Last update: Oct 2026 Pakistan 11.1M

Cost of Living in Lahore

For one person, living costs in Lahore are estimated at $516 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $10 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Lahore

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

Living costs for one person come to about $516 monthly including rent, or $302 excluding housing.

$516 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $785 with rent, or $513 without housing.

$785 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,054 including rent, or $725 for daily expenses alone.

$1,054 /mo

Lahore sits about 63% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (51% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Lahore? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.55 PKR 705
$1.82 PKR 504
$5.46 PKR 1,510
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.61 PKR 4,043
$10.96 PKR 3,032
$33.57 PKR 9,290
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.75 PKR 1,590
$4.30 PKR 1,191
$7.18 PKR 1,987
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.50 PKR 970
$1.40 PKR 387
$7.01 PKR 1,940
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.29 PKR 1,465
$3.53 PKR 976
$7.05 PKR 1,952
Cappuccino
$2.66 PKR 736
$1.47 PKR 408
$3.69 PKR 1,022
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.41 PKR 114
$0.26 PKR 71.0
$0.55 PKR 153
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.25 PKR 69.4
$0.19 PKR 52.1
$0.45 PKR 124
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.97 PKR 269
$0.83 PKR 229
$1.29 PKR 356
White Bread (500g)
$0.73 PKR 202
$0.49 PKR 134
$0.87 PKR 242
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.20 PKR 332
$0.78 PKR 217
$1.43 PKR 395
Eggs
$1.15 PKR 318
$0.77 PKR 212
$1.51 PKR 418
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.16 PKR 1,705
$2.49 PKR 688
$14.19 PKR 3,927
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.63 PKR 727
$1.86 PKR 516
$3.53 PKR 978
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.98 PKR 1,378
$3.66 PKR 1,013
$5.86 PKR 1,622
Apples (1kg)
$1.18 PKR 328
$0.44 PKR 122
$1.77 PKR 491
Banana (1kg)
$0.64 PKR 177
$0.34 PKR 95.1
$1.03 PKR 285
Oranges (1kg)
$0.84 PKR 232
$0.28 PKR 76.6
$1.90 PKR 526
Tomato (1kg)
$0.64 PKR 177
$0.17 PKR 47.63
$1.20 PKR 333
Potato (1kg)
$0.32 PKR 88.7
$0.09 PKR 25.76
$0.56 PKR 155
Onion (1kg)
$0.36 PKR 101
$0.17 PKR 47.60
$0.69 PKR 190
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.48 PKR 132
$0.17 PKR 48.40
$1.05 PKR 290
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.35 PKR 96.6
$0.28 PKR 77.8
$0.52 PKR 145
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$1.05 PKR 291
$0.57 PKR 156
$1.99 PKR 550
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.64 PKR 177
$0.37 PKR 101
$1.10 PKR 304
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.67 PKR 462
$0.71 PKR 197
$2.24 PKR 620
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.14 PKR 592
$1.60 PKR 442
$2.50 PKR 691
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.18 PKR 48.50
$0.14 PKR 37.72
$0.21 PKR 59.3
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$5.38 PKR 1,490
$1.80 PKR 498
$8.97 PKR 2,482
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.93 PKR 257
$0.74 PKR 206
$1.67 PKR 463
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.70 PKR 193
$0.35 PKR 96.6
$1.05 PKR 290
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.84 PKR 510
$1.28 PKR 355
$2.21 PKR 612
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.35 PKR 374
$0.95 PKR 262
$1.42 PKR 393
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.2K PKR 5.0M
$17.5K PKR 4.8M
$18.2K PKR 5.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.2K PKR 7.0M
$22.0K PKR 6.1M
$26.6K PKR 7.4M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$129 PKR 35.6K
$73.4 PKR 20.3K
$275 PKR 76.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$5.47 PKR 1,514
$3.36 PKR 931
$8.85 PKR 2,450
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$16.58 PKR 4,590
$11.00 PKR 3,044
$26.39 PKR 7,305
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$22.55 PKR 6,240
$8.98 PKR 2,485
$53.8 PKR 14.9K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$10.92 PKR 3,022
$7.09 PKR 1,964
$14.19 PKR 3,927
Cinema Ticket
$4.20 PKR 1,163
$3.50 PKR 970
$8.76 PKR 2,425
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$48.64 PKR 13.5K
$21.99 PKR 6,087
$91.6 PKR 25.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,013 PKR 557.0K
$855 PKR 236.5K
$7,546 PKR 2.1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$17.94 PKR 4,964
$9.08 PKR 2,513
$29.04 PKR 8,036
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.60 PKR 7,638
$14.28 PKR 3,952
$71.4 PKR 19.8K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$74.4 PKR 20.6K
$36.46 PKR 10.1K
$102 PKR 28.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$33.12 PKR 9,167
$14.59 PKR 4,037
$72.9 PKR 20.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$167 PKR 46.2K
$109 PKR 30.3K
$298 PKR 82.4K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$86.0 PKR 23.8K
$53.8 PKR 14.9K
$144 PKR 39.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$354 PKR 98.0K
$199 PKR 55.1K
$724 PKR 200.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$201 PKR 55.5K
$109 PKR 30.0K
$362 PKR 100.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$800 PKR 221.3K
$606 PKR 167.6K
$973 PKR 269.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$606 PKR 167.6K
$513 PKR 141.9K
$631 PKR 174.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$201 PKR 55.6K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
14.05
11.5
19

