Cost of living in Mazar-i-Sharif

Mazar-i-Sharif, a prominent 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 newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mazar-i-Sharif, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.19.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $14.62, with prices ranging from $10 to $21.93.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.33, with a range between $3 and $3.66.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic and imported beers are not commonly priced, while a cappuccino costs between $0.58 and $2.19, and Coke/Pepsi ranges from $0.4 to $0.8.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced at $0.58 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.16 and $0.22, with an average price of $0.19.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.32 to $1.75, averaging $1.61.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $0.51 to $0.58 per kg, while oranges range from $0.73 to $0.8 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.44 and $0.48 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.29 to $0.51 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.29 and $0.73.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.88 and $1.42 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.73, with a cost of $1.46 per km.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $87.74.
  • 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 $146.23.
  • 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 $365.57.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $146.23.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $77.68 and $146.23, averaging $111.96.
  • InternetInternet services range from $146.23 to $438.68, with an average cost of $292.46.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 6 user contributions, as of the most recent update in January, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.19
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$14.62
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$3.33
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.31
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.31
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.55
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.26
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.15
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.58
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.19
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.61
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.12
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.29
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$1.32
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.44
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.17
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.17
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.80
Apples (1kg)
$0.56
Oranges (1kg)
$0.77
Potato (1kg)
$0.45
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.40
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.61
Tomato (1kg)
$0.59
Banana (1kg)
$0.99
Onion (1kg)
$0.38
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.48
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.51
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$21.93
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$10,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.73
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.46
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.46
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$40,943.79
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$87.74
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$43.87
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$146.23
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$73.11
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$111.96
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$292.46
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$16.09
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$10.97
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.66
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$4.39
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$12.43
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$17.55
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$365.57
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$146.23
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$255.90
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$73.11