City Guide 2026
Pakistan
Living in Islamabad
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,145
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
69.5/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
22°C
72°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
45 Mbps
Basic
Cost of Living in Islamabad
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $625 | $406 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,450 | $943 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$200/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Islamabad
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
10.2°
Feb
12.5°
Mar
17.1°
Apr
22.6°
May
27.8°
Jun
31.4°
Jul
30.2°
Aug
29.2°
Sep
27.1°
Oct
22.2°
Nov
16.2°
Dec
11.8°
Air Quality (AQI)
155
Poor
Avg Rain Days/mo
6
days per month
Beach Distance
1150 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
0 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Islamabad
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
45 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
35/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Pakistan
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | — |
Residency Pathway
Typically requires 5+ years of continuous legal residence.
Tax Overview in Pakistan
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 0% (exempt) |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 35% |
| Dividend Tax | 0% (exempt) |
| Interest Income | 0% (exempt) |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 0% (exempt) |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Non-Resident Pakistani (NRP) Status
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Islamabad?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Islamabad costs approximately $1,145-1,832/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $625/month.
Is Islamabad safe for expats?
Islamabad has a safety index of 69.5/100 (higher is safer). Islamabad has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 83/100.
What is the weather like in Islamabad?
Islamabad has an average annual temperature of 22°C (72°F). The warmest months reach 31.4°C and the coolest drop to 10.2°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 155.
What is the internet speed in Islamabad?
Average internet speed in Islamabad is 45 Mbps, which is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with large uploads. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Pakistan?
Pakistan uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 0% (long-term) and dividends at 0%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Non-Resident Pakistani (NRP) Status) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Islamabad long-term?
Pakistan does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: Typically requires 5+ years of continuous legal residence..
Is Islamabad good for digital nomads?
Islamabad has decent internet at 45 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 28/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Compare Islamabad with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.