Lucknow vs Samarinda: Cost of Living, Lifestyle, Housing and Quality of Life

Lucknow Lucknow Image by:Shantum Singh
Samarinda Samarinda Image by:Tom Fisk

Introduction

Health Care Index
62.9 / 36.1
Pollution Index
77.9 / 35.6

Lucknow   Samarinda

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Lucknow and Samarinda create a practical long-term living comparison rather than a simple travel-style choice. Lucknow has a clearer case for healthcare-related indicators. Samarinda has a clearer case for rent and housing, pollution-related indicators, commute-related indicators, and safety. The comparison stays within measurable living indicators and avoids unsupported claims about neighborhoods, infrastructure, services, or local routines.

Safety Index
54.5 / 75
Traffic Commute Time Index
41.1 / 25

Lucknow   Samarinda

Quick verdict

Lucknow and Samarinda are not the same kind of choice. For budget control, Samarinda looks stronger, especially around rent and housing. The comfort picture is also mixed: Lucknow leads on healthcare-related indicators, while Samarinda leads on safety, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators. The better choice depends on whether the reader wants lower monthly pressure, stronger comfort indicators, or a better balance between cost and daily living conditions.

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living is the first filter for many long-stay decisions, but the available indicators do not provide a separate overall cost-of-living comparison for Lucknow and Samarinda. Apartment rent appears much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. These related cost indicators still help readers compare monthly pressure, especially around housing, daily spending, or transport where comparable signals are available.

Housing and real estate

Housing deserves special weight because rent can shape the whole monthly plan. Apartment rent appears much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. A city that looks heavier on housing needs a more careful long-stay budget, even when other indicators are attractive.

Safety and general comfort

Safety indicators are useful for people thinking about a longer stay, family life, or moving without a local network. Safety indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Lucknow. This is a broad directional signal and should not be turned into a claim about particular neighborhoods or incidents.

Healthcare and long-stay comfort

Healthcare-related indicators matter more for long stays than for short visits. Healthcare-related indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. The comparison gives a relative comfort signal without making claims about specific providers, services, or outcomes.

Pollution-related comfort

Pollution-related indicators are important because they affect perceived daily comfort. Pollution indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. This should stay as a broad comparison signal rather than a detailed claim about local air conditions.

Commute and daily movement

Commute-related indicators matter because small routine delays can become a major part of long-term living. Traffic and commute indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. This does not describe any specific route or transport method; it only gives a broad pressure signal.

Who should choose Lucknow?

Lucknow has the clearer case for readers who care more about healthcare-related indicators than simply choosing the lowest-cost option. Healthcare-related indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. The main caution is rent and housing, safety, and pollution-related indicators, where Samarinda looks stronger. Apartment rent appears much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. Safety indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Lucknow. Pollution indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. For that reason, Lucknow should be chosen when those strengths match the reader's actual priorities, not because it is automatically better overall.

Who should choose Samarinda?

Samarinda makes the strongest case for readers who care about rent and housing, while also valuing safety, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators. Apartment rent appears much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. Safety indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Lucknow. Pollution indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. Traffic and commute indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. The main caution is healthcare-related indicators, where Lucknow looks stronger. Healthcare-related indicators appear much higher in Lucknow than in Samarinda. For that reason, Samarinda should be chosen when those strengths match the reader's actual priorities, not because it is automatically better overall.

Final recommendation

The best choice between Lucknow and Samarinda depends on the reader's main trade-off. Lucknow has the clearer case for healthcare-related indicators, while Samarinda has the clearer case for rent and housing, safety, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators. A safer decision compares housing, daily expenses, transport costs, safety, income, comfort, and long-term routine together instead of relying on one headline indicator.

FAQ

Which city is generally more affordable between Lucknow and Samarinda?

Samarinda looks more affordable on the available cost-side indicators, especially around rent and housing. Actual affordability still depends on income, household size, and personal spending habits.

Which city looks better for long-term living?

Long-term living is a trade-off. Lucknow looks stronger for healthcare-related indicators, while Samarinda looks stronger for safety, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators.

How should housing be weighed in this comparison?

Housing should be treated as one of the most important parts of the decision because it affects monthly pressure and daily comfort. A city with heavier rent or housing indicators needs a more careful long-stay budget, even when other categories look attractive.

Are safety and quality-of-life indicators enough to choose one city?

They are useful, but they are not enough on their own. Safety and quality-of-life indicators should be balanced with rent, daily spending, transport costs, income, and the reader's tolerance for higher monthly pressure.

Which city is better for remote work or flexible living?

The better choice depends on whether the reader wants lower monthly pressure or stronger comfort-side indicators. A lower-cost city can be easier for budget control, while a city with stronger income, quality-of-life, or safety indicators may feel better for a longer stay.

LucknowLucknow
SamarindaSamarinda

Local cuisine & dishes

Lucknow

Dum PukhtA slow-cooked delicacy from Lucknow, Dum Pukht features tender layers of mutton or chicken, rice, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. The dish is simmered in a sealed pot until the meat melts in your mouth, served with naan or steamed rice for an authentic Nawabi experience.
Kakori KebabThese small, golden-brown kebabs are crafted from minced mutton or chicken, seasoned with cumin and coriander. Pan-fried to perfection, they offer a crispy exterior and soft interior, traditionally served with mint chutney and salad, reflecting Lucknow's rich culinary heritage.
Baingan BhartaA smoky vegetarian dish made by roasting eggplants until tender, then mashing them with tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Served with roti or rice, it's a comforting staple that showcases Lucknow's love for bold flavors.

Samarinda

Es DurianA refreshing and creamy drink made by blending fresh durian fruit with ice and a touch of sugar. Served in a tall glass with crushed ice on top, it offers a tropical twist to any meal, perfectly cooling on hot days.
Ikan Bakar SamarindaA flavorful grilled fish dish marinated with empurayap fruit and sambal. The fish is cooked over charcoal, resulting in tender meat with a smoky aroma. Traditionally served with steamed rice and a side of spicy sambal, it's a must-try for seafood lovers.
Kue Mawar/LumpurDelicate traditional cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, baked to perfection. These small, round cakes have a soft, chewy texture and are often flavored with pandan or served plain. Ideal as a sweet snack or dessert, they capture the essence of Samarinda's culinary heritage.
LucknowLucknow
SamarindaSamarinda

Travel & attractions

Lucknow

Bara ImambaraA historic monument built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, featuring a large maze called Bhool Bhulaiya
Chhota ImambaraAn ornate shrine built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838, known for its intricate marble work and mirror-work
Rumi DarwazaA grand, imposing gateway built in the 18th century, resembling the famous Gate of Delhi
Residency LucknowA historic building that served as the British Resident's headquarters during the Indian Rebellion of 1857
HazratganjA bustling shopping district in Lucknow, known for its colonial-era architecture and numerous shops

Samarinda

Samarinda City Square (Alun-alun Samarinda)A popular gathering spot in the heart of the city featuring a large fountain and various food stalls.
Mangkalihat FortressAn ancient Dutch colonial fortress built in the 18th century, offering a glimpse into the region's history.
Samarinda ZooA popular attraction with a variety of animals including orangutans, tigers, and elephants.
Tanjung Putus LighthouseAn iconic lighthouse located on the coast of Samarinda, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Kalimas RiverA major river flowing through Samarinda, known for its scenic beauty and various water activities.

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Real estate & living comparison

Lucknow Samarinda
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 391.57 USD 351.19 USD
GDP Growth Rate: 8.15 USD 5.05 USD
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) 48.84 USD 29.64 USD
Population 3,382,000 831,460

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Last updated: 2026-07-02T05:38:40+00:00

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