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Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab

Pakistan · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

84
Overall Score

Rahim Yar Khan, a prominent city in the southern Punjab province of Pakistan, boasts a rich history, originally founded as Naushehra in 1751 A.D. during the Sumra Supremacy in Sindh. It was later renamed in 1809 in honor of Nawab Muhammad Sadiq Khan's first son, Rahim Yar Khan. The city transformed into a district headquarters in 1930 and became a significant industrial and cotton hub by 1942, with the establishment of major industrial units like Abbasia Textile Mills and Sadiq Vegetable & Oil Mills (now Unilever) in the 1950s. This urbanization has continued, making it one of Punjab's modern district headquarters with decent civic facilities and infrastructure. Strategically located at the convergence of three provinces—Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan—Rahim Yar Khan serves as a vital center for health, education, business, trade, and agriculture in the region, attracting people seeking opportunities in its growing economy and agricultural sector.

545,000
Population
$2K
Avg Salary
27
Cost Index
83.8
Quality Score
How this 84/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 84 / 100 84.0 30% 25.2
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 27.0 100.0 25% 25.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $3,548 Income needed to live here: $1,000 Unemployment rate: 7.1% 68.1 20% 13.6
Growth Population growth rate: 2.47% Job growth rate: no usable reading 86.8 15% 13.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 83.8

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=84), last refreshed 6 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
67
Affordability
88
Growth
72

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Rahim Yar Khan is notably affordable, especially when compared to major global cities. It is approximately 8.5% cheaper than the overall average for Pakistan and about 21% less expensive than living in Lahore, a larger provincial capital. This affordability is a significant draw, with the city's cost of living index estimated to be around 27, relative to New York City at 100. Housing and transportation costs in Rahim Yar Khan are slightly higher than the national average for Pakistan, while expenses for groceries, dining out, entertainment, sports, and clothing are generally lower. Basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment, average around $179 per month, with internet adding approximately $20. These factors contribute to a generally lower financial burden for residents.

Average Rent
$114/mo
Groceries
$180/mo
Transport
$50/mo
Utilities
$199/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$15.00
Cinema ticket
$2.60
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$10.00
Monthly groceries
$180.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$15.00

Salary Insights

Rahim Yar Khan's economy is predominantly agri-based, with approximately 65% of its population engaged in agriculture, primarily cultivating cotton and sugarcane. The city is recognized as one of the largest producers of these crops, making agriculture a cornerstone of its economic activity. Beyond agriculture, Rahim Yar Khan is a growing industrial center, particularly known for cotton ginning and cottonseed-oil pressing. The establishment of the Rahim Yar Khan Industrial Estate, designated as a Special Economic Zone, has further bolstered its industrial landscape. Key industrial players include Unilever, Coca Cola Beverage, FFC Fertilizers, Fatima Fertilizers, Haleeb Foods, and several sugar, textile, marble, flour, oil, and poultry feed mills. These industries offer diverse employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the city's economic growth. While specific job growth rates for the city are not readily available, the ongoing industrial development suggests a positive outlook for employment in manufacturing and agribusiness sectors.

The average salary in Rahim Yar Khan is $1,685 per year. You would need approximately $1,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Food Processing Agriculture Textile Fertilizers Oil Mills

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
55.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Rahim Yar Khan primarily relies on road and rail networks, connecting it to major cities like Bahawalpur, Multan, and Sukkur. The city also features the Shaikh Zayed International Airport, providing strategic links for national and international travel. While specific transit and walkability scores are not available, the city's infrastructure supports various modes of transport. Car dependency is likely medium, given the developing public transport options and the need for personal vehicles for convenience. The cost of gas per gallon is around $3.65, which is a significant factor for drivers.

min
Avg Commute
/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Highly affordable cost of living compared to national and international averages.
High safety index, indicating a secure environment for residents.
Growing industrial sector and Special Economic Zone offering business and employment opportunities.
Strategic geographical location serving as a hub for trade, education, and health for three provinces.
Rich agricultural base providing fresh produce and employment.
Drawbacks
Limited publicly available recent data for specific city metrics like median age, job growth, and detailed healthcare quality.
Transportation costs are higher than the national average.
Reliance on national average data for income and unemployment, lacking city-specific figures.
Hot and arid climate with extremely low rainfall for most of the year.
Potential for high car dependency due to limited specific public transit information.

Questions about Rahim Yar Khan

What people ask about living in and moving to Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab.

How cheap is everyday life in Rahim Yar Khan compared to the rest of Pakistan? Cost of Living 1 answer

Rahim Yar Khan has a cost‑of‑living index of 27, which means it is roughly a quarter of the national average (the index uses 100 as the countrywide baseline). Basic expenses such as groceries, local transport, and utilities are therefore significantly lower than in larger Pakistani cities. With an average annual salary of $1,685, many residents find that their income comfortably covers rent, food, and modest discreti...

What kinds of jobs are available for newcomers in Rahim Yar Khan? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Rahim Yar Khan’s economy is driven by agriculture, trade, and a growing service sector. Job seekers with a business administration background often find opportunities in local commercial enterprises, government offices, and small‑to‑medium private firms that need management, accounting, or sales expertise. The city also has a market for entrepreneurs who want to start retail or consultancy ventures, especially given...