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Lahore $516
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$151
Groceries & Markets
$97
Accommodation & Living
$86
Eating Out
$72
Clothing & Footwear
$69
Sport & Entertainment
$31
Getting Around
$11

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $167 for a central one-bedroom, or $86.0 outside the center. At 83% of the average salary ($201), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $201, while typical expenses reach $516. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $97.0 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $15.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $5.38 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Public transport monthly pass is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia

Lahore is cheaper than 90% of cities worldwide and 69% within Asia.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
21:16 9:16 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
11,126,285
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to PKR – Pakistani Rupee Converter

Pakistani Rupee exchange rates as of October 19, 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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Lahore Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Lahore - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lahore affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and is it good value overall?
Think of Lahore as a city where value often comes from balancing price and experience. When you compare housing, groceries, local transit, and leisure, Cost of Living in Lahore tends to be affordable relative to many global hubs, especially if you target mid-range neighborhoods and shorter stays. Accommodation options range from modest apartments to shared spaces; street food and markets can stretch budgets, while costs shift with season and neighborhood. You can find inexpensive street food that still feels fresh, while Western-style options appear primarily in certain areas. For longer stays, consider serviced apartments or co-living spaces in established districts to flatten monthly costs. Tip: prioritize neighborhoods with good transit access to keep daily expenses predictable.
What does daily life look like in Lahore, including housing, food, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Lahore centers on neighborhood choice, food options, and getting around. For housing, seek mid-rise apartments or shared flats in established districts with easy transit access; utilities are commonly negotiated, and some landlords include them in rent. Food options range from bustling markets and street vendors to modern cafes; groceries are inexpensive if you shop local. Transport leans on buses, rickshaws, and ride-hailing apps, with many nomads enjoying a bike for short hops. Lahore living cost varies by neighborhood, so weigh rent against proximity to work or co-working spots. Tip: map a flexible weekly routine to keep transport costs predictable.
How does Lahore influence your quality of life, and what budgeting approach helps you adapt while exploring neighborhoods?
Quality of life in Lahore blends rich culture, climate, and approachable costs. A realistic budgeting framework is to split your income into housing, utilities, meals, and experiences, then test neighborhoods by week: old city cores for flavor, newer districts for expat convenience, and riverfronts for calmer evenings. Consider seasonal shifts: summer heat changes routines, monsoon rain affects transport, and festival periods can raise demand in popular areas. Save by shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and using public transit over taxis for longer hops. Tip: keep a monthly buffer for utilities and occasional travel to nearby towns.
Is Lahore a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Lahore than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $516 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is rent in Lahore too high relative to local incomes?
With 83% of the average paycheck going to rent, Lahore is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Lahore?
Earning $775 monthly in Lahore means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Lahore?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Lahore range from $86.0 to $167, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is public transport affordable in Lahore?
A monthly transit pass in Lahore runs about $5.38, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Lahore?
Groceries in Lahore cost around $97.0 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Lahore?
$1,200 stretches far in Lahore – all-in monthly costs average only $516. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Lahore?
Lahore offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value wellness scene, café culture, great local cuisine, and at around $516 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Lahore?
Monthly expenses in Lahore run around $516, so putting money aside takes more than $775 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Lahore?
Budget travelers love Lahore – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $516 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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