In a recent ranking by the global database company Numbeo, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have been listed among the world's cheapest cities, as per the Global Cities' Cost of Living Index 2024.

The index, compiled by Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user-contributed data on cities and countries worldwide, places Pakistan's three major urban centres at the bottom of the list.

This stark contrast is observed when compared to the most expensive cities globally, with Geneva, Zurich, and New York leading the pack.

Karachi

Karachi, the bustling port city, has been identified as the cheapest city in the world according to the index. The Cost of Living Index for Karachi is 19.0, with a Rent Index of 2.9, bringing its combined Cost of Living and Rent Index to 11.3. Additionally, the Groceries Index stands at 17.6, the Restaurant Price Index at 13.1, and the Local Purchasing Power Index at 28.0.

Lahore

Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, follows closely, being the second-last on Numbeo's list. The city's Cost of Living Index matches Karachi’s at 19.0, and its Rent Index is also 2.9, culminating in a combined Cost of Living and Rent Index of 11.3. The Groceries Index for Lahore is slightly lower at 16.3, while the Restaurant Price Index is 15.7, and the Local Purchasing Power Index is 27.3.

Islamabad

Islamabad, the federal capital, is ranked fourth-last on the list. The city's Cost of Living Index is higher than the other two cities at 21.5, and the Rent Index is 5.3, leading to a combined Cost of Living and Rent Index of 13.7. The Groceries Index for Islamabad is 19.5, the Restaurant Price Index is 14.6, and the Local Purchasing Power Index is 36.2.

Previously, Karachi was also named the world's second riskiest city in a Forbes report, while Lahore is notorious for its pollution and smog, tarnishing its reputation in global city rankings.