How safe is Rahim Yar Khan for a single expatriate? Safety 1 answer

Rahim Yar Khan scores 84 out of 100 on safety assessments, indicating a relatively low level of crime compared with many urban areas. Most residents feel secure walking in well‑lit neighborhoods, especially during daylight. At night, it is prudent to stay in areas with active street lighting and avoid isolated streets. The city’s police department maintains a visible presence, and community watch groups are common in...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Rahim Yar Khan? Housing 1 answer

In Rahim Yar Khan the average monthly rent is about $114 for a standard one‑bedroom unit. This figure reflects typical market rates for modest apartments in residential areas. Prices can vary depending on proximity to the city centre, condition of the building, and whether utilities are included. To get a current sense of availability, check online property portals that list rentals for the region, or contact local r...

Are there good public schools for my children in Rahim Yar Khan? Schools & Education 1 answer

Rahim Yar Khan offers a network of public schools administered by the provincial education department. These schools follow the national curriculum and provide instruction in Urdu and English, with separate sections for primary grades. Quality can vary by location, so it is advisable to visit a few schools, speak with principals, and review recent inspection reports that are often posted on the district’s education w...

Where can I find affordable medical care in Rahim Yar Khan? Healthcare 1 answer

Rahim Yar Khan has a mix of public hospitals and private clinics that provide basic and specialized medical services. Public facilities are funded by the provincial health department and typically offer low‑cost treatment, though waiting times can be longer. Private clinics tend to have shorter appointments and may provide more personalized care, but at higher fees. For chronic conditions, it is advisable to register...

What leisure activities are popular for families in Rahim Yar Khan? Things to Do 1 answer

Families in Rahim Yar Khan often enjoy visiting local parks, attending cultural festivals, and exploring nearby historical sites that showcase the region’s heritage. The city’s public squares host weekly markets where you can sample regional foods and buy crafts. Outdoor recreation includes picnicking along the riverbank and taking short trips to surrounding agricultural areas for farm tours. Community centres also o...

What paperwork is required to rent an apartment in Rahim Yar Khan as a foreigner? Moving Here 1 answer

When renting in Rahim Yar Khan, a foreign tenant typically needs a valid passport, a visa or residence permit, and proof of income such as a salary slip or bank statement. Landlords often ask for a local guarantor or a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. The rental agreement should be written in both English and Urdu, outlining the rent amount ($114 per month on average), duration, and responsibilities for ut...

How does the climate affect daily life in Rahim Yar Khan? General 1 answer

Rahim Yar Khan experiences a hot desert climate, with very high temperatures in summer often exceeding 40 °C (104 °F) and milder winters that can drop to around 5 °C (41 °F). Summer heat means many people adjust their schedules, working early in the morning and taking a break during the hottest midday hours. Air‑conditioned spaces are common in offices and larger homes, while homes without cooling rely on fans and na...

What public transport options exist in Rahim Yar Khan? Getting Around 1 answer

The city’s transport authority operates a network of minibusses and shared taxis that connect residential areas with commercial zones, schools, and the main market. Routes are usually identified by number or color, and fares are low, reflecting the overall cost‑of‑living. For longer trips, intercity buses depart from the central bus terminal to nearby towns and larger cities. Many residents also use motorbikes or bic...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Rahim Yar Khan? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

The consumer market basket tracks everyday necessities, including staple grocery items (such as milk, bread, eggs, and produce), residential energy bills (electricity, gas, and water), public and private transit costs, routine outpatient medical care, and standard consumer goods and services to ensure a representative monthly budget.

Even in close geographic proximity, local tax jurisdictions, municipal utility rates, zoning laws, and micro-housing markets can create wide cost discrepancies. For example, a city with strict land-use regulations or higher local sales taxes will typically exhibit elevated housing and consumer goods costs compared to an adjacent county with looser zoning and lower tax burdens.

Even in close geographic proximity, local tax jurisdictions, municipal utility rates, zoning laws, and micro-housing markets can create wide cost discrepancies. For example, a city with strict land-use regulations or higher local sales taxes will typically exhibit elevated housing and consumer goods costs compared to an adjacent county with looser zoning and lower tax burdens.

Local tax climates significantly shift a city's affordability score by directly affecting disposable income. Urblytica factors in state income tax brackets, local municipal property tax millage rates, and combined sales taxes to measure the true tax drag on median household earnings.

Core economic indexes and consumer price metrics undergo a comprehensive quarterly recalibration. This update cycle integrates the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, municipal utility rate adjustments, and regional housing data feeds to ensure all index comparisons reflect current economic conditions.

Housing is weighted as the single largest component in Urblytica's cost-of-living algorithm, typically accounting for roughly 30% to 35% of the composite score. It incorporates both median monthly gross rent and median single-family home purchase prices relative to local median income levels.

Normalization involves adjusting raw economic inputs against localized purchasing power parities (PPPs) and population-weighted density scales. This ensures fair, apples-to-apples comparisons between dense metropolitan hubs and smaller suburban or rural towns.

Utility indexing applies a rolling annual average that captures seasonal climate variations, such as increased summer air conditioning loads in southern climates or heavier winter heating demands in northern regions, providing a realistic year-round average utility expense.

Remote workers leverage the index to calculate real purchasing power parity when moving from a high-cost-of-living area to a lower-cost region. By comparing index differentials against their fixed salary, users can determine if their net savings and lifestyle quality will improve post-relocation.

While the raw Cost of Living Index measures pure expense levels, it is frequently paired with Urblytica’s local wage index and median household income benchmarks. This combined view highlights whether local salaries keep pace with local consumer goods and housing expenses.

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