Cost of Living in Peshawar - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $417 monthly including rent, or $232 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $600 with rent, or $409 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $783 including rent, or $586 for daily expenses alone.

Peshawar sits 70–73% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (62% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.46 PKR 681
$0.73 PKR 202
$7.29 PKR 2,020
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$8.76 PKR 2,429
$7.30 PKR 2,022
$39.05 PKR 10.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.77 PKR 1,323
$4.24 PKR 1,176
$7.06 PKR 1,958
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.21 PKR 613
$1.11 PKR 307
$7.39 PKR 2,048
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.87 PKR 795
$2.50 PKR 693
$7.16 PKR 1,983
Cappuccino
$1.25 PKR 346
$0.54 PKR 148
$5.36 PKR 1,486
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.31 PKR 84.8
$0.21 PKR 58.3
$0.41 PKR 114
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.16 PKR 45.42
$0.16 PKR 43.03
$0.31 PKR 86.1
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.98 PKR 273
$0.74 PKR 204
$1.35 PKR 375
White Bread (500g)
$0.74 PKR 205
$0.31 PKR 86.2
$1.05 PKR 291
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.08 PKR 300
$0.73 PKR 202
$1.57 PKR 435
Eggs
$1.12 PKR 309
$0.74 PKR 204
$1.77 PKR 491
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.45 PKR 956
$1.40 PKR 388
$11.21 PKR 3,108
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.10 PKR 860
$1.38 PKR 383
$4.31 PKR 1,194
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.64 PKR 1,010
$3.17 PKR 880
$7.04 PKR 1,951
Apples (1kg)
$1.23 PKR 342
$0.56 PKR 154
$2.05 PKR 567
Banana (1kg)
$0.51 PKR 143
$0.34 PKR 95.1
$1.20 PKR 333
Oranges (1kg)
$0.63 PKR 174
$0.19 PKR 52.3
$3.03 PKR 839
Tomato (1kg)
$0.46 PKR 127
$0.21 PKR 59.2
$1.22 PKR 339
Potato (1kg)
$0.29 PKR 81.0
$0.19 PKR 52.1
$0.75 PKR 208
Onion (1kg)
$0.31 PKR 85.1
$0.17 PKR 47.86
$0.52 PKR 144
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.27 PKR 74.4
$0.11 PKR 29.22
$0.69 PKR 191
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.25 PKR 68.5
$0.13 PKR 36.87
$0.51 PKR 142
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$1.94 PKR 539
$0.71 PKR 198
$8.95 PKR 2,481
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.70 PKR 193
$0.52 PKR 145
$2.27 PKR 628
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73 PKR 204
$0.73 PKR 204
$3.68 PKR 1,021
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.85 PKR 512
$1.66 PKR 461
$3.70 PKR 1,027
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.23 PKR 64.0
$0.19 PKR 52.3
$0.26 PKR 72.7
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$12.67 PKR 3,513
$4.19 PKR 1,163
$14.58 PKR 4,042
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.10 PKR 304
$0.73 PKR 203
$1.83 PKR 506
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.70 PKR 195
$0.28 PKR 78.4
$1.05 PKR 292
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.46 PKR 403
$1.09 PKR 303
$2.18 PKR 605
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.11 PKR 307
$0.88 PKR 245
$1.45 PKR 401
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.8K PKR 6.3M
$16.4K PKR 4.6M
$54.8K PKR 15.2M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.0K PKR 6.9M
$23.3K PKR 6.5M
$28.7K PKR 7.9M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$101 PKR 28.1K
$71.2 PKR 19.7K
$214 PKR 59.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$5.77 PKR 1,599
$3.63 PKR 1,006
$10.87 PKR 3,014
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$14.47 PKR 4,012
$9.05 PKR 2,508
$28.94 PKR 8,021
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$15.55 PKR 4,310
$12.80 PKR 3,548
$18.29 PKR 5,069
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.05 PKR 1,676
$1.81 PKR 502
$10.88 PKR 3,017
Cinema Ticket
$1.92 PKR 533
$1.75 PKR 485
$7.01 PKR 1,943
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$46.40 PKR 12.9K
$32.13 PKR 8,906
$143 PKR 39.6K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,981 PKR 1.4M
$1,505 PKR 417.3K
$12.3K PKR 3.4M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$7.10 PKR 1,967
$7.10 PKR 1,967
$53.2 PKR 14.8K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$16.36 PKR 4,536
$9.09 PKR 2,521
$65.4 PKR 18.1K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$51.3 PKR 14.2K
$29.32 PKR 8,126
$128 PKR 35.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$39.09 PKR 10.8K
$17.70 PKR 4,906
$99.1 PKR 27.5K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$127 PKR 35.1K
$127 PKR 35.1K
$127 PKR 35.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$78.7 PKR 21.8K
$65.9 PKR 18.3K
$91.5 PKR 25.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$199 PKR 55.2K
$181 PKR 50.2K
$217 PKR 60.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$119 PKR 33.0K
$91.7 PKR 25.4K
$147 PKR 40.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$151 PKR 42.0K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11
6
17

