Cost Of Living in Karachi 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Karachi

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Karachi

Whether you're living in Karachi 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 Expenditure

Currency: PKR
42,000 420,000 6.2M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $1,500 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: PKR
54,000 380,000 4.3M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $1,400 $15,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: PKR
88,000 570,000 5.3M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $2,000 $19,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: PKR
140,000 680,000 6.8M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $2,400 $24,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: PKR
42,000 280,000 3.1M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $990 $11,000
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Karachi is 380,000 PKR. Expenses can range from 54,000 PKR at the minimum level to 4.3M PKR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Karachi is 570,000 PKR. Expenditure can range from 88,000 PKR to 5.3M PKR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Karachi is 680,000 PKR per month. Families spend anywhere from 140,000 PKR to 6.8M PKR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Karachi is 280,000 PKR. Students spend from 42,000 PKR to 3.1M PKR 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 Karachi

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Karachi

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

450 PKR 910 PKR 1,500 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $3.2 $5.4

Restaurant meal for one

1,600 PKR 2,400 PKR 4,800 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.5 $17

Fine dining meal for one

3,000 PKR 4,500 PKR 18,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $65

Cappuccino or latte

390 PKR 620 PKR 940 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2.2 $3.4

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

320 PKR 380 PKR 480 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $1.7

12 eggs

230 PKR 300 PKR 450 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.1 $1.6

Fresh whole chicken

540 PKR 700 PKR 1,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.5 $3.6

Pack of beef

660 PKR 1,000 PKR 2,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.6 $7.1

Medium bag of rice

240 PKR 330 PKR 460 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.2 $1.7

Bag of tomatos

91 PKR 120 PKR 230 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.43 $0.81

Bag of apples

170 PKR 220 PKR 360 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.77 $1.3
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Karachi

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

400 PKR 480 PKR 960 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.7 $3.4

Average car full tank

2,300 PKR 3,000 PKR 6,100 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $11 $22

Average car 1-day rental

2,100 PKR 2,800 PKR 4,200 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $10 $15

Average car price

1.1M PKR 2.2M PKR 2.9M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,900 $7,700 $10,000

Bus ticket one way

71 PKR 110 PKR 210 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.26 $0.38 $0.77

Car Service

2,900 PKR 4,400 PKR 8,800 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $32
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Karachi

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

2,700 PKR 20,000 PKR 220,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $70 $780

Utility Bill - Couple

2,900 PKR 21,000 PKR 240,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $76 $850

Utility Bill - Family

5,400 PKR 27,000 PKR 270,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $97 $970

Internet and cable

2,400 PKR 4,800 PKR 6,400 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $17 $23

Mobile phone charges

1,500 PKR 2,500 PKR 7,500 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $8.9 $27

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

990 PKR 1,300 PKR 2,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.7 $7.1

One month gym membership

3,700 PKR 4,700 PKR 9,300 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $33
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Karachi

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

2,800 PKR 4,000 PKR 6,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $21

Woman dress

2,700 PKR 3,800 PKR 12,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $14 $44

Woman shoes

2,400 PKR 3,200 PKR 7,500 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.5 $12 $27

Men's shoes

2,100 PKR 2,600 PKR 5,200 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $9.3 $19

Men suit

2,400 PKR 3,000 PKR 16,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $11 $57

Regular t-shirt

1,200 PKR 1,600 PKR 4,900 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.9 $18
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Karachi

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

45,000 PKR 67,000 PKR 180,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $240 $640

1-bedroom apartment

69,000 PKR 110,000 PKR 280,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $400 $990

2-bedroom apartment

95,000 PKR 140,000 PKR 380,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $1,400

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

9.5M PKR 14M PKR 28M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $51,000 $100,000

1-bedroom apartment

12M PKR 19M PKR 73M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42,000 $70,000 $260,000

2-bedroom apartment

18M PKR 54M PKR 110M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $190,000 $380,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Karachi

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

45,000 PKR 56,000 PKR 75,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $200 $270

Double Bed

31,000 PKR 46,000 PKR 58,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $160 $210

Single Bed

28,000 PKR 36,000 PKR 47,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $130 $170

Living Room

54,000 PKR 70,000 PKR 240,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $250 $870

Dining Table

22,000 PKR 30,000 PKR 56,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80 $110 $200

