Skardu, a picturesque city in Pakistan, is known for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Skardu, including housing, dining, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.88 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $6.3, with prices ranging from $5.4 to $7.2.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $0.14 and $0.18, averaging $0.16.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water is priced at $0.18 on average.
  • Cappuccino (regular) - A regular cappuccino costs between $0.36 and $0.54, averaging $0.45.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $0.97 per liter on average.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.36 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $1.01.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5-liter bottle of water costs $0.22 on average.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $2.45 per kg on average.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both cost $0.61 per kg on average.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $0.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.18 per head.

Transportation

We currently don't have enough Transportation data available for Skardu

    Housing Costs

    • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $53.97.
    • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $35.98.
    • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $71.96.
    • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $53.97.

    Utilities

    • Internet - Internet services range from $7.2 to $16.19, with an average cost of $11.69.
    • Mobile Phone Monthly Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $3.6 and $14.39, averaging $9.
    Worldwide
    Pakistan

    Cost of Living Rankings

    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.

    Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

    Cost of Living Data

    The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
    Restaurants
    Avg / Range
    Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
    $2.88
    Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
    $6.30
    Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
    $0.16
    Water (0.33 liter bottle)
    $0.18
    Cappuccino (regular)
    $0.45
    Markets
    Avg / Range
    Milk (regular), (1 liter)
    $0.97
    Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
    $0.36
    Eggs (regular) (12)
    $1.01
    Water (1.5 liter bottle)
    $0.22
    Chicken Fillets (1kg)
    $2.45
    Apples (1kg)
    $0.61
    Oranges (1kg)
    $0.61
    Potato (1kg)
    $0.72
    Lettuce (1 head)
    $0.18
    Rice (white), (1kg)
    $0.54
    Tomato (1kg)
    $0.72
    Banana (1kg)
    $0.54
    Onion (1kg)
    $0.43
    Rent Per Month
    Avg / Range
    Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
    $53.97
    Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
    $35.98
    Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
    $71.96
    Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
    $53.97
    Utilities (Monthly)
    Avg / Range
    Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
    $11.69
    Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
    $9.00
    Sports And Leisure
    Avg / Range
    Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
    $5.40
    Clothing And Shoes
    Avg / Range
    1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
    $21.59
    1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
    $43.18
    1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
    $89.95
    1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
    $71.96
    Salaries And Financing
    Avg / Range
    Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
    $287.85
    Childcare
    Avg / Range
    Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
    $17.99
    International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
    $647.66
    Skardu Cost of Living

    "Key Takeaways"

    Skardu offers a relatively low cost of living, especially in terms of dining and housing.

    Grocery prices are affordable, with basic items like milk, bread, and eggs being quite inexpensive.

    Housing is notably affordable, with rental prices significantly lower than in many other cities.

    Utilities, including internet and mobile plans, are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Skardu presents an affordable living environment with low costs in dining, groceries, and housing.

    This makes it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a scenic lifestyle without the burden of high expenses.

    Potential residents can benefit from the low cost of living while enjoying the natural beauty and cultural richness of Skardu.