Islamabad vs. Piura: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Islamabad, Pakistan, and Piura, Peru, based on projected data for 2026. The analysis covers key factors such as economic indicators, housing, transportation, food, healthcare, safety, and entertainment. The goal is to offer a clear overview to help inform decisions about relocation, investment, or quality of life assessments.

Islamabad has a GDP per capita of $10,000, with a GDP growth rate of 0.04% and a population growth rate of 1.86%. In contrast, Piura boasts a significantly higher GDP per capita of $15,300, with a GDP growth rate of 0.55% and a slightly lower population growth rate of 0.48%. This indicates that Piura has a stronger and more dynamic economy compared to Islamabad, offering potentially more economic opportunities and stability.

Housing is a major component of the cost of living in both cities. In Islamabad, the price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is $17,320, while in Piura, it is $38,397. This makes Islamabad significantly more affordable for housing, especially for those looking to purchase property in urban areas. Additionally, rental costs in Islamabad are lower, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing $237 per month compared to $237 in Piura. However, Piura’s property prices are considerably higher, reflecting its stronger economy and potentially greater demand for real estate.

Transportation costs vary significantly between the two cities. A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.67 in Piura and $0.67 in Islamabad, making public transport relatively affordable in both cities. However, the cost of a monthly public transport pass is slightly higher in Islamabad ($20) compared to Piura ($20.81). Utilities for an 85 m² apartment are higher in Piura ($42.11) compared to Islamabad ($42.11), reflecting differences in infrastructure and energy costs.

Food costs differ substantially between the two cities. A mid-range combo meal at McDonald’s costs $7.43 in Piura, while a similar meal in Islamabad costs $4.00. Additionally, childcare costs are higher in Piura, with a private preschool costing $200.65 per month compared to Islamabad’s $20.00. These differences highlight that while Islamabad offers lower daily living expenses, Piura’s economy supports higher spending in certain areas.

Healthcare quality is a critical factor in quality of life. Islamabad scores higher on healthcare (index of 7.56) compared to Piura’s index of 5.56. Safety is another key metric, with Islamabad scoring 6.00 and Piura scoring 2.85. These differences suggest that Islamabad offers a safer and healthier environment for residents.

Entertainment costs are relatively similar between the two cities. A cinema ticket for an international release costs $2.38 in Piura and $4.00 in Islamabad. While Islamabad’s entertainment costs are slightly higher, the difference is not significant enough to impact the overall comparison drastically.

Both Islamabad and Piura offer unique advantages and disadvantages. Islamabad provides a lower cost of living, particularly in housing and daily expenses, along with better healthcare and safety. Piura, on the other hand, boasts a stronger economy, higher property values, and slightly higher entertainment costs. The choice between the two cities depends on individual priorities, such as budget, career opportunities, and quality of life preferences.