Sofa or Couch

31,000 PKR 42,000 PKR 92,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $150 $330
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Karachi

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

31,000 PKR 46,000 PKR 93,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $330

Fridge or Freezer

28,000 PKR 43,000 PKR 60,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $160 $210

Washing Machine

34,000 PKR 49,000 PKR 88,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $170 $310

Stove or Cooker

32,000 PKR 41,000 PKR 56,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $200

Mobile Phone

39,000 PKR 46,000 PKR 66,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $170 $240

Laptop or Computer

43,000 PKR 53,000 PKR 95,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $190 $340
Financial goals and targets of people living in Karachi

Financial goals of people in Karachi

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Karachi, 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 Fund9%
Debt Reduction45%
Retirement Savings11%
Education Funding6%
Homeownership19%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses15%
Financial Independence4%

Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 45% 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 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% 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 15% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Karachi

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Karachi

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Karachi

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

45,000 PKR 67,000 PKR 180,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $240 $640

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

69,000 PKR 110,000 PKR 280,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $400 $990

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

95,000 PKR 140,000 PKR 380,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $1,400

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

120,000 PKR 190,000 PKR 530,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $700 $1,900

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

220,000 PKR 550,000 PKR 1.1M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $2,000 $4,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

180,000 PKR 270,000 PKR 770,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $970 $2,800

House monthly rent cost

220,000 PKR 550,000 PKR 1.1M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $2,000 $4,000

Villa monthly rent cost

270,000 PKR 670,000 PKR 1.1M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$960 $2,400 $3,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Karachi ranges between 45,000 PKR and 180,000 PKR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 69,000 PKR to 280,000 PKR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 95,000 PKR and 380,000 PKR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 120,000 PKR to 530,000 PKR. The average rent of a townhouse in Karachi is around 270,000 PKR while house rental costs can be as high as 550,000 PKR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 270,000 PKR to 1.1M PKR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Karachi

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

9.5M PKR 14M PKR 28M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $51,000 $100,000

1-bedroom apartment price

12M PKR 19M PKR 73M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42,000 $70,000 $260,000

2-bedroom apartment price

18M PKR 54M PKR 110M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $190,000 $380,000

3-bedroom apartment price

61M PKR 92M PKR 280M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $330,000 $990,000

Townhouse price

82M PKR 190M PKR 710M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290,000 $680,000 $2.6M

House price

98M PKR 590M PKR 840M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350,000 $2.1M $3M

Villa price

120M PKR 650M PKR 970M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420,000 $2.3M $3.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Karachi can range from 9.5M PKR to 28M PKR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 12M PKR to 73M PKR. A villa can cost you 650M PKR on average with prices ranging from 120M PKR to 970M PKR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Karachi 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


40 x111 monthly income 268
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Karachi can be x111 to x268 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x111 multiples of the average monthly salary in Karachi.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 35% of income 47%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Karachi is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 47% 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
26%

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.


FROM
1.8%
AVERAGE
2.8%
TO
3.8%

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.


840 PKR 8,400 PKR 130,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Karachi

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Karachi

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

2,700 PKR 20,000 PKR 220,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $70 $780

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

2,900 PKR 21,000 PKR 240,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $76 $850

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

5,400 PKR 27,000 PKR 270,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $97 $970

Internet and cable cost

2,400 PKR 4,800 PKR 6,400 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $17 $23

Mobile phone bill and charges

1,500 PKR 2,500 PKR 7,500 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $8.9 $27

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Karachi ranges between 2,700 PKR and 220,000 PKR with average being 20,000 PKR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 21,000 PKR with 2,900 PKR and 240,000 PKR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 27,000 PKR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 2,400 PKR to 6,400 PKR with 4,800 PKR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 2,500 PKR but can range between 1,500 PKR and 7,500 PKR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


4.9% 8.5% of income 13%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Karachi is around 8.5%. This means that people pay 8.5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4.9% to 13% depending on salary and location.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Karachi

How do people spend their money in Karachi?

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$45   12,000 PKR
AVERAGE$450   120,000 PKR
HIGH$6,700   1.9M PKR
Per Month

People living in Karachi typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 120,000 PKR with expenditure ranging from 12,000 PKR to 1.9M PKR. 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, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$6.5   1,800 PKR
AVERAGE$65   18,000 PKR
HIGH$970   270,000 PKR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Karachi ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 18,000 PKR with 1,800 PKR and 270,000 PKR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$14   3,900 PKR
AVERAGE$140   39,000 PKR
HIGH$2,100   590,000 PKR
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 3,900 PKR to 590,000 PKR on commuting with 39,000 PKR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.

