Cost of living in Herat

Herat, a historic city in Afghanistan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Herat, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.19 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $8.77.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.02, with a range between $3.66 and $4.39.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer averages $2.19, imported beer $7.31, cappuccino $0.73, and Coke/Pepsi $0.51.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $0.44 and $0.58 per liter, averaging $0.51.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.29.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.75 to $2.46, averaging $2.11.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $0.73 per kg, while oranges are priced at $0.58 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.29 and $0.88 per kg.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.29.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced at $1.02 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $2.19, with a cost of $1.46 per km and $4.39 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $73.11.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $43.87.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $116.98.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $73.11.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $526.83.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $273.95.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $87.74 and $292.46, averaging $190.1.
  • InternetInternet services average $146.23.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 6 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.19
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$8.77
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.02
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.31
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.51
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.15
Cappuccino (regular)
$0.73
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.51
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.29
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.11
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.92
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.29
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.95
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.90
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.63
Apples (1kg)
$0.73
Oranges (1kg)
$0.58
Potato (1kg)
$0.58
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.92
Tomato (1kg)
$0.58
Banana (1kg)
$0.73
Onion (1kg)
$0.37
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.85
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.29
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$0.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.02
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.19
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.46
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.39
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$73.11
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$43.87
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$116.98
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$73.11
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$190.10
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$146.23
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$14.62
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$0.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$21.93
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$21.93
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$29.25
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$36.56
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$526.83
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$273.95
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$175.47
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
20%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$14.62