Karachi
Lahore

Karachi vs Lahore — Cost of Living Comparison

Karachi
Pakistan
VS
Lahore
Pakistan
Estimated average living costs are ~14% lower in Lahore

Karachi

$500

avg. monthly cost

Population

16,000,000

Safety

35/100

Quality

35/100

Cost
20
Safety
35
Life
35

Lahore

$430

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,000,000

Safety

38/100

Quality

37/100

Cost
18
Safety
38
Life
37

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~14% lower in Lahore

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Karachi

$500

estimated per month

Lahore

$430

estimated per month

Difference

-14.0%

Monthly savings

$70

Yearly savings

$840

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$64,500

-$10,500/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemKarachiLahoreDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$200.00$170.00
-15.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$100.00$85.00
-15.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$380.00
-15.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$230.00$200.00
-13.0%
ItemKarachiLahoreDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00$1.80
-10.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$10.00$8.50
-15.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.00$3.80
-5.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.75$0.70
-6.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.35$0.30
-14.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80$0.75
-6.3%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.20$1.10
-8.3%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.80$2.50
-10.7%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.50$1.40
-6.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.60$0.55
-8.3%
ItemKarachiLahoreDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$12.00$10.00
-16.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.15$0.12
-20.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.35$0.30
-14.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.25$0.22
-12.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.95$0.95
0.0%
ItemKarachiLahoreDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$45.00$40.00
-11.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$3.50$3.00
-14.3%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$12.00$11.00
-8.3%
ItemKarachiLahoreDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$6.00$5.00
-16.7%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$8.00$7.00
-12.5%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$3.00$2.50
-16.7%
ItemKarachiLahoreDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$18.00$15.00
-16.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$3.00$2.50
-16.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.80$1.50
-16.7%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.50$3.00
-14.3%
ItemKarachiLahoreDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$25.00$22.00
-12.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$14.00$12.00
-14.3%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$50.00$48.00
-4.0%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Karachi vs Lahore

Is Karachi or Lahore more expensive?
Karachi is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 20 compared with 18 for Lahore.
How much cheaper is Lahore than Karachi?
Living in Lahore is around 10% cheaper than Karachi, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Karachi and Lahore?
Karachi scores 20 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Lahore scores 18 — where New York City equals 100.