Cost Of Living For a Student in Kabul 2024

Average monthly spending for students in Kabul

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Kabul?

Students in Kabul spend around 62,000 AFN per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 9,300 AFN or as high as 410,000 AFN. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Kabul?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Kabul typically spend from 12% to 23% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 17% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 15,000 AFN with expenditure ranging from 2,200 AFN to 99,000 AFN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kabul ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 2,500 AFN with 370 AFN and 16,000 AFN being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 650 AFN to 29,000 AFN in a month on commuting with 4,300 AFN being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Kabul is 12,000 AFN. The cost of groceries can range between 1,900 AFN to 82,000 AFN. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Kabul allocate 6% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 560 AFN to 25,000 AFN with 3,700 AFN being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 470 AFN to 21,000 AFN with 3,100 AFN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 12,000 AFN per month with 1,800 AFN being the minimum spent amount and 78,000 AFN being the maximum.

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

Affordable living in Kabul

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kabul?

Around 59% of surveyed students 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 students 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 students 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 For Students

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 students of Kabul whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes59%

No41%

Based on the survey, 41% of the students 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 student guardians and parents in Kabul 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 students of Afghanistan have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked 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%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kabul

Rent Cost in Kabul

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

10,000 AFN

15,000 AFN

41,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140

$210

$550

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

15,000 AFN

24,000 AFN

61,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210

$330

$830

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

20,000 AFN

31,000 AFN

81,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$280

$420

$1,100

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

24,000 AFN

41,000 AFN

110,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$330

$550

$1,500

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

49,000 AFN

120,000 AFN

240,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$660

$1,700

$3,300

Townhouse monthly rent cost

41,000 AFN

61,000 AFN

170,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$550

$830

$2,400

House monthly rent cost

49,000 AFN

120,000 AFN

240,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$660

$1,700

$3,300

Villa monthly rent cost

61,000 AFN

150,000 AFN

240,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$830

$2,100

$3,300

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 price

2M AFN

3.1M AFN

6.1M AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$28,000

$42,000

$83,000

1-bedroom apartment price

2.4M AFN

4.1M AFN

15M AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$33,000

$55,000

$210,000

2-bedroom apartment price

4.1M AFN

12M AFN

24M AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$55,000

$170,000

$330,000

3-bedroom apartment price

14M AFN

20M AFN

61M AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$180,000

$280,000

$830,000

Townhouse price

17M AFN

41M AFN

150M AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$240,000

$550,000

$2.1M

House price

20M AFN

120M AFN

170M AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$280,000

$1.7M

$2.4M

Villa price

24M AFN

140M AFN

200M AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$330,000

$1.8M

$2.8M

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.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Kabul

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

370 AFN

2,500 AFN

16,000 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.1

$34

$220

Internet and cable cost

550 AFN

1,100 AFN

1,500 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$7.5

$15

$20

Mobile phone bill and charges

440 AFN

740 AFN

2,200 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$6

$10

$30

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 2,500 AFN. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 550 AFN to 1,500 AFN with 1,100 AFN being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 740 AFN but can range between 440 AFN and 2,200 AFN depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kabul is around 6.5%. This means that people pay 6.5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.3% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kabul

Prices and cost of goods and services in Kabul

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

Fast food combo meal price

110 AFN

220 AFN

370 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$3

$5

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kabul is approximatly 220 AFN with meal cost ranging from 110 AFN to 370 AFN. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

390 AFN

580 AFN

1,200 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.3

$7.9

$16

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 390 AFN and 1,200 AFN with 580 AFN being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kabul.

Fine dining meal for one price

780 AFN

1,200 AFN

4,700 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$16

$63

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 780 AFN to 4,700 AFN with the average cost being 1,200 AFN for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kabul.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

92 AFN

150 AFN

220 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.3

$2

$3

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kabul is around 150 AFN. Price ranges between 92 AFN and 220 AFN depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

74 AFN

89 AFN

110 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1

$1.2

$1.5

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kabul is 89 AFN. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 110 AFN and the minimum being 74 AFN depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

55 AFN

74 AFN

110 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.75

$1

$1.5

A dozen eggs costs around 74 AFN on average with 55 AFN and 110 AFN being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

130 AFN

160 AFN

230 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.7

$2.2

$3.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kabul is between 130 AFN and 230 AFN depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 160 AFN.

Pack of beef price

150 AFN

220 AFN

440 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2

$3

$6

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 220 AFN. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

60 AFN

81 AFN

120 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.81

$1.1

$1.6

A bag of rice in Kabul costs around 81 AFN on average with prices rangeing between 60 AFN and 120 AFN depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

22 AFN

30 AFN

55 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.30

$0.40

$0.75

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 22 AFN to 55 AFN. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

40 AFN

52 AFN

85 AFN

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.54

$0.71

$1.2

A bag of apples costs 52 AFN on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kabul is around 29%. This means that students spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 36% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students