Afghanistan: cost of living

What is the poverty rate in Afghanistan?

47.1% of Afghanistan's population lived below the national poverty line in 2019, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. This is the latest year shown.

The national poverty line is the cost of a basic basket of food and other needs, set from a household survey. The 2019 figure comes before the change of government in 2021 and the sharp fall in output that followed, so it may not describe conditions in 2026. The site of the National Statistics and Information Authority (gsia.gov.af) could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: poverty at national poverty lines, Afghanistan

How many afghanis is a pound or a euro?

Da Afghanistan Bank's cash selling rate was 85.5000 afghanis per pound sterling and 72.9917 afghanis per euro on its exchange rates page, last updated 14 October 2026. The buying rates were 84.7000 and 72.3917.

The page also gives rates for the Indian rupee (0.7375 sell), the UAE dirham (17.7000 sell), the Saudi riyal (17.2030 sell) and the Chinese yuan (10.0950 sell). Transfer rates are listed separately and are slightly closer together than cash rates. Earlier days can be chosen with the page's date selector.

Official sources: Da Afghanistan Bank: exchange rates

How fast are prices rising in Afghanistan?

-6.6%: that is consumer price inflation in Afghanistan for 2024, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from -6.8% (2009) to 26.4% (2008). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 2.1%, and Afghanistan placed 20th highest of 20. Worldwide: 172nd of 172.

What share of Afghanistan lives below the poverty line?

According to the World Bank, the share of people below the national poverty line in Afghanistan was 47.1% in 2019. In 2011 the figure was 38.3%. Of 62 countries with 2019 data, 3rd highest.

How many people in Afghanistan go hungry?

In 2024, moderate or severe food insecurity in Afghanistan was 77.8%, according to the FAO. The peak was 80.9% in 2022 and the low 45.1% in 2015. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 24.2%; Afghanistan is 1st highest of 13. World rank, highest first: 7th of 135.