Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad Ranked Among World’s Most Affordable Cities in 2024

In a recent ranking by Numbeo, the global database company, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have been listed among the world’s cheapest cities as per the Global Cities’ Cost of Living Index 2024. This index highlights the affordability of living in these major urban centers of Pakistan, placing them at the bottom of the list.

Karachi, the bustling port city, has been identified as the cheapest city globally. With a Cost of Living Index of 19.0 and a Rent Index of 2.9, Karachi’s combined Cost of Living and Rent Index stands at 11.3. Additionally, the city’s Groceries Index is 17.6, the Restaurant Price Index is 13.1, and the Local Purchasing Power Index is 28.0.

Following Karachi, Lahore is ranked second-last on Numbeo’s list. Lahore’s Cost of Living Index also stands at 19.0, with a Rent Index of 2.9, leading to a combined Cost of Living and Rent Index of 11.3. The Groceries Index for Lahore is 16.3, while the Restaurant Price Index is 15.7, and the Local Purchasing Power Index is 27.3.

Islamabad, the federal capital, is ranked fourth-last. The city’s Cost of Living Index is higher at 21.5, and the Rent Index is 5.3, resulting in a combined Cost of Living and Rent Index of 13.7. Islamabad’s Groceries Index is 19.5, the Restaurant Price Index is 14.6, and the Local Purchasing Power Index is 36.2.

This ranking by Numbeo provides a stark contrast to the most expensive cities globally, such as Geneva, Zurich, and New York. It also follows previous reports, such as Forbes naming Karachi the world’s second riskiest city. Despite such rankings, the affordability of Pakistan’s major cities remains a notable aspect of their appeal.