Introduction
More and more Pakistanis are exploring options to relocate abroad — for peace of mind, better infrastructure, and a secure future for their families. But where should you go?
Let’s compare real monthly living costs and residency opportunities in the most popular destinations for Pakistanis: Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Dubai, and the USA. We’ll also look at how they stack up against life in Pakistan — and why Indonesia may be your best long-term choice.
Pakistan: Our Starting Point
Single Person: $150–$700/month
Family: $500–$1,200/month
- Rent: $30–$150 for a basic room or apartment in smaller cities
- Groceries & Utilities: $100–$200/month
- Transport: Very affordable
- Challenges: Load-shedding, inflation, political instability, limited international mobility
Verdict:
While affordable, the daily stress, safety concerns, and lack of future growth push many to look abroad for a better life.
Indonesia
Single Person: $250–$800/month
Family: $800–$2,000/month
- Rent: Boarding houses or apartments from $150–$500
- Food & Utilities: $100–$250/month
- Transport: $20–$50 (Grab, scooter, or MRT)
- Healthcare: Private hospitals are reliable and affordable
- Domestic Help: Available from $100/month
Residency & Citizenship:
- Easy long-term stay through Investor KITAS
- Set up a PT PMA company and legally live and work
- Family sponsorship possible
- Citizenship is rare, but renewable long-term stay is smooth and legal
Verdict:
Indonesia is the most balanced choice for Pakistanis — affordable, safe, Muslim-friendly, and legally welcoming for long-term investors, business owners, and families.
Malaysia
Single Person: $900–$1,500/month
Family: $1,500–$2,800/month
- Rent: $350–$600/month in KL
- Food & Utilities: $250–$400/month
- Transport: Good infrastructure
- Healthcare: High-quality private care
- Domestic Help: Available but costly
Residency & Citizenship:
- MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) is limited and restricted
- No pathway to permanent residency or citizenship for most Pakistanis
- Very hard to relocate family long-term
Verdict:
While modern and familiar to Muslims, Malaysia offers no long-term future. You may enjoy a good lifestyle for a while, but you’ll never truly settle here.
Turkey
Single Person: $700–$1,300/month
Family: $1,300–$2,400/month
- Rent: $350–$600/month
- Food & Utilities: $200–$300
- Transport: Affordable
- Healthcare: Decent private care available
Residency & Citizenship:
- Temporary residence permits exist
- Citizenship by investment used to be popular, but now heavily restricted
- Inflation and lira instability add risk
- No guaranteed long-term stay or citizenship for average expats
Verdict:
Culturally attractive, but economic volatility and uncertain visa policies make it unsuitable for long-term relocation.
Dubai (UAE)
Single Person: $1,800–$3,000/month
Family: $3,000–$6,000/month
- Rent: Studios start at $900+/month
- Food & Utilities: $400–$700
- Transport: Efficient but costly
- Healthcare: Very expensive without private insurance
- Domestic Help: Available, but costly
Residency & Citizenship:
- No path to citizenship
- Golden Visa available, but requires large investment
- All stays are temporary and tied to business or employment
Verdict:
Dubai offers luxury, but no long-term future for most Pakistanis. You’ll always rent your life — and it comes at a high price.
USA
Single Person: $2,500–$4,000/month
Family: $4,000–$8,000/month
- Rent: $1,200–$2,500/month
- Groceries: $400–$600
- Healthcare: $300–$800/month with insurance
- Transport & Utilities: Expensive
Residency & Citizenship:
- Extremely difficult immigration process
- Citizenship possible, but only after years of legal hurdles
- Visa rejections are common
Verdict:
Attractive lifestyle — if you can afford it and get in. But for most Pakistanis, the process is too long, too expensive, and too uncertain.
Cost Comparison Table (2025)
Country | Single ($/mo) | Family ($/mo) | Residency Option | Long-Term Future | Verdict |
Pakistan | $150–$700 | $500–$1,200 | N/A | Declining quality | High stress, low return |
Indonesia | $250–$800 | $800–$2,000 | Investor KITAS | Yes (renewable) | Best overall |
Malaysia | $900–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,800 | MM2H (limited) | No | Short-term only |
Turkey | $700–$1,300 | $1,300–$2,400 | Temporary residence | No | Not reliable |
Dubai | $1,800–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | Investor/Golden Visa | No citizenship | For wealthy only |
USA | $2,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | Complex immigration | Yes (eventually) | Expensive and slow |
Conclusion: Why Indonesia is the Smartest Choice for Pakistanis in 2025
- Affordable living — even less than Pakistan in many cases
- Safe, Islamic environment with no power/gas issues
- Easy, renewable long-term visas through business setup
- Family sponsorship, modern infrastructure, and peaceful lifestyle
Whether you’re looking to start a business, live peacefully with your family, or simply escape the instability at home — Indonesia offers a legal, affordable, and secure path forward.
Start Your Move to Indonesia Today
We help Pakistani families and business owners with:
- PT PMA company registration
- Investor KITAS visa processing
- Family KITAS and relocation support
- Tax ID, bank accounts, and business consulting