Cost of Living in Muzaffarabad - Updated Prices & Insights

15.26
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $211 (excluding rent), and $284 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $525 (excluding rent), and $691 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$1.45 PKR 410
$0.91 PKR 256
$3.27 PKR 924
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.08 PKR 3,975
$7.03 PKR 1,986
$24.63 PKR 6,956
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$2.17 PKR 614
$2.17 PKR 614
$5.98 PKR 1,690
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.45 PKR 409
$1.27 PKR 359
$2.9 PKR 820
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.5 PKR 989
$2.52 PKR 711
$7.18 PKR 2,027
Cappuccino
$1.05 PKR 296
$1.05 PKR 296
$2.03 PKR 573
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.32 PKR 89.2
$0.24 PKR 67.6
$0.51 PKR 143
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.21 PKR 59.1
$0.17 PKR 48.38
$0.33 PKR 94.1
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.81 PKR 228
$0.7 PKR 197
$1.02 PKR 289
White Bread (500g)
$0.55 PKR 156
$0.36 PKR 101
$0.9 PKR 254
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.21 PKR 341
$0.9 PKR 253
$1.37 PKR 388
Eggs
$1.18 PKR 333
$0.87 PKR 246
$1.42 PKR 400
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.29 PKR 1,776
$4.35 PKR 1,228
$9.43 PKR 2,662
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.58 PKR 729
$2.24 PKR 633
$4.13 PKR 1,167
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$2.87 PKR 811
$2.75 PKR 778
$5.16 PKR 1,457
Apples (1kg)
$0.94 PKR 265
$0.51 PKR 144
$1.35 PKR 382
Banana (1kg)
$0.64 PKR 181
$0.34 PKR 96.1
$1.03 PKR 291
Oranges (1kg)
$0.54 PKR 153
$0.36 PKR 101
$1.27 PKR 359
Tomato (1kg)
$0.43 PKR 123
$0.17 PKR 49.06
$0.85 PKR 240
Potato (1kg)
$0.37 PKR 103
$0.19 PKR 53.2
$0.48 PKR 136
Onion (1kg)
$0.44 PKR 124
$0.22 PKR 63.1
$0.69 PKR 195
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.24 PKR 67.5
$0.11 PKR 29.72
$0.33 PKR 91.9
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.34 PKR 95.2
$0.27 PKR 76.2
$0.51 PKR 144
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$1.43 PKR 403
$1.43 PKR 403
$35.81 PKR 10.1K
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.99 PKR 279
$0.76 PKR 216
$1.38 PKR 390
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.27 PKR 642
$1.72 PKR 486
$2.75 PKR 777
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.39 PKR 393
$0.87 PKR 246
$2.27 PKR 642
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.33 PKR 94.5
$0.11 PKR 29.69
$0.33 PKR 94.5
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$7.37 PKR 2,082
$2.77 PKR 783
$7.38 PKR 2,085
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.86 PKR 244
$0.52 PKR 147
$1.74 PKR 491
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.35 PKR 99.3
$0.26 PKR 73
$1.29 PKR 365
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$2.66 PKR 751
$2.66 PKR 751
$3.59 PKR 1,015
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.92 PKR 259
$0.87 PKR 245
$1.05 PKR 296
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18K PKR 5.1M
$14.4K PKR 4.1M
$20.5K PKR 5.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.9K PKR 6.5M
$22.5K PKR 6.4M
$24.2K PKR 6.8M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$53.2 PKR 15K
$53.2 PKR 15K
$177 PKR 50K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.13 PKR 1,167
$3.06 PKR 865
$5.39 PKR 1,523
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.66 PKR 3,292
$8.97 PKR 2,533
$26.9 PKR 7,598
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$6.92 PKR 1,956
$6.92 PKR 1,956
$6.92 PKR 1,956
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.41 PKR 1,527
$1.81 PKR 510
$9.02 PKR 2,548
Cinema Ticket
$3.56 PKR 1,006
$3.56 PKR 1,006
$5.33 PKR 1,507
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$24.96 PKR 7,051
$17.83 PKR 5,035
$89.1 PKR 25.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$961 PKR 271.6K
$523 PKR 147.6K
$2,148 PKR 606.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$5.35 PKR 1,511
$4.64 PKR 1,311
$24.99 PKR 7,058
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$8.7 PKR 2,457
$8.7 PKR 2,457
$31.33 PKR 8,847
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$88.2 PKR 24.9K
$63.7 PKR 18K
$93.8 PKR 26.5K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$10.72 PKR 3,027
$10.72 PKR 3,027
$39.3 PKR 11.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$59.6 PKR 16.8K
$28.58 PKR 8,072
$89.3 PKR 25.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$27.29 PKR 7,708
$14.24 PKR 4,023
$35.61 PKR 10.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$143 PKR 40.4K
$125 PKR 35.4K
$161 PKR 45.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$108 PKR 30.4K
$52.1 PKR 14.7K
$202 PKR 56.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$662 PKR 187.1K
$186 PKR 52.5K
$662 PKR 187.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$337 PKR 95.2K
$97.4 PKR 27.5K
$337 PKR 95.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$170 PKR 48K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
19
15
27
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Muzaffarabad - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Muzaffarabad compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Muzaffarabad offers a surprisingly comfortable lifestyle for a modest budget, especially if you favor local options over imported goods. You will find affordable street food and groceries, flexible housing choices, and varied workspaces that don't strain savings. Utilities and internet can be reasonable, though availability varies by neighborhood. For longer stays, shared apartments, guesthouses, and smaller hotels tend to offer good value, while hillside quarters provide scenic living at manageable costs. Cost of Living in Muzaffarabad keeps things approachable for many budgets. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods, then lock in a longer lease or coworking plan.
What does daily life look like in Muzaffarabad in terms of housing, neighborhoods, food, transport, and errands?
Housing ranges from charming older buildings near the river to newer apartments on the hills, with rental terms that often favor longer stays. Look for neighborhoods that balance quiet streets with access to markets and cafes; the central bazaar area is lively, while hillside pockets offer cooler air and views. Food options are rich in local produce, with seasonal fruit, fresh bread, and affordable meals from street vendors. For transport, most people rely on taxis, buses, or shared rides; walking is pleasant in many zones. Muzaffarabad living cost remains favorable relative to bigger cities. Tip: Map out a short list of must-haves and visit a few neighborhoods at different times of day before committing to a lease.
What quality-of-life aspects matter for budgeting and lifestyle, and how can you save while staying, with seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life here hinges on balance: access to nature, reliable internet in a calm setting, and local markets within easy reach. Build a simple monthly plan that focuses on essentials like housing, utilities, food, and transport, then set flexible limits for discretionary spending. Take advantage of seasonal markets for fresh produce, and consider longer stays in neighborhoods that reduce commute and time wasted. Monsoon and winter bring changes in clothing needs and travel plans, so plan wardrobe and trips accordingly. Tip: Use coworking spaces during the week and shop at markets to stretch your budget while keeping a comfortable pace.
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