Multan, Pakistan, sits at an elevation of 122 meters above sea level in the country's Punjab province. The city experiences an arid climate with extreme summer heat and cool winters. Expats who settle here tend to choose the neighborhood of Multan Cantt, though the overall expat community size is very few. The nearest airport is MUX, located just 5 kilometers from the city center.
Living costs in Multan are remarkably low. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $144 per month, while outside the center it drops to $92. A three-bedroom in the center costs $217 per month, and outside the center it is $149. Monthly utilities run $144, internet is $19, and a mobile phone plan costs just $5. A monthly public transport pass is $7, and a gym membership is $24. A single person's total monthly cost excluding rent is $280, while a family of four's excluding rent is $850. The budget tier total for a single adult including rent is $292 per month, the mid-range tier is $378, and the comfortable tier is $465. By contrast, the average monthly net salary locally is $183, and the cost of living index is 23 out of 100 (New York City = 100).
Safety in Multan is a concern. The safety index is 42 out of 100, and the crime index is 58 out of 100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as fair. The air quality index is 160 (lower is better), indicating significant pollution. English proficiency is limited, which can make daily interactions challenging for non-Urdu speakers.
Pakistan offers a Digital Nomad Visa program for remote workers. Travelers arrive via MUX airport. With an overall expat score of 70 out of 100 and a FIRE score of 80 out of 100, Multan appeals strongly to those pursuing financial independence and early retirement. The retiree score is 43 out of 100, and the digital nomad score is 55 out of 100, suggesting it suits budget-conscious long-term travelers more than traditional retirees or transient remote workers.