Patna vs. Townsville: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Patna, located in India, has a significantly larger population of approximately 2.3 million people compared to Townsville's population of around 173,724. The safety metrics for Patna are considerably lower, with a Safety Index of 28.36, while Townsville boasts a higher Safety Index of 38.81. Healthcare access in Patna is limited, reflected in its lower Health Care Index of 34.39, whereas Townsville's Health Care Index is notably higher at 74.39. Air quality is a concern in Patna, indicated by its higher Pollution Index of 76.42, contrasting with Townsville's much lower Pollution Index of 27.68.

The overall Cost of Living Index for Patna is significantly lower at 51.56 compared to Townsville's Cost of Living Index of 72.56. This difference is particularly pronounced in several categories. Dining out is substantially cheaper in Patna, with a mid-range meal for two costing approximately $10.00 versus $38.88 in Townsville. Similarly, local transportation expenses are lower, with a one-way public transport ticket costing $0.50 in Patna versus $2.20 in Townsville. While groceries are relatively inexpensive in Patna, basic items like a loaf of bread cost around $0.50 compared to $2.34 in Townsville. However, childcare expenses are significantly higher in Townsville, with monthly preschool fees averaging around $2,113.98 versus $100.00 in Patna.

Housing represents a stark contrast between the two cities. Patna's average property price is approximately $49,000, significantly lower than Townsville's average of $1,050,000. The disparity is even more pronounced in rental costs, with a one-bedroom apartment in Patna averaging $100/month versus $1,323.75 in Townsville. The Property Price to Income Ratio further highlights this difference, with Patna at 1.00 and Townsville at 4.53, indicating that housing is relatively more affordable in Patna.

Income levels differ dramatically between the two cities. The average monthly net salary in Patna is approximately $400, significantly lower than the $4,324.76 average in Townsville. This translates to a salary ratio of roughly 1:11. GDP Per Capita also reflects this economic disparity, with Patna at approximately $2,000 and Townsville at $59,600. While Patna's population growth rate is higher at 2.0%, Townsville's population growth rate is slightly higher at 1.13%.

The overall Quality of Life Index favors Townsville at 180.45 compared to Patna's 70.00. This advantage is particularly evident in environmental quality metrics, with Townsville's Pollution Index being substantially lower. While Townsville offers higher educational standards, as seen in the significant difference in primary school tuition fees ($21,274.56 annually versus $100.00 in Patna), it also provides better healthcare access and infrastructure. Townsville residents also benefit from shorter commute times, with an average index of 20.44 compared to Patna's 51.56.