Hubli vs. Skopje: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Hubli, India, and Skopje, North Macedonia, based on available data. The analysis covers key factors such as housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, safety, and environmental conditions to help potential residents or investors make informed decisions.

Groceries

Climate Index

83 / 76.3

Health Care Index

21.1 / 55.1

Hubli   Skopje

Hubli offers significantly lower grocery prices compared to Skopje. For example, a loaf of bread costs approximately 25 INR (around $0.35 USD) in Hubli, while the same item costs 79 MKD (around $1.10 USD) in Skopje. Similarly, local cheese is priced at 138 INR ($0.19 USD) in Hubli versus 943 MKD ($13.30 USD) in Skopje. Staple goods like rice and eggs are also cheaper in Hubli.

Transportation

Pollution Index

81.7 / 82.2

Safety Index

37.1 / 54.2

Hubli   Skopje

Hubli is considerably more affordable for transportation costs. A monthly public transport pass costs around 1,000 INR ($14 USD) in Hubli, while the same pass in Skopje is priced at 28.44 EUR (approximately $32 USD). Fuel costs are also lower in Hubli, with 1 liter of gasoline priced at 86 INR ($1.20 USD) compared to 14.70 MKD ($2.00 USD) in Skopje.

Utilities

Traffic Commute Time Index

41.7 / 27.2

Hubli   Skopje

Monthly utility bills for a standard 85 m² apartment are lower in Hubli, averaging around 500 INR ($7 USD) compared to 165.45 EUR ($190 USD) in Skopje. Internet and mobile data costs are also more affordable in Hubli.

Childcare and Education

Childcare costs are significantly higher in Skopje. A private preschool costs approximately 1,500 INR ($21 USD) per month in Hubli, while the same service in Skopje costs 342.51 MKD ($48 USD) per month. International school tuition is also lower in Hubli, with annual fees around 300,000 INR ($4,200 USD) compared to 5,216.35 MKD ($730 USD) in Skopje.

Housing

H Hubli offers much more affordable housing options. A 3-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 15,000 INR ($210 USD) per month, while the same property in Skopje costs approximately 705.62 EUR ($880 USD). Property prices per square meter are also lower in Hubli, with city-center apartments priced at 12,000 INR ($167 USD) versus 2,798.49 MKD ($380 USD) in Skopje.

Safety and Security

Skopje generally has a lower crime rate compared to Hubli. While Hubli has higher levels of urban crime, Skopje is considered safer in terms of property and violent crime. Both cities have public safety services, but Skopje’s lower crime rate contributes to a better perception of safety among residents.

Healthcare

Skopje has a more developed healthcare system with better-equipped hospitals and lower costs for medical services. In contrast, Hubli’s healthcare infrastructure is less advanced, and medical expenses are higher relative to income.

Environment

Hubli has higher levels of air and noise pollution, with a pollution index of 155 compared to Skopje’s 82. The city also has a longer average commute time (45 minutes) compared to Skopje’s 14 minutes. Skopje benefits from a milder climate and cleaner urban environment.

Recreation and Amenities

Skopje offers more recreational activities and cultural amenities, including museums, theaters, and public parks. Hubli has fewer public recreational facilities, though it is growing. Hubli is significantly more affordable in terms of cost of living, particularly for housing, groceries, and transportation. However, Skopje offers a higher quality of life with better healthcare, safety, and environmental conditions. The choice between the two cities depends on individual priorities. Those prioritizing affordability may prefer Hubli, while those seeking a higher quality of life and better amenities may find Skopje more suitable.