Food and Groceries Cost29%

29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)

LOW$34   9,600 PKR
AVERAGE$340   96,000 PKR
HIGH$5,100   1.4M PKR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Karachi is 96,000 PKR. The cost of groceries can range between 9,600 PKR to 1.4M PKR. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)

LOW$8.3   2,300 PKR
AVERAGE$83   23,000 PKR
HIGH$1,200   350,000 PKR
Per Month

People in Karachi allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 2,300 PKR to 350,000 PKR with 23,000 PKR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$5.5   1,500 PKR
AVERAGE$55   15,000 PKR
HIGH$820   230,000 PKR
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 1,500 PKR to 230,000 PKR with 15,000 PKR 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$8.2   2,300 PKR
AVERAGE$82   23,000 PKR
HIGH$1,200   340,000 PKR
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 23,000 PKR per month with 2,300 PKR being the minimum spent amount and 340,000 PKR being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$19   5,300 PKR
AVERAGE$190   53,000 PKR
HIGH$2,800   790,000 PKR
Per Month
Where do people choose to put their savings in Karachi

Typical saving choices for people in Karachi

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds13%
Gold14%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts9%
Cash Savings22%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds4%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Karachi

Affordable living in Karachi

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Karachi?


Yes
43%
No
57%

Around 43% of surveyed residents think that living in Karachi is affordable with proper budgeting while 57% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

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.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Karachi

Low-cost alternatives in Karachi

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 options51%

Few low-cost options49%


Based on the survey, 51% of the people living in Karachi have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 49% 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 whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes38%

No62%


Based on the survey, 62% of the people living in Karachi said that they don't have an emergency fund while 38% said that they do.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Karachi

Saving Challenges in Karachi

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Karachi. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income4%
High Expenses7%
Debt and Loans12%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later22%
Inflation14%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 12% 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. 22% 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 social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Karachi

Financial Literacy in

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 Leteracy38%


We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 62% 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 38% 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 have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 67% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 33% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance67%

Easily manages finances33%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Karachi

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Karachi and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in 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:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Karachi:
AgeAmount
25860,000 PKR
301.8M PKR
353.2M PKR
404.7M PKR
456.4M PKR
509.3M PKR
5511M PKR
6015M PKR
6516M PKR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions11%
Savings24%
Investments11%
Social Security6%
Annuities6%
Part-time Job16%
Real Estate19%
Dividends and Interest6%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Karachi

32,000 PKR
$110
290,000 PKR
$1,000
3.2M PKR
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Karachi

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Karachi


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
37%
Debt Free
63%

According to the survey, 37% of the people in Karachi have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 63% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Karachi

Debt-to-income ratio in Karachi

Debt to income ratio

33%

25% to 41%

( 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 Karachi goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%20%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%9%
10% - 20%10%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Karachi pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 20% 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 9% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Karachi

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage7%
Auto Loan13%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card31%
Personal Loan45%

7% of debtors in Karachi confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 31% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 13% of people and personal loans rose at 45%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Karachi.


About credit score and debt management

Managing 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 Karachi

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents 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
Never49%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Karachi

How much money can you save in Karachi 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 Karachi manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
54%
Not Saving
46%

Almost 54% of the surveyed people in Karachi said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 46% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Karachi

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles65%35%
Couples63%38%
Families53%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.


Savings to income ratio in Karachi

Saving to Income Ratio

8.5% 16% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

13,000 PKR
$47
130,000 PKR
$470
2M PKR
$7,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 8.5% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 16% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 130,000 PKR on average with savings ranging from 13,000 PKR to 2M PKR.

65% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 63% of couples said the same. 53% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Karachi?

