Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistan's planned capital city nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, known for its greenery, embassies, and high quality of life.
Above Average vs Pakistan Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Islamabad vs Pakistan Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₨ 720,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 1,200,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 95°F
- Winter Low: 38°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: ₨15,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₨35000/mo
Cost of Living
Islamabad's cost of living index is 105 (Pakistan average = 100).
| Category | Islamabad | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₨15,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₨35000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₨43,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₨10,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Islamabad:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₨3000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₨32 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ₨28 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₨1000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₨2000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ₨6060 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Islamabad scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Islamabad has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 80°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 95°F | 70°F | 1.5" |
| October | 75°F | 56°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Islamabad faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat in plains.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Significant cyclone risk.
Monsoon floods and Indus River system cause significant flooding.
Frequent drought conditions.
Northern mountainous region with landslides.
Frequent sandstorms.
Himalayan and Karakoram region with avalanches.
Northern mountainous regions experience extreme cold.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Islamabad per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Summer break is the longest. School year varies by province.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Islamabad, Pakistan?
The cost of living index in Islamabad is 105, which is Higher the Pakistan national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Islamabad?
The median home price in Islamabad is ₨15,000,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Islamabad is approximately ₨35000/mo.
Does Islamabad, IS have income tax?
Islamabad is in IS, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Islamabad?
Islamabad enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.