Cost Of Living in Kabul 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Kabul
Whether you're living in Kabul or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure120,000 AFN
per month$1,6009,300 AFN $130
$16,000 1.2M AFN
Single84,000 AFN
per month$1,10028,000 AFN $380
$7,600 560,000 AFN
Couple140,000 AFN
per month$1,90047,000 AFN $630
$10,000 740,000 AFN
Family190,000 AFN
per month$2,50065,000 AFN $890
$14,000 1M AFN
Student55,000 AFN
per month$75022,000 AFN $300
$1,300 99,000 AFN
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Kabul is 84,000 AFN. Expenses can range from 28,000 AFN at the minimum level to 560,000 AFN at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Kabul is 140,000 AFN. Expenditure can range from 47,000 AFN to 740,000 AFN per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Kabul is 190,000 AFN per month. Families spend anywhere from 65,000 AFN to 1M AFN.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Kabul is 55,000 AFN. Students spend from 22,000 AFN to 99,000 AFN per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Kabul
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Large bottle of water
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one | 390 AFN | 580 AFN | 1,200 AFN |
Fine dining meal for one | 780 AFN | 1,200 AFN | 4,700 AFN |
Soda or Soft Drink
Cappuccino or latte Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
Loaf of bread
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank | 550 AFN | 740 AFN | 1,500 AFN |
Average car 1-day rental | 610 AFN | 810 AFN | 1,200 AFN |
Average car price | 280,000 AFN | 550,000 AFN | 740,000 AFN |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service | 810 AFN | 1,200 AFN | 2,400 AFN |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual | 1,700 AFN | 5,000 AFN | 34,000 AFN |
Utility Bill - Couple | 2,300 AFN | 7,000 AFN | 37,000 AFN |
Utility Bill - Family | 2,000 AFN | 5,600 AFN | 31,000 AFN |
Internet and cable | 550 AFN | 1,100 AFN | 1,500 AFN |
Mobile phone charges | 440 AFN | 740 AFN | 2,200 AFN |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership | 980 AFN | 1,200 AFN | 2,400 AFN |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants | 720 AFN | 1,000 AFN | 1,500 AFN |
Woman dress | 680 AFN | 940 AFN | 3,100 AFN |
Woman shoes | 640 AFN | 870 AFN | 2,000 AFN |
Men's shoes | 550 AFN | 680 AFN | 1,400 AFN |
Men suit | 610 AFN | 760 AFN | 4,100 AFN |
Regular t-shirt | 310 AFN | 410 AFN | 1,200 AFN |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment | 10,000 AFN | 15,000 AFN | 41,000 AFN |
1-bedroom apartment | 15,000 AFN | 24,000 AFN | 61,000 AFN |
2-bedroom apartment | 20,000 AFN | 31,000 AFN | 81,000 AFN |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment | 2.4M AFN | 4.1M AFN | 15M AFN |
2-bedroom apartment | $55,000 | $170,000 | $330,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed | 11,000 AFN | 14,000 AFN | 18,000 AFN |
Double Bed | 7,400 AFN | 11,000 AFN | 14,000 AFN |
Single Bed | 6,500 AFN | 8,500 AFN | 11,000 AFN |
Living Room | 12,000 AFN | 16,000 AFN | 55,000 AFN |
Dining Table | 5,500 AFN | 7,400 AFN | 14,000 AFN |
Sofa or Couch | 7,400 AFN | 10,000 AFN | 22,000 AFN |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set | 7,400 AFN | 11,000 AFN | 22,000 AFN |
Fridge or Freezer | 6,500 AFN | 10,000 AFN | 14,000 AFN |
Washing Machine | 8,500 AFN | 12,000 AFN | 22,000 AFN |
Stove or Cooker | 7,900 AFN | 10,000 AFN | 14,000 AFN |
Mobile Phone | 9,200 AFN | 11,000 AFN | 16,000 AFN |
Laptop or Computer | 10,000 AFN | 12,000 AFN | 22,000 AFN |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Kabul
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
92%
85% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 8% |
| 60% - 70% | 15% |
| 70% - 80% | 25% |
| 80% - 90% | 21% |
| 90% - 100% | 11% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Kabul is 92%
This means that on average, people spend around 92% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 15% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
92%
Couple
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
97%
Family
97%
Spending-Income-Ratio
89%
110%
How do people spend their money in Kabul?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)
| LOW | $38 2,800 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $490 36,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $4,900 360,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
People living in Kabul typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 36,000 AFN with expenditure ranging from 2,800 AFN to 360,000 AFN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $6.3 470 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $82 6,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $820 60,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kabul ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 6,000 AFN with 470 AFN and 60,000 AFN being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $13 930 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $160 12,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,600 120,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 930 AFN to 120,000 AFN on commuting with 12,000 AFN being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.
