Monthly Household Budget in Pakistan (Example)
By the SpentStory team · Updated
A monthly household budget in Pakistan lists what comes in, subtracts the bills you must pay, plans the everyday spending, and puts a fixed amount aside before the month starts. The example below uses round numbers so you can copy the method and swap in your own.
The figures here are illustrative. Prices differ by city and family size, so treat them as a template, not a benchmark.
Step 1: Write down your real monthly income
Use what actually reaches your account, after tax and deductions. If your income changes, use your lowest recent month, not your best one. Add any regular extra, such as rent from a property or a side income, only if it arrives every month.
Step 2: List your fixed costs
Fixed costs are the ones that barely change. Pay these first.
- Rent or home loan instalment
- School or tuition fees
- Loan and committee (kameti) payments
- Insurance
- Internet and phone packages
Step 3: Estimate your variable needs
These change every month, so look at your last two or three statements to find a realistic number.
- Groceries and household items
- Electricity, gas and water bills
- Fuel or transport
- Medicine and doctor visits
Step 4: Add wants, family support and a buffer
- Eating out and food delivery
- Shopping and subscriptions
- Money you send to parents or relatives
- A buffer for the unexpected, such as a repair or a medical bill
Money sent to family is a real, regular cost for many households. Give it its own line so it is a decision, not a surprise.
Step 5: Pay yourself first
Decide your saving amount before you spend on wants. Move it to a separate account or a goal on the first week of the month.
What does a household budget look like on Rs 120,000?
Here is one example for a household with a monthly take home of Rs 120,000.
| Category | Amount (Rs) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 35,000 | 29% |
| Groceries and household | 22,000 | 18% |
| Utilities (power, gas, water) | 10,000 | 8% |
| Internet and phone | 3,500 | 3% |
| School fees | 12,000 | 10% |
| Fuel and transport | 8,000 | 7% |
| Medical | 3,000 | 3% |
| Family support | 6,000 | 5% |
| Eating out and delivery | 6,000 | 5% |
| Shopping and subscriptions | 4,500 | 4% |
| Savings | 10,000 | 8% |
| Total | 120,000 | 100% |
In this example needs take about 80 percent, which is common when rent and school fees are large. That is a reason to adjust the 50/30/20 rule to your situation, not a sign you are doing it wrong. Our guide on the 50/30/20 rule on a Pakistani salary covers that.
How do you stick to it?
- Check the real numbers monthly. A budget you never compare with reality is a wish. Compare the plan with your bank statement once a month.
- Round up your estimates. If you are unsure, assume utilities will be higher in the hot months.
- Change one thing at a time. If you are over by Rs 5,000, find one category to trim, not five.
- Keep a small buffer line. It stops one surprise from wrecking the month.
To work out your own split quickly, try the monthly budget calculator for Pakistan. To see what you actually spent last month, upload your statement and read the category breakdown, or follow the steps in how to track your monthly expenses in Pakistan.