Cost of Living Comparison for Pakistanis Moving Abroad: Indonesia vs Malaysia vs Dubai vs USA vs Turkey

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)

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