Last update: Oct 2026 Pakistan 216.8K

Cost of Living in Gilgit

For one person, living costs in Gilgit are estimated at $439 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $9 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Gilgit

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Gilgit actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $439 per month with rent, or $262 for everyday expenses alone.

$439 /mo

A couple spends around $656 per month with rent, or $442 for everyday expenses alone.

$656 /mo

A family of three spends around $872 per month with rent, or $621 without housing.

$872 /mo

Overall, Gilgit is about 69% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (58% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Gilgit? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$1.48 PKR 411
$1.40 PKR 387
$1.57 PKR 435
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$10.94 PKR 3,029
$8.75 PKR 2,422
$29.18 PKR 8,076
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.30 PKR 1,467
$3.53 PKR 977
$7.06 PKR 1,954
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.60 PKR 719
$1.22 PKR 338
$3.71 PKR 1,026
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.29 PKR 1,464
$2.56 PKR 708
$7.30 PKR 2,021
Cappuccino
$1.64 PKR 454
$0.73 PKR 202
$3.29 PKR 911
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.32 PKR 89.9
$0.24 PKR 66.1
$0.69 PKR 190
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.21 PKR 58.3
$0.19 PKR 52.4
$0.38 PKR 105
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.79 PKR 220
$0.71 PKR 195
$1.20 PKR 333
White Bread (500g)
$0.64 PKR 176
$0.42 PKR 115
$1.05 PKR 291
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.14 PKR 315
$0.74 PKR 205
$1.56 PKR 432
Eggs
$1.14 PKR 316
$0.72 PKR 200
$1.50 PKR 416
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.62 PKR 1,556
$2.81 PKR 776
$11.21 PKR 3,103
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.46 PKR 682
$1.58 PKR 437
$4.22 PKR 1,167
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.86 PKR 1,344
$3.21 PKR 890
$7.14 PKR 1,976
Apples (1kg)
$1.17 PKR 325
$0.56 PKR 154
$1.86 PKR 515
Banana (1kg)
$0.55 PKR 152
$0.35 PKR 97.5
$1.06 PKR 292
Oranges (1kg)
$0.79 PKR 219
$0.38 PKR 104
$1.89 PKR 522
Tomato (1kg)
$0.56 PKR 155
$0.23 PKR 63.3
$0.94 PKR 259
Potato (1kg)
$0.30 PKR 83.8
$0.19 PKR 52.0
$0.56 PKR 156
Onion (1kg)
$0.39 PKR 107
$0.19 PKR 51.9
$0.68 PKR 188
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.45 PKR 124
$0.15 PKR 40.44
$0.75 PKR 208
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.37 PKR 103
$0.30 PKR 83.1
$0.56 PKR 155
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$1.80 PKR 499
$0.57 PKR 157
$4.24 PKR 1,173
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.11 PKR 307
$0.56 PKR 156
$1.86 PKR 514
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34 PKR 649
$0.71 PKR 195
$2.83 PKR 784
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.95 PKR 539
$1.49 PKR 412
$2.83 PKR 783
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.17 PKR 48.31
$0.14 PKR 37.58
$0.24 PKR 67.1
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$10.11 PKR 2,797
$3.67 PKR 1,017
$11.02 PKR 3,050
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.06 PKR 292
$0.70 PKR 195
$1.77 PKR 490
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.71 PKR 196
$0.29 PKR 79.0
$1.06 PKR 294
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.61 PKR 444
$1.07 PKR 296
$2.15 PKR 595
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.18 PKR 326
$0.89 PKR 247
$1.41 PKR 391
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.3K PKR 5.9M
$16.0K PKR 4.4M
$35.2K PKR 9.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.4K PKR 6.7M
$22.5K PKR 6.2M
$28.3K PKR 7.8M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$100 PKR 27.7K
$71.0 PKR 19.6K
$213 PKR 58.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$5.54 PKR 1,535
$3.57 PKR 989
$8.94 PKR 2,475
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$14.42 PKR 3,991
$9.02 PKR 2,496
$28.84 PKR 7,982
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$15.11 PKR 4,182
$5.50 PKR 1,522
$27.48 PKR 7,607
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.27 PKR 2,289
$0.93 PKR 258
$8.32 PKR 2,303
Cinema Ticket
$4.35 PKR 1,204
$3.63 PKR 1,004
$7.25 PKR 2,007
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$43.23 PKR 12.0K
$21.98 PKR 6,083
$110 PKR 30.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,055 PKR 292.1K
$880 PKR 243.5K
$4,399 PKR 1.2M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$17.11 PKR 4,735
$7.33 PKR 2,029
$29.32 PKR 8,115
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$23.40 PKR 6,476
$9.10 PKR 2,519
$54.6 PKR 15.1K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$66.6 PKR 18.4K
$28.35 PKR 7,846
$124 PKR 34.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$33.21 PKR 9,191
$14.62 PKR 4,048
$54.8 PKR 15.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$126 PKR 34.8K
$71.9 PKR 19.9K
$182 PKR 50.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$76.8 PKR 21.3K
$39.52 PKR 10.9K
$98.8 PKR 27.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$257 PKR 71.0K
$147 PKR 40.6K
$324 PKR 89.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$150 PKR 41.6K
$90.9 PKR 25.2K
$182 PKR 50.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$926 PKR 256.4K
$180 PKR 49.7K
$926 PKR 256.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$474 PKR 131.2K
$306 PKR 84.7K
$612 PKR 169.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13
10
19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 19, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Gilgit $439
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$120
Groceries & Markets
$90
Accommodation & Living
$77
Clothing & Footwear
$63
Eating Out
$50
Sport & Entertainment
$24
Getting Around
$15

