Alexandria vs. Makassar: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Alexandria, with a population of approximately 4.87 million in Egypt, presents a complex urban environment with specific cost of living and quality of life metrics. Makassar, home to about 1.34 million people in Indonesia, offers a contrasting profile. This analysis compares these two major cities across key economic and quality-of-life indicators.

Alexandria's overall cost of living, measured by its index at 20.76, is notably lower than Makassar's index of 23.33. However, Makassar demonstrates a significantly higher GDP per capita ($13,900) compared to Alexandria ($16,700), suggesting potentially greater economic productivity or wealth concentration in the Egyptian city. Both cities show similar property price-to-income ratios (22.03 for Alexandria vs. 22.83 for Makassar), indicating comparable levels of housing affordability pressure relative to income. Alexandria offers slightly lower prices for everyday goods and services, though Makassar's transportation costs are marginally cheaper. The most pronounced economic difference lies in the mortgage rates, with Alexandria's 20.5% annual rate starkly contrasting against Makassar's much more favorable 6.0%.

Makassar edges ahead in the overall quality of life index, registering 102.64 compared to Alexandria's 90.82. This advantage is particularly evident in safety metrics, where Makassar scores slightly higher at 46.99 than Alexandria's 46.99. Healthcare access appears superior in Makassar, reflected in its higher healthcare index of 64.81 versus Alexandria's 64.81. Makassar also benefits from a more temperate climate, scoring 74.83 on the climate index compared to Alexandria's 74.83. While Makassar has a slightly longer average commute, its traffic index remains comparable at 43.33. Makassar demonstrates lower pollution levels with an index of 55.99, significantly better than Alexandria's 55.99.

Both Alexandria and Makassar present unique economic and quality-of-life profiles. Alexandria offers lower overall costs but faces challenges with high mortgage rates and potentially less favorable healthcare access. Makassar provides a higher GDP per capita, more affordable mortgages, and marginally better safety and healthcare metrics, though with a slightly higher cost of living overall. The choice between these cities depends heavily on individual priorities regarding cost structure, economic opportunities, and quality-of-life factors.