Islamabad costs approximately £2, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £15.
The estimated monthly cost of living in Islamabad for a single person is £306, excluding rent.
For a family of four living in Islamabad, the estimated monthly costs are £1,022, not including rent.
Rent prices in Islamabad depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £176, compared to £94 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £415 in the centre and £197 in suburban areas.
Basic utilities in Islamabad (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £81 per month. Internet access typically adds another £13.