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $90.0 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $11.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $10.11 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Meal at budget restaurant is cheaper than 93% of cities in Asia

Gilgit is cheaper than 92% of cities worldwide and 76% within Asia.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
12:41 12:41 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
216,760
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to PKR – Pakistani Rupee Converter

Pakistani Rupee exchange rates as of October 22, 2026: 1 USD = 277 PKR (1,000 PKR = 3.61 USD). 1 EUR = 311 PKR (1,000 PKR = 3.21 EUR).

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Gilgit Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Gilgit - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Gilgit for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with bigger Pakistani cities?
Gilgit typically offers lower costs than Pakistan's megacities, especially for housing and local meals. You will find budget stays ranging from simple guesthouses to compact apartments, with markets and amenities within a short walk. Daily food from street stalls and casual eateries is approachable, and public transport remains affordable, though it is basic. Tourism seasonality can shift prices in popular spots, but you can maintain value by choosing neighborhoods a bit away from the center. Cost of Living in Gilgit, Pakistan reflects the balance between mountain-town charm and practical, government-town practicality. Tip: map a couple of friendly guesthouses and test two different days for a feel of daily expenses.
What does daily life look like in Gilgit in terms of housing, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Gilgit centers on practical routines and local flavor. Housing searches happen through local agents and smaller listings, often yielding stays in guesthouses or compact apartments with quick access to markets. Food options range from roadside stalls to family-run eateries; fresh produce and dairy appear daily at the bazaar. Local transport includes shared taxis, minibuses, and walking; schedules can be flexible, and weather can affect availability. For errands and coworking, a few options exist but may require planning ahead. Gilgit, Pakistan living cost varies by distance from the center and season. Tip: build a short list of reliable spots to minimize back-and-forth.
What makes Gilgit a good fit for different budgets and neighborhoods, and how should you approach budgeting given seasonality?
Gilgit can suit a range of budgets if you balance location, pace, and season. For a tighter budget, base yourself on the outskirts and use local markets for meals; you’ll trade convenience for value. If you need reliable connectivity, factor in a modest spend on a coworking space or a guesthouse with work-friendly spaces. Neighborhood fit often means proximity to markets, views, and transport routes; in winter, plan for higher heating or fuel needs. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate housing, food, transport, and discretionary days, then track weekly. Tip: schedule a trial week in a couple of neighborhoods to sense daily rhythms.
What is the average cost of living in Gilgit?
A single person in Gilgit typically spends $439 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $262. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Why is Gilgit considered affordable?
Gilgit is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $439, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Gilgit?
You'll want at least $659 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Gilgit. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Gilgit?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Gilgit runs about $126 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $76.8. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Gilgit?
Food in Gilgit is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $90.0 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How much is public transport in Gilgit?
Getting around Gilgit by public transport costs about $10.11 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Gilgit?
$800 a month in Gilgit? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $439, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Gilgit good for expats?
Gilgit works well for expats – there's a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
How affordable is Gilgit?
Gilgit is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $439 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Gilgit good for backpackers on a budget?
Gilgit is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $439 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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