Cost of Living in Peshawar - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $379 monthly including rent, or $256 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $564 with rent, or $364 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $749 including rent, or $472 for daily expenses alone.

Peshawar sits about 74% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (64% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.23 PKR 621
$1.72 PKR 478
$3.43 PKR 955
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$10.77 PKR 2,995
$8.97 PKR 2,495
$14.36 PKR 3,994
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$3.58 PKR 996
$3.04 PKR 846
$4.29 PKR 1,192
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.44 PKR 401
$0.73 PKR 202
$1.99 PKR 555
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.73 PKR 758
$2.18 PKR 607
$4.73 PKR 1,316
Cappuccino
$1.77 PKR 492
$0.69 PKR 193
$3.46 PKR 963
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.28 PKR 76.8
$0.20 PKR 55.6
$0.37 PKR 103
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.17 PKR 47.72
$0.17 PKR 47.72
$0.33 PKR 92.8
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.82 PKR 227
$0.73 PKR 204
$0.91 PKR 253
White Bread (500g)
$0.61 PKR 169
$0.33 PKR 91.4
$1.82 PKR 506
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.12 PKR 312
$0.72 PKR 202
$1.81 PKR 502
Eggs
$1.24 PKR 346
$0.87 PKR 241
$1.95 PKR 542
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.36 PKR 935
$1.72 PKR 478
$10.30 PKR 2,867
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.07 PKR 855
$1.18 PKR 329
$4.09 PKR 1,137
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.66 PKR 1,017
$2.80 PKR 780
$4.20 PKR 1,169
Apples (1kg)
$1.04 PKR 290
$0.73 PKR 202
$1.16 PKR 321
Banana (1kg)
$0.65 PKR 180
$0.54 PKR 152
$0.90 PKR 252
Oranges (1kg)
$0.97 PKR 270
$0.55 PKR 154
$1.29 PKR 359
Tomato (1kg)
$0.45 PKR 126
$0.22 PKR 60.3
$0.73 PKR 204
Potato (1kg)
$0.39 PKR 109
$0.19 PKR 51.5
$0.43 PKR 120
Onion (1kg)
$0.45 PKR 124
$0.34 PKR 94.4
$0.51 PKR 143
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.22 PKR 61.1
$0.11 PKR 29.22
$0.33 PKR 93.0
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.32 PKR 88.1
$0.27 PKR 74.7
$0.58 PKR 160
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$0.75 PKR 208
$0.75 PKR 208
$5.98 PKR 1,663
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.56 PKR 435
$1.04 PKR 290
$1.92 PKR 533
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.48 PKR 969
$0.83 PKR 230
$3.48 PKR 969
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.80 PKR 502
$1.72 PKR 478
$2.75 PKR 764
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.16 PKR 45.28
$0.13 PKR 35.22
$0.16 PKR 45.28
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$6.90 PKR 1,918
$5.17 PKR 1,438
$12.00 PKR 3,338
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.68 PKR 190
$0.68 PKR 190
$1.36 PKR 378
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.75 PKR 209
$0.30 PKR 84.0
$0.93 PKR 258
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.82 PKR 507
$1.09 PKR 304
$2.91 PKR 811
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.00 PKR 278
$0.96 PKR 267
$1.06 PKR 296
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$11.9K PKR 3.3M
$11.4K PKR 3.2M
$12.4K PKR 3.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.8K PKR 6.3M
$21.6K PKR 6.0M
$25.2K PKR 7.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$96.3 PKR 26.8K
$41.66 PKR 11.6K
$156 PKR 43.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.24 PKR 1,179
$1.74 PKR 484
$10.43 PKR 2,902
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$10.89 PKR 3,028
$8.92 PKR 2,481
$26.76 PKR 7,443
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$9.91 PKR 2,757
$6.94 PKR 1,930
$13.89 PKR 3,863
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.88 PKR 1,913
$1.81 PKR 504
$10.86 PKR 3,020
Cinema Ticket
$4.28 PKR 1,191
$1.79 PKR 497
$6.43 PKR 1,789
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$30.41 PKR 8,459
$18.02 PKR 5,012
$43.25 PKR 12.0K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$519 PKR 144.5K
$342 PKR 95.0K
$683 PKR 190.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$13.14 PKR 3,656
$8.76 PKR 2,437
$17.52 PKR 4,874
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.22 PKR 5,346
$13.98 PKR 3,889
$27.95 PKR 7,775
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$38.29 PKR 10.7K
$17.40 PKR 4,841
$69.6 PKR 19.4K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$32.48 PKR 9,035
$17.71 PKR 4,927
$53.1 PKR 14.8K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$119 PKR 33.2K
$72.0 PKR 20.0K
$162 PKR 45.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$51.6 PKR 14.4K
$35.19 PKR 9,789
$70.4 PKR 19.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$206 PKR 57.4K
$125 PKR 34.9K
$287 PKR 79.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$95.5 PKR 26.6K
$89.5 PKR 24.9K
$107 PKR 29.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$173 PKR 48.0K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
21.17
16
25

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $119 for a central one-bedroom, or $51.6 outside the center. At 69% of the average salary ($173), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $173, while typical expenses reach $379. 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 $11.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $6.90 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Gym membership is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia

Peshawar Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
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 $379 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $256. 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 $379 including rent, or roughly $256 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 $569 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 $51.6 to $119, 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 $9.91 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 $379. 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 $379 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 $379, so putting money aside takes more than $569 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 $379 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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