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

12% 21% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

12,000 PKR
$45
110,000 PKR
$400
1.2M PKR
$4,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 12% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 21% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 110,000 PKR with 12,000 PKR and 1.2M PKR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 19% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

26,000 PKR
$92
170,000 PKR
$600
1.5M PKR
$5,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 10% to 35% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 170,000 PKR with 26,000 PKR and 1.5M PKR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 15% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

40,000 PKR
$140
200,000 PKR
$710
2M PKR
$7,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 Karachi can save anywhere between 8% to 30% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 200,000 PKR with 40,000 PKR and 2M PKR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Karachi

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Karachi

Spending to Income Ratio

100%

96% to 110%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%8%
60% - 70%14%
70% - 80%24%
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 Karachi is 100% This means that on average, people spend around 100% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 14% 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
96%
Spending-Income-Ratio
89%
100%

Couple
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
97%
110%

Family
110%
Spending-Income-Ratio
98%
120%

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Karachi

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Karachi

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

450 PKR 910 PKR 1,500 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $3.2 $5.4

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Karachi is approximatly 910 PKR with meal cost ranging from 450 PKR to 1,500 PKR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

1,600 PKR 2,400 PKR 4,800 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.5 $17

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 1,600 PKR and 4,800 PKR with 2,400 PKR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Karachi.

Fine dining meal for one price

3,000 PKR 4,500 PKR 18,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $65

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 3,000 PKR to 18,000 PKR with the average cost being 4,500 PKR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Karachi.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

390 PKR 620 PKR 940 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2.2 $3.4

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Karachi is around 620 PKR. Price ranges between 390 PKR and 940 PKR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

320 PKR 380 PKR 480 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $1.7

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Karachi is 380 PKR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 480 PKR and the minimum being 320 PKR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

230 PKR 300 PKR 450 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.1 $1.6

A dozen eggs costs around 300 PKR on average with 230 PKR and 450 PKR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

540 PKR 700 PKR 1,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.5 $3.6

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Karachi is between 540 PKR and 1,000 PKR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 700 PKR.

Pack of beef price

660 PKR 1,000 PKR 2,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.6 $7.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 1,000 PKR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

240 PKR 330 PKR 460 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.2 $1.7

A bag of rice in Karachi costs around 330 PKR on average with prices rangeing between 240 PKR and 460 PKR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

91 PKR 120 PKR 230 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.43 $0.81

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 91 PKR to 230 PKR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

170 PKR 220 PKR 360 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.77 $1.3

A bag of apples costs 220 PKR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


24% 33% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Karachi is around 33%. This means that people spend 33% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 24% to 40% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 55,000 PKR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 7,700 PKR and 610,000 PKR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 70,000 PKR per month. That number can be get as low as 11,000 PKR or a high as 640,000 PKR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 21,000 PKR to 1M PKR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

Cost of living comparison by city

#1 Sialkot

The average cost of living in Sialkot is 190,000 PKR, which is 55% less than the country average. Sialkot is ranked first in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#2 Sargodha

The average cost of living in Sargodha is 210,000 PKR, which is 50% less than the country average. Sargodha is ranked second in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#3 Bahawalpur

The average cost of living in Bahawalpur is 220,000 PKR, which is 48% less than the country average. Bahawalpur is ranked third in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#4 Quetta

The average cost of living in Quetta is 240,000 PKR, which is 43% less than the country average. Quetta is ranked fourth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#5 Islamabad

The average cost of living in Islamabad is 260,000 PKR, which is 38% less than the country average. Islamabad is ranked fifth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#6 Hyderabad

The average cost of living in Hyderabad is 270,000 PKR, which is 36% less than the country average. Hyderabad is ranked sixth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#7 Multan

The average cost of living in Multan is 290,000 PKR, which is 31% less than the country average. Multan is ranked seventh in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#8 Peshawar

The average cost of living in Peshawar is 310,000 PKR, which is 26% less than the country average. Peshawar is ranked eighth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#9 Gujranwala

The average cost of living in Gujranwala is 330,000 PKR, which is 21% less than the country average. Gujranwala is ranked ninth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#10 Rawalpindi

The average cost of living in Rawalpindi is 350,000 PKR, which is 17% less than the country average. Rawalpindi is ranked tenth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#11 Faisalabad

The average cost of living in Faisalabad is 370,000 PKR, which is 12% less than the country average. Faisalabad is ranked eleventh in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#12 Lahore

The average cost of living in Lahore is 390,000 PKR, which is 7.1% less than the country average. Lahore is ranked twelfth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#13 Karachi

The average cost of living in Karachi is 420,000 PKR, which is same as the country average. Karachi is ranked thirteenth in Pakistan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


Published: May 24, 2024   Last Update: April 12, 2025



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