The Cost of Living Index is 22.1, indicating very affordable living expenses compared to New York City. Groceries (20.0) and restaurants (15.5) are particularly inexpensive.

The Property Price to Income Ratio is 9.4 years, suggesting a moderate housing market. The Rent Index is very low at 2.2, indicating affordable rental costs.

The Purchasing Power Index is 41.0, which indicates a low buying power compared to New York City.

Afghanistan has a progressive individual income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 20% (exempt up to AFN 12,500 per month). Corporate income tax is a flat 20%. Instead of VAT, a Business Receipts Tax (BRT) of 2-5% applies to services, with rates varying by sector. Property taxes are localized and include a 1% transfer tax on sales.

The business environment in Afghanistan faces significant challenges, including an ambiguous legal system due to overlapping laws and inconsistent regulatory enforcement. While Kabul shows some entrepreneurial spirit with a growing startup ecosystem, the overall ease of doing business is low, and corruption remains a major impediment.

Afghanistan's formal social security system is severely underdeveloped. The pension system for public sector employees was abolished in April 2023, and unemployment benefits coverage is very low (7.5% in 2019). The country heavily relies on humanitarian aid and informal community-based initiatives for social protection.

The banking sector in Afghanistan is highly fragile, characterized by regulatory uncertainty, rising non-performing loans, and constrained lending. The central bank (Da Afghanistan Bank) lacks independence and has deficiencies in anti-money laundering measures. Deposits are insured up to AFN 100,000 (approximately USD 1,567) per depositor by the Afghan Deposit Insurance Corporation (ADIC), but the overall financial system faces significant challenges and liquidity issues.