Cost of living in Lahore
Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, is a bustling city known for its rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in Lahore is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit, as it helps in budgeting and financial planning.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses in Lahore, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect in 2024.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.8 on average, with a range between $1.08 and $3.59.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $17.97, with prices ranging from $10.78 to $32.35.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.31, with a range between $3.59 and $5.39.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.44 to $7.19, imported beer $2.16 to $10.78, cappuccino $0.72 to $3.06, and Coke/Pepsi $0.25 to $0.54.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.61 and $1.08 per liter, averaging $0.79.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.36 and $0.97, with an average price of $0.69.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.86 to $1.73, averaging $1.24.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.54 to $1.44 per kg, while oranges range from $0.29 to $1.08 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.18 and $0.54 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.22 to $0.79 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.11 and $0.29, with a monthly pass priced between $1.8 and $10.78.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.93 and $1.04 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.54, with a cost of $0.22 to $0.9 per km and $0.9 to $1.8 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $71.88 to $215.65, averaging $118.3.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $46.72 to $143.77, averaging $72.46.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $179.71 to $539.13, averaging $299.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $107.83 to $359.42, averaging $190.98.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $401.19 to $967.19, averaging $629.72.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $369.78 to $773.75, averaging $587.08.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $53.91 and $193.44, averaging $113.63.
- Internet - Internet services range from $10.78 to $28.75, with an average cost of $15.42.
Cost of Living Rankings
Lahore ranks 4th on the Cost of Living rankings in Pakistan. The cost of living indices for Pakistan are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Pakistan, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Lahore offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, making it an attractive option for expatriates and locals alike.
Housing is particularly affordable, especially outside the city centre, with rental prices significantly lower than in many other major cities.
Dining out is inexpensive, with a wide range of options from street food to mid-range restaurants.
Transportation costs are minimal, with affordable public transport and taxi services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lahore presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
While utilities and internet costs are moderate, the overall expenses remain manageable, making Lahore a desirable location for both short-term and long-term stays.
Potential residents should consider the city's vibrant culture and economic opportunities when evaluating the cost of living.