Quetta district is ethnically diverse. A colourful culture can be seen in the district. The district is multilingual in the sense that there are five major ethnic groups, and each group has its own cultural values. They are Pashtoons, Balochs, Brahuis, Hazaras and Punjabis. Some other minor ethnic groups like Urdu speaking Mehajirs and Sindhis are also living in the city. The mode of living differs from group to group. In the urban area except Kachi Abadis, the way of living is somewhat modern especially among the wealthier people. In the rural area, the style of living is more traditional.

The major sources of income of the residents are trade, transport, government jobs, agriculture and mining. The informal sector is also playing a very significant role in generating income. Like in other urban centres, in Quetta city a large number of shops, street vendors, small garages (auto repair shops)

and tailoring shops can be observed. Food habits among the major ethnic groups are almost identical, they take meals twice a day along with a light breakfast. Meat is the main item of the meal and wheat is the staple food. However, food habits of Punjabi and Urdu speaking (Mehajir) are different. Their meals usually contain mutton, vegetables, pulses flavoured and cooked with chillies. Tea is normally offered in the houses to guests. In summer lassi (a yoghurt drink) is widely used as refreshment. In fact,  the pattern of food habits is changing. Fruit, sweets and confectioneries have become part of the food, especially in the urban area of the district. Regional food specialities, that attract the tourists, are sajji, roast and Kabuli pulaow. Since Quetta is a multi-cultural area, a variety of dresses can be observed. Both traditional and modern dresses are found in the district. The traditional dress comprising a turban, shalwar and kameez is mostly used by the people residing in the rural area. A modern dress, consisting of trousers and coat are mostly used by army officials and Government employees; Jinnah, Pashtoon and Baluchi caps are also used.

Women's dresses can also be categorised into two types, traditional and modern. shalwar- kameez and shawl or chaddar are used by the majority of women. Most  women observe purdah (veil or chaddar), when they come to the bazar. Baluchi and Afghan embroidery is also traditionally used on the dress of women and children. Modern dresses are worn by working women and educated girls, which is essentially the same, but excludes the chaddar.