Food and Groceries Cost28%
28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)
| LOW | $32 2,300 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $410 30,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $4,100 300,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Kabul is 30,000 AFN. The cost of groceries can range between 2,300 AFN to 300,000 AFN. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services10%
10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
| LOW | $8.9 650 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $120 8,500 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,200 85,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
People in Kabul allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 650 AFN to 85,000 AFN with 8,500 AFN being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $5.1 370 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $66 4,800 AFN |
| HIGH | $660 48,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 370 AFN to 48,000 AFN with 4,800 AFN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $7.6 560 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $99 7,300 AFN |
| HIGH | $990 73,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 7,300 AFN per month with 560 AFN being the minimum spent amount and 73,000 AFN being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $16 1,200 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $210 16,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $2,100 160,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Kabul every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Kabul manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 64% of the surveyed people in Kabul said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 36% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Kabul
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 64% | 36% |
| Couples | 59% | 41% |
| Families | 53% | 47% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
2,900 AFN
$39 | 38,000 AFN
$510 | 380,000 AFN
$5,100 |
For most people, 12% to 34% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 38,000 AFN on average with savings ranging from 2,900 AFN to 380,000 AFN.
64% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 59% of couples said the same. 53% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Kabul?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
8,700 AFN
$120 | 26,000 AFN
$360 | 170,000 AFN
$2,400 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 36% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 26,000 AFN with 8,700 AFN and 170,000 AFN being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
15,000 AFN
$200 | 44,000 AFN
$590 | 230,000 AFN
$3,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 35% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 44,000 AFN with 15,000 AFN and 230,000 AFN being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
20,000 AFN
$280 | 58,000 AFN
$790 | 320,000 AFN
$4,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 40% |
| 10% - 20% | 31% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 4% |
| 40% - 50% | 3% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Kabul can save anywhere between 11% to 30% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 58,000 AFN with 20,000 AFN and 320,000 AFN being the minimum and maximum respectively.
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Kabul
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Kabul?
Around 59% of surveyed residents think that living in Kabul is affordable with proper budgeting while 41% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Kabul
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options62%
Few low-cost options38%
Based on the survey, 62% of the people living in Kabul have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Kabul whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes59%
No41%
Based on the survey, 41% of the people living in Kabul said that they don't have an emergency fund while 59% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Afghanistan
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy49%
We asked residents of Afghanistan whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 51% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 49% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of Afghanistan have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 41% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 59% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance41%
Easily manages finances59%
Financial goals of people in Kabul
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kabul, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 8% |
| Debt Reduction | 44% |
| Retirement Savings | 11% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 6% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 14% |
| Financial Independence | 4% |
Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 44% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Saving Challenges in Kabul
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Kabul. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 5% |
| High Expenses | 8% |
| Debt and Loans | 13% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 12% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 21% |
| Inflation | 14% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 14% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Kabul
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 13% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 21% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 4% |
| Bonds | 5% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Kabul
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Kabul and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Afghanistan is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Kabul:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 320,000 AFN |
| 30 | 630,000 AFN |
| 35 | 1.1M AFN |
| 40 | 1.6M AFN |
| 45 | 2.4M AFN |
| 50 | 3.3M AFN |
| 55 | 4M AFN |
| 60 | 4.9M AFN |
| 65 | 5.9M AFN |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Kabul about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 12% |
| Savings | 23% |
| Investments | 12% |
| Social Security | 7% |
| Annuities | 7% |
| Part-time Job | 15% |
| Real Estate | 18% |
| Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Kabul 21,000 AFN
$280 | 62,000 AFN
$840 | 410,000 AFN
$5,600 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kabul
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 28% of the people in Kabul have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Kabul
Debt to income ratio
33%
24% to 42%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 33% of the people's monthly income in Kabul goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 19% |
| 40% - 50% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 17% |
| 20% - 30% | 10% |
| 10% - 20% | 11% |
| 0% - 10% | 25% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kabul pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 19% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Kabul
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 8% |
| Auto Loan | 14% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 30% |
| Personal Loan | 44% |
8% of debtors in Kabul confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 14% of people and personal loans rose at 44%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Kabul.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Kabul
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Kabul how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 50% |
| Once a year | 24% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kabul
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Kabul
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment | 10,000 AFN | 15,000 AFN | 41,000 AFN |
1-bedroom apartment | 15,000 AFN | 24,000 AFN | 61,000 AFN |
2-bedroom apartment | 20,000 AFN | 31,000 AFN | 81,000 AFN |
3-bedroom apartment | 24,000 AFN | 41,000 AFN | 110,000 AFN |
Furnished apartment | 49,000 AFN | 120,000 AFN | 240,000 AFN |
Townhouse | 41,000 AFN | 61,000 AFN | 170,000 AFN |
House | 49,000 AFN | 120,000 AFN | 240,000 AFN |
Villa | 61,000 AFN | 150,000 AFN | 240,000 AFN |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kabul ranges between 10,000 AFN and 41,000 AFN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 15,000 AFN to 61,000 AFN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 20,000 AFN and 81,000 AFN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 24,000 AFN to 110,000 AFN. The average rent of a townhouse in Kabul is around 61,000 AFN while house rental costs can be as high as 120,000 AFN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 61,000 AFN to 240,000 AFN per month.
