Are the UK and Pakistan polar opposites, or do they share more similarities than people think? You’ll find the answer in this article. We’ll compare countries on three aspects: (1) the UK vs Pakistan population, (2) the UK vs Pakistan area, and (3) cost of living in the UK vs Pakistan — with bonus tips on how to live in the UK as an expat in the end. Without further ado, let’s get started.
The UK vs Pakistan population
Pakistan
241.49 million people currently reside in Pakistan, according to the latest Population and Housing census. The data was collected in 2023, but given that the country's population is steadily growing, it's estimated to be around 256.27 million.
The UK
69.28 million people live in Great Britain according to the official data for 2024. In 2025, the estimated number reached 69,66 million.
The UK vs Pakistan population
Knowing the number of people living in the area is not enough to understand the real situation. We also need to consider the density, percentage of urbanisation, and the median age (at least).
Table 1: The UK vs Pakistan population comparison
The data was retrieved from Worldometers.info on October 6th, 2025.
| Indicator | Pakistan | The United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Density (per Km²) | 331 | 287 |
| % of urbanisation | 34.39% | 84.54% |
| Median age | 20.6 | 40.1 |
So, the UK population is less dense, more urban and older. If you plan to move there for career opportunities, huge cities are your go-to option. But if you want a quiet life, then villages in the UK are the perfect choice.
Let’s end the UK vs Pakistan population section here and move forward.
The UK vs Pakistan areas
After evaluating the UK vs Pakistan population, it’s logical to glance at how the geographical conditions differ. When moving abroad, many underestimate the importance of the size, climate and landscapes of their destination. In reality, when you switch homes, the first thing you start to miss is nature, well-known streets and urban patterns — and it can hit hard. So, you should be prepared in advance and know what to expect to ease your adaptation.
Table 2: The UK vs Pakistan area comparison
| Indicator | Pakistan | The United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 881,913 Km² | 243,610 Km² |
| Climate |
Varies a lot across the country.
Hot and dry spring/summer and cool and dry autumn/winter. The mean temperature in June is 32.6 °C. The mean temperature in January is 12.7 °C. |
Temperate oceanic, humid.
Mild and wet summers and wet and cool winters. All four seasons are distinct. The mean temperature in June is 14.7 °C. The mean temperature in January is 4.9 °C. |
| Landscapes | It is very diverse, with the Himalayan and Karakoram mountains in the north, deserts, coastal areas and numerous valleys. | Mountain ranges in Scotland, hills in the Cotswolds, flat areas and plains in East Anglia. |
Be ready for much lower temperatures and wetter weather when you move to the UK. Don’t be afraid to get bored, though, the country has spectacular views that amaze your imagination. If we held the UK vs Pakistan area competition, we wouldn’t be able to choose a winner, as both countries are breathtaking in their own way.
Cost of living
The average cost of living in Pakistan
Without rent, a family of four needs around 859.7 GBP to live comfortably, while a single person spends 269.3 GBP per month.
Here are the approximate prices for renting an accommodation:
- 86.02 GBP per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
- 51.01 GBP for the same apartment outside of the city centre.
- 213.33 GBP for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
- 127.43 GBP 3 bedrooms in the remote area.
Tips for saving:
- How to save money on electricity: tips for expats
- Yes, you may save money on utility bills (without losing out on comfort)
What is the average salary in Pakistan?
The average salary in Pakistan is around 216 GBP (82,100 PKR). Using simple math, we can see that it’s not enough to maintain a comfortable standard of living — especially if you need to rent a place. In such cases, managing your budget becomes a vital skill.
Cost of living in the UK
Compared to the average cost of living in Pakistan, life in the United Kingdom is much more expensive. You’ll need to earn at least 2,839.1 GBP per month to provide the family of four with everything they need. It’s ten times more than the average salary in Pakistan, and the rent isn’t even included here. If you’re going solo, expect to spend around 832.5 GBP monthly on food, transportation, utilities, clothes, etc.
Rent prices in the UK:
- 1,013.07 GBP monthly for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
- 830.77 GBP, same but in remote areas.
- 1,702.61 GBP for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
- 1,349.15 same but outside of the centre.
The housing crisis is flourishing in the UK, so many expats choose a strategy of sharing flats with someone. It helps to cut costs and not feel too lonely abroad.
If you're interested in buying a house in the UK, we've calculated the most common costs for you.
UK average salary per month
In 2025, the UK average salary per month is 2,877 GBP. For solo expats, it’s enough to cover rent, lead a moderate lifestyle and occasionally send money back home to support family in Pakistan.
If your loved ones rely on you, you’ll need a service for quick and fair transfers. Profee is ready to become this service for you. You can send money from home, office, bus or anywhere else as long as you’re connected to the internet — in minutes and at beneficial GBP to PKR rates. Join Profee and make your every pound work.
In short
- The UK average salary per month is approximately ten times higher than in Pakistan.
- The average cost of living in Pakistan is three times lower than the cost of living in the UK (for a single person).
So, when you move from Pakistan to the UK, financial shock is a normal reaction. Save as much as you can before changing locations, and be wise with your money.
How to live in the UK
Sections ‘UK vs Pakistan population’, ‘UK vs Pakistan areas’, and ‘Cost of living’ gave us a surface-level understanding of the differences between the countries. What will guide us deeper is culture. Life in the United Kingdom may seem odd to you as a Pakistani expat at first, but it’s okay to feel this way. We prepared some tips for you on how to live in the UK:
Be open
You won’t be the only expat — people all around the globe try to settle their life in the United Kingdom. So if you want to be treated with respect, respect others first.
Work independence
The UK employers expect you to think critically and be proactive. To keep a place and get promoted, bring ideas, improve processes and show that you’re genuinely interested in your company’s success.
Daily habits
People can randomly start small talks on the streets or in elevators. It may seem strange at first, but use this chance and ask them how to live in the UK like a local. Also, they don’t mind when others drink and smoke in some public places, so if it’s a taboo for you, prepare yourself mentally. How people talk, how they behave, what’s important to them — these everyday details will differ, and you’ll need time to get used to them. However, remember that we’re all humans with similar emotions and needs, so these small differences don’t matter much.
Pakistani community
Around 1.6 million Pakistanis live in the UK. They form a strong community, which supports newcomers and helps to make yourself at home even when you’re far away. Join online chats, attend workshops, organise cultural festivals — staying connected to your roots will relieve the stress of being an expat and building a new life in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is the average cost of living in Pakistan?
According to Numbeo, it’s 269.3 GBP per month for a single person who doesn’t pay rent.
What is the average salary in Pakistan?
82,100 PKR in 2025. Incomes vary dramatically between sectors of the economy.
Which UK city has the largest Pakistani population?
London, over 200,000 Pakistanis live there.
Which city is called Mini Pakistan in the UK?
Brandford, because 25.54% of its population is Pakistani.
Do Pakistani people in the UK still speak Urdu?
Yes, some expats continue speaking Urdu once they move to the UK.
Learning Urdu as a Pakistani in the UK: the complete guide.
How to send money from the UK to Pakistan?
For a stress-free GBP to PKR transfer, follow these five steps:
- Join Profee.
- Add the transfer amount.
- Choose your payment method.
- Add the recipient details.
- Double-check and confirm.