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

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $127 for a central one-bedroom, or $78.7 outside the center. At 84% of the average salary ($151), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $151, while typical expenses reach $417. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $82.0 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $9.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $12.67 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $34.00).

Cost Highlights

Average monthly net salary is lower than 96% of cities in Asia

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 94% of cities in Asia

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is cheaper than 93% of cities in Asia

Peshawar Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
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Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Peshawar - Frequently Asked Questions
Is the overall affordability of Peshawar, Pakistan good for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare with other cities in the region?
The Cost of Living in Peshawar, Pakistan is generally approachable for longer stays, with affordable street food, simple transit options, and modest housing relative to larger metros. Local neighborhoods vary: the old city can feel vibrant and budget-friendly, while newer apartments near universities offer reliable comfort at a similar or slightly higher price. Utilities and services are typically reasonable, though you’ll notice seasonal shifts in energy use. Plan with a flexible budget that accounts for groceries, occasional imports, and social outings. Tip: learn the local markets and bargaining norms to stretch every rupee.
What does daily life look like for a traveler or expat in Peshawar, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Daily life centers on market-due convenience, strong local cuisine, and accessible transit. For housing, search near arterial streets or university pockets; you’ll find good value in modest apartments or shared housing, with varying security considerations. Food options range from vendors with affordable staples to cafes that suit remote work. Transport relies on rickshaws, ride-hailing apps, and walkable neighborhoods. If you need a coworking setup, look for small tech or business hubs near educational campuses. If you need a quick budgeting frame, understand the Peshawar, Pakistan living cost by mapping weekly groceries, transit, and meals. Tip: carry cash for street markets and use safe transport after dark.
What are best practices for balancing quality of life and budgeting, including seasonality, neighborhood fit, and saving tips in Peshawar?
Quality of life is tied to neighborhood fit and a practical budgeting approach. Seasonality affects energy and dining plans, so have a plan for hot summers and chilly winters. Use a simple framework: fixed costs (rent, utilities, essential groceries) plus a flexible envelope for dining, transport, and activities. Compare areas by safety, access to markets, clinics, and coworking spaces, not just rent. Embrace local markets, seasonal produce, and reasonable transit options to stretch each rupee. Tip: test a few neighborhoods for a month each before deciding, and build a rotating routine to keep costs predictable.
What is the average cost of living in Peshawar?
A single person in Peshawar typically spends $417 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $232. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Peshawar in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Peshawar come to around $417 including rent, or roughly $232 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Peshawar?
Around $625 take-home puts you in a comfortable spot in Peshawar – enough for rent, food, bills, and a bit of savings. Drop below that and you'll probably need to share a flat, stick to cooking at home, or pick a neighborhood further out.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Peshawar?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Peshawar range from $78.7 to $127, 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.
How expensive is a gym membership in Peshawar?
Fitness in Peshawar is cheap at around $15.55 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in Peshawar?
Peshawar is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $82.0, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in Peshawar?
$800 stretches far in Peshawar – all-in monthly costs average only $417. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Peshawar a good place to live?
Living in Peshawar means access to great local cuisine, multilingual environment at about $417 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Can you save money living in Peshawar?
Monthly expenses in Peshawar run around $417, so putting money aside takes more than $625 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Peshawar good for backpackers on a budget?
Budget travelers love Peshawar – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $417 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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