Cost Of Living in Karachi 2024

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

420,000 PKR

per month
$1,500

33,000 PKR   $120
$15,000   4.2M PKR

Single

290,000 PKR

per month
$1,100

98,000 PKR   $350
$7,000   2M PKR

Couple

490,000 PKR

per month
$1,800

160,000 PKR   $580
$9,400   2.6M PKR

Family

650,000 PKR

per month
$2,300

230,000 PKR   $820
$13,000   3.6M PKR

Student

190,000 PKR

per month
$680

76,000 PKR   $270
$1,200   340,000 PKR
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 290,000 PKR. Expenses can range from 98,000 PKR at the minimum level to 2M PKR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Karachi is 490,000 PKR. Expenditure can range from 160,000 PKR to 2.6M PKR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Karachi is 650,000 PKR per month. Families spend anywhere from 230,000 PKR to 3.6M PKR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Karachi is 190,000 PKR. Students spend from 76,000 PKR to 340,000 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


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
44 PKR 50 PKR 58 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.18 $0.21
Fast food combo meal
380 PKR 750 PKR 1,300 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2.7 $4.5
Restaurant meal for one
1,300 PKR 2,000 PKR 4,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $7.1 $14
Fine dining meal for one
2,700 PKR 4,000 PKR 16,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.5 $14 $57
Soda or Soft Drink
54 PKR 63 PKR 75 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.22 $0.27
Cappuccino or latte
310 PKR 500 PKR 750 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.8 $2.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
250 PKR 300 PKR 380 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.90 $1.1 $1.3
Loaf of bread
45 PKR 52 PKR 60 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.18 $0.21
12 eggs
190 PKR 250 PKR 380 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.90 $1.3
Fresh whole chicken
430 PKR 550 PKR 790 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $2.8
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
500 PKR 750 PKR 1,500 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.7 $5.4
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
200 PKR 280 PKR 390 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $0.99 $1.4
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
75 PKR 100 PKR 190 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.36 $0.67
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
130 PKR 180 PKR 290 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.63 $1

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
330 PKR 400 PKR 800 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.4 $2.9
Average car full tank
1,900 PKR 2,500 PKR 5,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $9 $18
Average car 1-day rental
2,100 PKR 2,800 PKR 4,200 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $10 $15
Average car price
940,000 PKR 1.9M PKR 2.5M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,400 $6,700 $9,000
Bus ticket one way
70 PKR 110 PKR 210 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.38 $0.75
Car Service
2,800 PKR 4,200 PKR 8,400 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $15 $30

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
5,900 PKR 18,000 PKR 120,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $63 $420
Utility Bill - Couple
8,200 PKR 25,000 PKR 130,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $88 $470
Utility Bill - Family
6,900 PKR 20,000 PKR 110,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $70 $390
Internet and cable
1,900 PKR 3,800 PKR 5,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $13 $18
Mobile phone charges
1,500 PKR 2,500 PKR 7,500 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $9 $27

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
940 PKR 1,300 PKR 1,900 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.5 $6.7
One month gym membership
3,400 PKR 4,200 PKR 8,400 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $15 $30

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
2,500 PKR 3,500 PKR 5,300 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $13 $19
Woman dress
2,300 PKR 3,200 PKR 11,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.4 $12 $38
Woman shoes
2,200 PKR 3,000 PKR 7,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.9 $11 $25
Men's shoes
1,900 PKR 2,300 PKR 4,700 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $8.4 $17
Men suit
2,100 PKR 2,600 PKR 14,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $9.4 $50
Regular t-shirt
1,100 PKR 1,400 PKR 4,200 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5 $15

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
35,000 PKR 53,000 PKR 140,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $500
1-bedroom apartment
53,000 PKR 84,000 PKR 210,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $300 $750
2-bedroom apartment
70,000 PKR 110,000 PKR 280,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $380 $1,000

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
7M PKR 11M PKR 21M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25,000 $38,000 $75,000
1-bedroom apartment
8.4M PKR 14M PKR 53M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30,000 $50,000 $190,000
2-bedroom apartment
14M PKR 42M PKR 84M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50,000 $150,000 $300,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
38,000 PKR 47,000 PKR 63,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $170 $220
Double Bed
25,000 PKR 38,000 PKR 47,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$90 $130 $170
Single Bed
22,000 PKR 29,000 PKR 38,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $100 $130
Living Room
42,000 PKR 54,000 PKR 190,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $190 $670
Dining Table
19,000 PKR 25,000 PKR 47,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $90 $170
Sofa or Couch
25,000 PKR 34,000 PKR 75,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$90 $120 $270

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
25,000 PKR 38,000 PKR 75,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$90 $130 $270
Fridge or Freezer
22,000 PKR 34,000 PKR 47,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $120 $170
Washing Machine
29,000 PKR 42,000 PKR 75,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $150 $270
Stove or Cooker
27,000 PKR 34,000 PKR 47,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$96 $120 $170
Mobile Phone
31,000 PKR 38,000 PKR 54,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $130 $190
Laptop or Computer
34,000 PKR 42,000 PKR 75,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $270

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.


