Kolkata vs. Perth: Detailed 2026 Comparison

Kolkata, with a population of approximately 21.7 million, represents a major economic and cultural hub in India. Perth, significantly smaller with around 2.14 million residents, is a key city in Western Australia, Australia. The comparison reveals stark differences in quality of life metrics. Perth scores substantially higher on the overall Quality of Life Index (196.27 vs. 108.31), reflecting generally better perceptions across safety, health, and environmental factors. Kolkata's commute time index is considerably higher (74.3 hours annually vs. 22.9 hours), indicating longer average commutes, while Perth has a much lower pollution index (28.27 vs. 100.0). The property price to income ratio is also lower in Perth (6.83) compared to Kolkata (9.5), suggesting more affordable housing relative to income levels, despite the higher overall cost of living index (71.79 vs. 126.3).

Perth demonstrates significantly higher purchasing power, with a Purchasing Power Index nearly double that of Kolkata (150.11 vs. 75.27). The cities show a marked difference in commute duration, with Perth residents facing much shorter average commutes. Environmental quality is vastly superior in Perth, reflected in its low pollution index. Housing affordability, while measured differently, shows Perth having a lower property price to income ratio. However, the overall Cost of Living Index is considerably higher in Perth (71.79 vs. 126.3), primarily driven by differences in housing, transportation, and goods costs. Rent represents a much larger portion of household income in Perth, reflecting the higher cost of living. While housing prices per square meter are lower in Perth ($6,425 vs. $4,850), the associated income levels are significantly higher, impacting affordability differently.

The day-to-day expenses in Perth are substantially higher than in Kolkata. Dining out is significantly more expensive, with a mid-range meal costing nearly three times more ($85.20 vs. $30.00) and fast food meals being almost three and a half times pricier ($10.89 vs. $3.17). Basic groceries also cost more, though the difference is less dramatic than for dining. Crucially, childcare represents a massive disparity, with monthly private preschool fees in Perth being over 20 times higher ($2,280.89 vs. $104.17). International school tuition fees also show a significant gap ($22,244.40 vs. $1,300.00). Transportation costs are generally higher in Perth, with public transport passes being nearly 150% more expensive ($99.40 vs. $40.