Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Pakistan
Pakistan, the land of diversity and history, is an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a new adventure. With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and affordable cost of living, Pakistan offers a unique experience for those looking to work remotely in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Here are seven cities and towns that stand out as great places for digital nomads to live and explore.
Lahore
Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, is a city full of energy and charm. Known for its beautiful gardens, historic monuments, and delicious Punjabi cuisine, Lahore is a must-visit destination. Digital nomads will love the fast internet speeds and numerous co-working spaces, such as Impact Hub and Co-Creation Hub. With attractions like the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens, there is always something new to discover.
Cost of Living: Rent for a nice, furnished apartment in a safe and central neighborhood costs around $300 - $500 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $50, while a moderate dinner with one drink at a local restaurant ranges from $5 - $10.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss a visit to the Wagah Border, where the Indian and Pakistani borders meet. Witness the daily flag-lowering ceremony, which is a colorful and lively spectacle.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Gulberg and Defence Housing Authority neighborhoods offer numerous furnished rental options. For food, try out local favorites like the famous Lahori Kebabs, Haleem, and Sohan Halwa at cafes like Cafe Aylanto and MM Alam Road.
Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur, the City of Palaces, is a perfect blend of history and modernity. Digital nomads will find a peaceful and productive environment in this city, with its stunning gardens, beautiful lakes, and fast internet speeds. Co-working spaces like Innovation Hub provide the perfect working atmosphere. Don't miss attractions like the Derawar Fort, Noor Mahal Palace, and the beautiful Shikarpur Mosque.
Cost of Living: A monthly rent for a nice, furnished apartment in a secure neighborhood costs around $200 - $400. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $35, while a moderate dinner with one drink at a local restaurant ranges from $3 - $6.
Nomad Tip: Spend an afternoon at the beautiful Mansra Gardens, where you can enjoy a picnic, take a boat ride, or simply relax amidst the greenery.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Cantonment Area and the New Bahawalpur neighborhoods offer several furnished rental options. For food, try local favorites like Bahawalpur Biryani and Sajji at restaurants like Chacha's and Shaukat's.
Swat Valley
Swat Valley, known as the Switzerland of the East, is a paradise for nature lovers and digital nomads alike. With its stunning mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and fast internet speeds, Swat Valley offers a serene and inspiring environment for working remotely. Co-working spaces like Swat Workspace provide a peaceful atmosphere for productivity. Don't miss attractions like the Mingora Museum, the ancient Buddhist ruins, and the beautiful Mahodand Lake.
Cost of Living: A monthly rent for a nice, furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $150 - $300. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $20, while a moderate dinner with one drink at a local restaurant ranges from $2 - $5.
Nomad Tip: Take a scenic drive to Ushu Forest, where you can hike through the beautiful forest trails and take in the breathtaking views of the valley.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Mingora and Khyber Agency headquarters neighborhoods offer several furnished rental options. For food, try local favorites like Swat Pulao and Chapli Kebabs at restaurants like Miandam and Madyan.
Multan
Multan, the City of Saints, is a spiritual and historic city that offers a unique experience for digital nomads. With its beautiful shrines, delicious cuisine, and fast internet speeds, Multan is a must-visit destination. Co-working spaces like Innovative Spaces provide the perfect working atmosphere. Don't miss attractions like the Shah Rukn-i-Alam Mausoleum, the Hussain Agabi Mosque, and the famous Tomb of Baba Shakar.
Cost of Living: A monthly rent for a nice, furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $200 - $400. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $40, while a moderate dinner with one drink at a local restaurant ranges from $4 - $8.
Nomad Tip: Spend an afternoon exploring the bustling Shah Rukn Market, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and delicious local snacks.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Cantonment Area and Sadaqatabad neighborhoods offer several furnished rental options. For food, try local favorites like Multani Sheermal and Sohan Halwa at restaurants like Rooh Afza and Taj Mahal.
Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi, the twin city of Islamabad, is a bustling and vibrant city that offers a perfect balance of work and play for digital nomads. With its fast internet speeds, numerous co-working spaces like The Nest I/O, and its rich cultural heritage, Rawalpindi is an ideal destination. Don't miss attractions like the Taxila Museum, the beautiful Murree Hill, and the famous Saddar Bazaar.
Cost of Living: A monthly rent for a nice, furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $300 - $600. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $60, while a moderate dinner with one drink at a local restaurant ranges from $6 - $12.
Nomad Tip: Spend a day exploring the beautiful Murree Hill, where you can take a scenic walk, enjoy the views, and visit local markets and cafes.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Saddar and Murree Road neighborhoods offer several furnished rental options. For food, try local favorites like Cholle Bhature and Paratha at restaurants like Al-Kabir and Taj Mahal.
Karachi
Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. With its fast internet speeds, numerous co-working spaces like Co-Working Pakistan, and its rich culinary scene, Karachi is a must-visit destination for digital nomads. Don't miss attractions like the Mohatta Palace Museum, the beautiful Clifton Beach, and the famous Food Street.
Cost of Living: A monthly rent for a nice, furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $400 - $800. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $80, while a moderate dinner with one drink at a local restaurant ranges from $10 - $20.
Nomad Tip: Spend an afternoon exploring the historic Sindh Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of the region.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Clifton and Defence neighborhoods offer several furnished rental options. For food, try local favorites like Biryani and Sajji at restaurants like Nishat and Zaitoon.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the northernmost region of Pakistan, is a paradise for adventure seekers and digital nomads alike. With its stunning mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and fast internet speeds, Gilgit-Baltistan offers a serene and inspiring environment for working remotely. Co-working spaces like GB Hub provide the perfect working atmosphere. Don't miss attractions like the Hunza Valley, the Naltar Valley, and the beautiful Rakaposhi Peak.
Cost of Living: A monthly rent for a nice, furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $150 - $350. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $25, while a moderate dinner with one drink at a local restaurant ranges from $3 - $7.
Nomad Tip: Spend an afternoon hiking through the stunning Hunza Valley, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and visit traditional villages.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Gilgit and Hunza Valley neighborhoods offer several furnished rental options. For food, try local favorites like Hunza Pulao and Samosa at restaurants like Hunza Garden and Baltit Serai.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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