Pune vs. Riyadh: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Overview

Climate Index

74.3 / 44.5

Cost of Living Index

22.6 / 48.2

Pune   Riyadh

h2 Pune, located in India, has a population of approximately 7.2 million and a GDP per capita of $5,510. Riyadh, situated in Saudi Arabia, boasts a significantly higher GDP per capita of $55,100 and a larger population of around 7.2 million. Riyadh's economy is wealthier, reflected in its higher average net salary ($2,340/month vs. $840/month in Pune). However, Riyadh's property market is more expensive, with city-center prices at $2,903/m² compared to Pune's $553/m². The property price-to-income ratio is lower in Pune (3.46) than in Riyadh (4.76), suggesting Pune's housing is more affordable relative to income. Pune's population growth is modest (0.72%), while Riyadh's is slightly higher (1.68%).

Economic and Housing Comparison

Health Care Index

65.6 / 66.2

Pollution Index

71.3 / 63.8

Pune   Riyadh

h2 Riyadh's economy is substantially more affluent, with a GDP per capita nearly ten times higher than Pune's. This translates into a significantly higher average net salary ($2,340/month in Riyadh vs. $840/month in Pune). While Riyadh's property prices are considerably higher ($2,903/m² city-center vs. $553/m² in Pune), the city's lower mortgage interest rate (5.39% vs. 7.00%) could make long-term financing more manageable. The property price-to-income ratio remains higher in Riyadh (4.76) than Pune (3.46), indicating that despite the lower interest rate, Riyadh's housing costs are still a larger proportion of average income. Both cities show positive population growth, but Riyadh's rate is marginally higher.

Daily Living Expenses

Property Price to Income Ratio

7.1 / 5.1

Purchasing Power Index

160.8 / 129

Pune   Riyadh

h2 Groceries are relatively affordable in both cities, with Pune showing a slight edge in prices for common staples like rice and milk. Dining out is significantly more expensive in Riyadh, where a mid-range meal for two is nearly three times the cost in Pune ($53.29 vs. $19.29). Riyadh also has substantially higher childcare costs ($503/month vs. $120/month in Pune). While basic groceries are cheaper in Pune, daily expenses like dining, transportation, and childcare are considerably higher in Riyadh.

Transportation and Utilities

Quality of Life Index

165.7 / 161

Safety Index

58.7 / 75.4

Pune   Riyadh

h2 Public transportation is more affordable in Riyadh, with a monthly pass costing about one-third the price in Pune ($37/month vs. $120/month). However, owning a car is significantly cheaper in Riyadh due to lower gasoline prices ($0.61/L vs. $1.65/L in Pune), with a comparable compact car costing nearly three times less ($35,370 vs. $108,000). Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment are moderately more expensive in Riyadh ($101/month vs. $80/month in Pune), though internet costs are substantially higher ($72/month vs. $29/month).

Safety, Environment, and Quality of Life

Traffic Commute Time Index

44.2 / 34.1

Pune   Riyadh

h2 Riyadh scores higher on safety (Safety Index: 75 vs. 58) and healthcare access (Healthcare Index: 66 vs. 59), though Pune has better climate conditions (Climate Index: 75 vs. 44). Riyadh suffers from significantly higher pollution levels (Pollution Index: 64 vs. 39). While Riyadh offers greater perceived safety and healthcare access, Pune provides a more temperate climate and lower environmental pollution levels. The overall Quality of Life Index is slightly higher in Riyadh (161) than Pune (158), primarily driven by safety and healthcare factors.