Very affordable costs with a Cost of Living Index (CPI) of 19.7. Groceries (18.5) and restaurants (17.9) are also very affordable compared to NYC baseline.

The property price to income ratio is 19.3 years, indicating a very expensive housing market. The rent index of 3.2 suggests a more affordable rental market.

A purchasing power index of 31.4 indicates low buying power compared to NYC baseline.

Pakistan has a progressive income tax system for salaried individuals, with rates up to 35% for higher earners (FY 2024-2025). A 10% surcharge applies to taxable income over PKR 10 million. The standard sales tax (VAT) is 18% for goods, with provincial rates for services ranging from 15-16%. Property taxes are multi-layered, including Capital Gains Tax (15% for filers on new acquisitions) and Capital Value Tax (2%).

Pakistan's startup ecosystem is developing but faces significant challenges including a dramatic drop in funding (92% in 2024), political/economic instability, and regulatory hurdles.

Pakistan operates a contributory pension scheme (EOBI) for formal sector workers, providing old-age, survivor, and disability benefits. Provincial social security institutions offer healthcare. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) provides cash transfers to vulnerable families. General unemployment insurance is not widely available, though some targeted initiatives exist.

Deposits are protected up to PKR 1,000,000 (approx. USD 3,590) per depositor per bank by the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC), a subsidiary of the State Bank of Pakistan. The banking sector demonstrated resilience and stability in 2024, with strong capital adequacy and improving asset quality.