Kabul Cost of Living, Rent Prices, Salaries & Quality of Life (2026)
Afghanistan · Asia
$450
Monthly Cost
avg/person
18
Cost Index
NYC=100
14
Rent Index
NYC=100
22
Quality of Life
Poor
8
Safety Index
Poor
4.6M
Population
AFN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated: July 2026
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.25 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.9 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.22 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $5 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.85 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $20000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $15000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $28 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $12 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $180/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $100/mo |
| 3BR Center | $420/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $240/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $700/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $380/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 15% |
Cost of Living in Kabul — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kabul, Afghanistan is approximately $450 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kabul has a cost index of 18, making it around 82% more affordable. Individuals and couples should budget higher depending on housing size and lifestyle choices, while students and solo remote workers often spend near the lower end of this range.
Rent and Housing Costs
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside major population centers in Kabul costs around $100/month, while a one-bedroom in a central area is approximately $180/month. A three-bedroom apartment in a central area averages $420/month. The rent index for Kabul is 14 compared to New York City (NYC = 100).
Food, Groceries & Dining Out
Everyday grocery costs and restaurant prices in Kabul play a major role in the overall monthly budget. Prices vary between local markets, mid-range restaurants, and imported goods, so residents who cook at home and shop at local markets typically spend noticeably less than those who eat out often. See the Restaurants and Markets & Groceries tables above for a full item-by-item price breakdown.
Transportation Costs
Public transport, taxis, fuel, and vehicle costs in Kabul are detailed in the Transportation table above. A traffic and commute score of 18/100 indicates how easy day-to-day travel around the country generally is, which matters when comparing regions before relocating.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kabul scores 22/100 on the quality of life index and 8/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 25/100. The climate index is 55/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors, and are updated regularly to reflect current conditions.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Kabul is approximately $200/month. With a purchasing power index of 18/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is AFN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet costs are broken down in the Utilities & Services table above. Combined with rent, these fixed monthly costs form the core of any relocation budget for Kabul.
Is Kabul Good for Digital Nomads?
Remote workers evaluating Kabul should weigh the 18 cost index against the 22/100 quality of life score and 8/100 safety rating. Combined with reliable internet infrastructure (see Utilities above), these numbers help determine whether Kabul fits a remote-work budget and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown in Kabul
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent — 1BR Outside Center | $100 |
| Rent — 1BR City Center | $180 |
| Rent — 3BR City Center | $420 |
| Average Net Salary | $200 |
| Total Avg. Monthly Cost (single person, all-inclusive) | $450 |
See the Restaurants, Markets & Groceries, Transportation, and Utilities tables above for a full itemized breakdown.
Cost of Living for Families in Kabul
Families relocating to Kabul typically need a larger home, higher grocery spend, and budget for schooling and healthcare. A 3-bedroom apartment in a central area runs around $420/month, and with a healthcare index of 25/100 and safety index of 8/100, Kabul is worth researching neighborhood-by-neighborhood before committing to a family move. Total household budgets usually run well above the single-person average of $450/month once housing size, schooling, and childcare are factored in.
Student Living Costs in Kabul
Students in Kabul generally spend less than the citywide single-person average by sharing accommodation, using public transport, and cooking at home. With a cost index of 18 (NYC = 100) and a rent index of 14, budget-conscious students can often keep total monthly spend meaningfully below the $450 average, especially if renting outside the city center at roughly $100/month or splitting that cost with roommates.
Quick Summary
The average cost of living in Kabul is $450 per month for a single person. Housing costs average $100for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The country scores 22/100 for quality of life and 8/100 for safety. Compared with New York City, Kabul has a cost index of 18, making itmore affordable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Kabul
Pros
- Affordable overall cost of living (index 18, NYC = 100)
Cons
- Safety score is below average (8/100) — research neighborhoods carefully
- Healthcare index is on the lower side (25/100)
- Purchasing power is limited relative to local prices (18/100)
- Traffic and commute can be a challenge (18/100)
- Climate scores lower (55/100) — check seasonal conditions
How does Kabul compare to other countries?
Kabul is located in Asia with a population of approximately 4.6M. At a cost index of 18 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable countries in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Kabul stacks up against any other city or country worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kabul
What is the cost of living in Kabul?
The average cost of living in Kabul, Afghanistan is approximately $450 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 18 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Kabul?
Rent in Kabul varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 14 (NYC=100). A 1-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around $100/month, while a 1-bedroom in the center runs closer to $180/month.
Is Kabul expensive to live in?
Kabul has a cost index of 18 compared to New York City (100). At 18, Kabul is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper places globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $450.
What is the quality of life in Kabul?
Kabul has a quality of life index of 22/100 and a safety index of 8/100. Located in Asia, it offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
What is the average salary in Kabul?
The average net salary in Kabul is approximately $200/month, with a purchasing power index of 18/100.
Is Kabul good for digital nomads and remote workers?
Kabul has a cost index of 18 and a quality of life score of 22/100, making it worth evaluating against your specific budget and lifestyle needs. Check current rent, transport, and utility costs above before planning a move.
What is the best city to live in Kabul?
Check the individual city pages for Kabul to compare quality of life, safety, and cost data across locations.
How does the cost of living in Kabul compare to other countries?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Kabul with any city or country worldwide. Kabul's cost index is 18 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side at https://worldlivingcost.com/compare