Spending to Income Ratio

99%

92% 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 99% This means that on average, people spend around 99% 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
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
83%
97%

Couple
94%
Spending-Income-Ratio
88%
100%

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

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$35   9,800 PKR
AVERAGE$460   130,000 PKR
HIGH$4,600   1.3M 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 130,000 PKR with expenditure ranging from 9,800 PKR to 1.3M 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, Water8%

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

LOW$5.8   1,600 PKR
AVERAGE$76   21,000 PKR
HIGH$760   210,000 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 21,000 PKR with 1,600 PKR and 210,000 PKR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute6%

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

LOW$12   3,300 PKR
AVERAGE$150   42,000 PKR
HIGH$1,500   420,000 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 3,300 PKR to 420,000 PKR on commuting with 42,000 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$29   8,200 PKR
AVERAGE$380   110,000 PKR
HIGH$3,800   1.1M PKR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Karachi is 110,000 PKR. The cost of groceries can range between 8,200 PKR to 1.1M 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$8.2   2,300 PKR
AVERAGE$110   30,000 PKR
HIGH$1,100   300,000 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 300,000 PKR with 30,000 PKR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

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

LOW$4.7   1,300 PKR
AVERAGE$61   17,000 PKR
HIGH$610   170,000 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 1,300 PKR to 170,000 PKR with 17,000 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$7   2,000 PKR
AVERAGE$91   25,000 PKR
HIGH$910   250,000 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 25,000 PKR per month with 2,000 PKR being the minimum spent amount and 250,000 PKR being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

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

LOW$15   4,200 PKR
AVERAGE$200   55,000 PKR
HIGH$2,000   550,000 PKR
Per Month

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
53%
Not Saving
47%

Almost 53% of the surveyed people in Karachi said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 47% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Karachi

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles64%36%
Couples58%42%
Families52%48%

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

7.9% 15% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

9,500 PKR
$34
120,000 PKR
$440
1.2M PKR
$4,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 7.9% to 30% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 120,000 PKR on average with savings ranging from 9,500 PKR to 1.2M PKR.

64% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 58% of couples said the same. 52% 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

11% 19% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

29,000 PKR
$100
86,000 PKR
$310
570,000 PKR
$2,000
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 11% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 86,000 PKR with 29,000 PKR and 570,000 PKR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 17% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

48,000 PKR
$170
140,000 PKR
$510
760,000 PKR
$2,700
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 9% to 32% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 140,000 PKR with 48,000 PKR and 760,000 PKR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

7.9% 15% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

67,000 PKR
$240
190,000 PKR
$680
1M PKR
$3,700
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 7.9% to 29% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 190,000 PKR with 67,000 PKR and 1M PKR 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 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
48%
No
52%

Around 48% of surveyed residents think that living in Karachi is affordable with proper budgeting while 52% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

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 options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Karachi have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% 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 Karachi whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes43%

No57%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Karachi said that they don't have an emergency fund while 43% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Pakistan

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 Pakistan 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 Pakistan have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the 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%

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.

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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

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%

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 Pakistan 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
251.1M PKR
302.2M PKR
353.8M PKR
405.5M PKR
458.2M PKR
5012M PKR
5514M PKR
6017M PKR
6520M PKR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Karachi 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

73,000 PKR
$260
220,000 PKR
$780
1.5M PKR
$5,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Karachi


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
42%
Debt Free
58%

According to the survey, 42% of the people in Karachi have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 58% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Karachi

Debt to income ratio

37%

28% to 46%

( 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 37% 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 of Karachi 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%

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
35,000 PKR 53,000 PKR 140,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $500
1-bedroom apartment
53,000 PKR 84,000 PKR 210,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $300 $750
2-bedroom apartment
70,000 PKR 110,000 PKR 280,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $380 $1,000
3-bedroom apartment
84,000 PKR 140,000 PKR 380,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $500 $1,400
Furnished apartment
170,000 PKR 420,000 PKR 840,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $1,500 $3,000
Townhouse
140,000 PKR 210,000 PKR 600,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $750 $2,200
House
170,000 PKR 420,000 PKR 840,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $1,500 $3,000
Villa
210,000 PKR 530,000 PKR 840,000 PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$750 $1,900 $3,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Karachi ranges between 35,000 PKR and 140,000 PKR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 53,000 PKR to 210,000 PKR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 70,000 PKR and 280,000 PKR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 84,000 PKR to 380,000 PKR. The average rent of a townhouse in Karachi is around 210,000 PKR while house rental costs can be as high as 420,000 PKR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 210,000 PKR to 840,000 PKR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Karachi

