Afghanistan🇦🇫
At a Glance
How Afghanistan compares across key indices
Cost of Living
22 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
26/100
Healthcare
25/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Afghanistan
Cost of Living
22
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
2
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
19
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
16
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Kabul
Cheapest$509/mo
Safety & Crime
Higher RiskHow safe residents feel in Afghanistan — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
26/100
Crime Index
74/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
76/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
11 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 137 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Afghanistan
Afghanistan has 1 city with Numbeo data. Kabul has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $509.
Kabul
$509/mo
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kabul | $509 | — | — | — | 90 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Afghanistan
Healthcare Index
25/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 14 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
Limited data — some indices are not yet available.
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Afghanistan
Pollution Index
84/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 59 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Afghanistan
Average One-Way Commute
56minutes
Long
Traffic Index
276
Heavy congestion
Inefficiency
279
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
9.1kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 8 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Afghanistan, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has a cost of living index of 22 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $509 in Kabul.
Is Afghanistan safe for expats?
Afghanistan has a safety index of 26/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers.
How good is healthcare in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan scores 25/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it limited in some areas by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Afghanistan cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Afghanistan's cost of living is roughly 78% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 98% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has a pollution index of 84/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Afghanistan
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
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Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
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