Apartment and house prices in Kabul
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment | 2.4M AFN | 4.1M AFN | 15M AFN |
2-bedroom apartment | $55,000 | $170,000 | $330,000 |
3-bedroom apartment | $180,000 | $280,000 | $830,000 |
Townhouse
House | 20M AFN | 120M AFN | 170M AFN |
Villa | 24M AFN | 140M AFN | 200M AFN |
The average price of a studio apartment in Kabul can range from 2M AFN to 6.1M AFN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 2.4M AFN to 15M AFN. A villa can cost you 140M AFN on average with prices ranging from 24M AFN to 200M AFN.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kabul will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 38 | x109 monthly income | 217 |
Property prices in Kabul can be x109 to x217 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x109 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kabul.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Kabul is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 43% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
30% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 190 AFN | 2,400 AFN | 24,000 AFN |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Kabul
Housing29%
29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)
| LOW | $140 10,000 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $410 30,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $2,700 200,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $23 1,700 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $68 5,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $460 34,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $30 2,200 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $91 6,700 AFN |
| HIGH | $610 45,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $61 4,500 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $180 13,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,200 89,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $34 2,500 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $100 7,500 AFN |
| HIGH | $680 50,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $19 1,400 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $57 4,200 AFN |
| HIGH | $380 28,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $7.6 560 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $23 1,700 AFN |
| HIGH | $150 11,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $68 5,000 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $210 15,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,400 100,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Kabul
Housing26%
26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)
| LOW | $210 15,000 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $630 46,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $3,300 250,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $32 2,300 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $95 7,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $510 37,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $76 5,600 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $230 17,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,200 89,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $89 6,500 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $270 20,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,400 100,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $70 5,100 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $210 15,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,100 82,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $38 2,800 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $110 8,400 AFN |
| HIGH | $610 45,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $13 930 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $38 2,800 AFN |
| HIGH | $200 15,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $110 7,900 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $320 24,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,700 130,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Kabul
Housing25%
25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)
| LOW | $280 21,000 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $810 60,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $4,500 330,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $71 5,200 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $200 15,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,100 82,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
| LOW | $160 12,000 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $460 34,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $2,500 180,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
| LOW | $71 5,200 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $200 15,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,100 82,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $44 3,300 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $130 9,300 AFN |
| HIGH | $700 51,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Education13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $120 9,100 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $350 26,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $2,000 140,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $110 7,800 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $300 22,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $1,700 120,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Kabul
Housing17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $72 5,300 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $180 13,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $320 24,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $12 880 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $30 2,200 AFN |
| HIGH | $54 4,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $21 1,500 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $52 3,800 AFN |
| HIGH | $94 6,900 AFN |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
| LOW | $60 4,400 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $150 11,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $270 20,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Healthcare9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $18 1,300 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $45 3,300 AFN |
| HIGH | $81 5,900 AFN |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $15 1,100 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $37 2,700 AFN |
| HIGH | $67 4,900 AFN |
| Per Month |
Education18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $57 4,200 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $140 10,000 AFN |
| HIGH | $260 19,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $45 3,300 AFN |
| AVERAGE | $110 8,200 AFN |
| HIGH | $200 15,000 AFN |
| Per Month |