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
7M PKR 11M PKR 21M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25,000 $38,000 $75,000
1-bedroom apartment
8.4M PKR 14M PKR 53M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30,000 $50,000 $190,000
2-bedroom apartment
14M PKR 42M PKR 84M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50,000 $150,000 $300,000
3-bedroom apartment
47M PKR 70M PKR 210M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $250,000 $750,000
Townhouse
60M PKR 140M PKR 530M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $500,000 $1.9M
House
70M PKR 420M PKR 600M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250,000 $1.5M $2.2M
Villa
84M PKR 470M PKR 700M PKR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300,000 $1.7M $2.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Karachi can range from 7M PKR to 21M PKR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 8.4M PKR to 53M PKR. A villa can cost you 470M PKR on average with prices ranging from 84M PKR to 700M 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


32 x87 monthly income 209
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Karachi can be x87 to x209 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x87 multiples of the average monthly salary in Karachi.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 32% of income 43%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Karachi is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% 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
29%

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.


650 PKR 8,500 PKR 85,000 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.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Karachi

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)

LOW$130   35,000 PKR
AVERAGE$380   110,000 PKR
HIGH$2,500   710,000 PKR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$21   5,900 PKR
AVERAGE$63   18,000 PKR
HIGH$420   120,000 PKR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)

LOW$28   7,800 PKR
AVERAGE$84   24,000 PKR
HIGH$560   160,000 PKR
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$56   16,000 PKR
AVERAGE$170   47,000 PKR
HIGH$1,100   310,000 PKR
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$32   8,800 PKR
AVERAGE$95   26,000 PKR
HIGH$630   180,000 PKR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)

LOW$18   4,900 PKR
AVERAGE$53   15,000 PKR
HIGH$350   98,000 PKR
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7   2,000 PKR
AVERAGE$21   5,900 PKR
HIGH$140   39,000 PKR
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$63   18,000 PKR
AVERAGE$190   53,000 PKR
HIGH$1,300   350,000 PKR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Karachi

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW$190   54,000 PKR
AVERAGE$580   160,000 PKR
HIGH$3,100   860,000 PKR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$29   8,200 PKR
AVERAGE$88   25,000 PKR
HIGH$470   130,000 PKR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel8%

8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)

LOW$70   20,000 PKR
AVERAGE$210   59,000 PKR
HIGH$1,100   310,000 PKR
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)

LOW$82   23,000 PKR
AVERAGE$250   69,000 PKR
HIGH$1,300   370,000 PKR
Per Month

Healthcare15%

15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)

LOW$64   18,000 PKR
AVERAGE$190   54,000 PKR
HIGH$1,000   290,000 PKR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$35   9,800 PKR
AVERAGE$110   29,000 PKR
HIGH$560   160,000 PKR
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$12   3,300 PKR
AVERAGE$35   9,800 PKR
HIGH$190   52,000 PKR
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$99   28,000 PKR
AVERAGE$300   83,000 PKR
HIGH$1,600   440,000 PKR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Karachi

Housing25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$260   73,000 PKR
AVERAGE$750   210,000 PKR
HIGH$4,100   1.2M PKR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$66   18,000 PKR
AVERAGE$190   52,000 PKR
HIGH$1,000   290,000 PKR
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)

LOW$150   41,000 PKR
AVERAGE$420   120,000 PKR
HIGH$2,300   650,000 PKR
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)

LOW$66   18,000 PKR
AVERAGE$190   52,000 PKR
HIGH$1,000   290,000 PKR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$41   11,000 PKR
AVERAGE$120   33,000 PKR
HIGH$640   180,000 PKR
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$110   32,000 PKR
AVERAGE$330   92,000 PKR
HIGH$1,800   500,000 PKR
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$98   27,000 PKR
AVERAGE$280   78,000 PKR
HIGH$1,500   430,000 PKR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Karachi

Housing17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$65   18,000 PKR
AVERAGE$160   46,000 PKR
HIGH$290   82,000 PKR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$11   3,000 PKR
AVERAGE$27   7,600 PKR
HIGH$49   14,000 PKR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel3%

3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$19   5,300 PKR
AVERAGE$48   13,000 PKR
HIGH$86   24,000 PKR
Per Month

Food and Groceries24%

24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)

LOW$54   15,000 PKR
AVERAGE$140   38,000 PKR
HIGH$240   68,000 PKR
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)

LOW$16   4,600 PKR
AVERAGE$41   11,000 PKR
HIGH$73   21,000 PKR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$14   3,800 PKR
AVERAGE$34   9,500 PKR
HIGH$61   17,000 PKR
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$52   14,000 PKR
AVERAGE$130   36,000 PKR
HIGH$230   65,000 PKR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$41   11,000 PKR
AVERAGE$100   28,000 PKR
HIGH$180   51,000 PKR
Per Month
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