Delhi vs. Medina: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Medina presents a vastly superior quality of life compared to Delhi, according to available data. Its overall Quality of Life Index stands at 135.32, a significant jump over Delhi's 66.58. This advantage is particularly evident in safety and healthcare. Medina's Safety Index (84.27) is considerably higher than Delhi's (66.58), suggesting a more secure environment. Healthcare quality, however, shows a stark contrast in the opposite direction: Delhi's Health Care Index (76.94) is higher than Medina's (47.22), indicating better healthcare facilities relative to population needs in the Indian capital. Conversely, Delhi's Climate Index (66.58) is considerably higher than Medina's (26.18), implying Delhi's weather is more desirable, while its Pollution Index (50.00) is lower than Medina's (78.58), meaning Delhi suffers from worse air quality.

The cost of living comparison reveals a complex picture for 2026. While Medina's overall Cost of Living Index (40.07) is lower than Delhi's (22.73), this translates differently for residents. Basic foodstuffs are cheaper in Medina, with a monthly grocery bill averaging $210.60 versus $297.00 in Delhi. Public transport is also more affordable in Medina ($8.60/month) than in Delhi ($19.00/month). Dining out, however, is more expensive in Medina, with a mid-range restaurant meal for two costing $63.94 compared to $55.50 in Delhi. This highlights that while essentials are cheaper in Medina, discretionary spending on dining is higher.

The housing market starkly contrasts the two cities. Despite a lower overall Cost of Living Index, Delhi's Property Price to Income Ratio (19.46) is significantly higher than Medina's (6.77), suggesting property is a much larger burden on Delhi's residents. The average apartment price per square meter in the city center reflects this disparity: $10,500 in Delhi versus $2,295 in Medina. Yet, the real estate tax burden is much lighter in Medina, at approximately $18.25 per 100 sq. meters, compared to the much higher implicit taxes likely faced in Delhi.

Transportation costs also show mixed results. Owning a car is more expensive in Medina due to higher vehicle prices (a base model Volkswagen Golf 1.5 costs nearly $32,000) and slightly lower fuel efficiency, though fuel itself is cheaper per liter ($0.51 vs. $0.60 in Delhi). Public transport is cheaper in Delhi for single journeys and monthly passes ($0.50 one-way, $19.00/month pass) than in Medina ($1.33 one-way, $28.20/month pass). However, the data suggests Delhi's cheaper fuel comes at the cost of higher overall vehicle ownership expenses.

Childcare and education represent another area where Medina carries a significant premium. A private preschool for one child costs $229.08/month in Medina, almost six times the $40.00/month cost in Delhi. This trend continues with international primary school tuition, which, despite Delhi's higher base ($12,000/year), is actually lower in Medina ($4,406.60/year). These figures underscore that while Delhi offers drastically lower costs for childcare, Medina's international schooling comes at a much higher price point.