Afghanistan flagCost of Living Guide · Afghanistan

Cost of Living Guide in Afghanistan

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Afghanistan offers exceptionally low living costs compared to most Asian countries, with overall expenses about 55% cheaper than the Asia average. However, the country faces significant security challenges and infrastructure limitations that affect expat living conditions and availability of services.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$261–$300 per month for a single person living on a local budget (local food, public transport, basic housing, minimal utilities)
Comfortable
$470–$550 per month for a single person on a comfortable expat lifestyle (decent furnished apartment, mix of local and imported goods, occasional dining out, utilities)
Family of four
$1,027–$1,200 per month for a family of four on an expat lifestyle (furnished 2–3 bedroom apartment, imported groceries, utilities, transport, and basic services)

Afghanistan offers extraordinary value for money—about 55% cheaper overall than the Asia average—making it one of the most affordable countries in the region for those able to navigate its security and infrastructure challenges. However, expats should carefully weigh cost savings against limited services, security concerns, and visa/residency restrictions before relocating.

Economic & Living Costs in Afghanistan
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

100-250 AFN
Avg: 175 AFN
-12.5% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

500-1111 AFN
Avg: 805.5 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

250-300 AFN
Avg: 275 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

100-500 AFN
Avg: 300 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

3500-12000 AFN
Avg: 7750 AFN
+10.7% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

2500-9930 AFN
Avg: 6215 AFN
+46.2% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

7500-20000 AFN
Avg: 13750 AFN
-1.8% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

4000-10000 AFN
Avg: 7000 AFN
-6.7% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

10-30 AFN
Avg: 20 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

180-280 AFN
Avg: 230 AFN
-2.1% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

500-2000 AFN
Avg: 1250 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

61-85 AFN
Avg: 73 AFN
-7.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

2500-10000 AFN
Avg: 6250 AFN
-13.8% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

5000-20400 AFN
Avg: 12700 AFN
+10.4% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

650-1200 AFN
Avg: 925 AFN
-2.6% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

30-60 AFN
Avg: 45 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

10-40 AFN
Avg: 25 AFN
+42.9% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

84-120 AFN
Avg: 102 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

200-500 AFN
Avg: 350 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

500-1000 AFN
Avg: 750 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

300 AFN
Avg: 150 AFN
-14.3% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

100-300 AFN
Avg: 200 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

1000-4000 AFN
Avg: 2500 AFN
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03