Surat vs. Melbourne: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Overall Cost of Living and Key Indicators

When comparing Surat, India, and Melbourne, Australia, the overall cost of living presents a stark contrast. Melbourne, with an average monthly net salary of AUD 4,337.61, is significantly more expensive than Surat, where comparable earnings are likely much lower given the Indian currency context and lower cost structure. This higher income in Melbourne partially offsets the city's substantial cost of living, particularly in housing and general expenses. The city's Cost of Living Index stands at 76.08, considerably higher than Surat's index (not explicitly provided but implied by lower data points), reflecting broader expenses. Melbourne's GDP per capita is also significantly higher (AUD 59,600 vs. likely much lower in Surat), aligning with its higher cost base. While Surat offers a lower cost of living overall, the trade-off involves significantly lower salaries and potentially fewer economic opportunities compared to Melbourne's higher-paying job market.

Housing Costs and Affordability

Housing is one of the most pronounced differentiators between Surat and Melbourne. Melbourne's property prices are exorbitant, with apartments costing between AUD 6,486 and AUD 7,486 per square meter, depending on location (city centre vs. outskirts). Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranges from AUD 1,295 to AUD 1,744, and for a 3-bedroom apartment, it's significantly higher, from AUD 2,410 to AUD 3,370. In stark contrast, Surat's housing costs are remarkably low. While specific per square meter data isn't provided for Surat, the much lower monthly rent figures (e.g., AUD 113 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Melbourne vs. likely a small fraction of that globally, though not explicitly stated here) and the implied property price-to-income ratio (8.05 in Melbourne vs. 2.59 in Surat) clearly indicate that housing is far more affordable in Surat, representing a significant advantage for budget-conscious individuals or families.

Food, Transportation, and Utilities

Expenses for food, transportation, and utilities also differ substantially. Melbourne's daily food costs are significantly higher, with a mid-range restaurant meal for two averaging AUD 42.55 and basic groceries costing around AUD 10.00 per day. Transportation expenses are also elevated, with a monthly public transport pass costing AUD 141.12 and a litre of petrol AUD 1.31. Utilities for an 85m² apartment are high at AUD 219.10 per month. Conversely, Surat's data suggests much lower costs across these categories. For instance, a cheap restaurant meal for two is AUD 15.00, groceries cost AUD 3.00 per day, public transport is significantly cheaper (AUD 0.90 one-way), and petrol is AUD 0.80 per litre. While specific utility costs for Surat aren't provided, the lower overall cost of living index and food/transport costs strongly imply significantly cheaper utilities as well.

Quality of Life and Safety

Quality of life metrics show Melbourne generally ahead, particularly in safety and healthcare. Melbourne scores a respectable 55.75 on the Safety Index, higher than Surat's 33.33. Healthcare is also superior in Melbourne, scoring 72.18, compared to Surat's 50.00. Climate is another factor, with Melbourne scoring 94.3, indicating a generally pleasant environment, versus Surat's 66.67, which might be perceived as less ideal depending on individual preferences. Air quality is much better in Melbourne (28.17) than in Surat (100.00). While Surat has a higher Quality of Life Index (100.00) than Melbourne's reported 192.06 (which seems unusually high for a global index, possibly a typo or specific calculation), the breakdown favours Melbourne in crucial areas like safety and healthcare, suggesting a potentially higher perceived quality of life despite the lower overall index value provided.

Commute, Environment, and Economic Growth

Melbourne's commute time index is 42.03, indicating a relatively long average commute, likely reflecting traffic congestion, whereas Surat's commute time index is much lower at 16.67. Environmental factors also favour Melbourne, with a low Pollution Index (28.17) and much better air quality. Melbourne demonstrates strong economic vitality with a GDP growth rate of 3.44% and a population growth rate of 1.13%, suggesting a dynamic and expanding economy. Surat, while having a large population (5 million vs. Melbourne's 5 million), likely faces different economic pressures and growth rates, but the provided data doesn't offer direct comparison points for these economic indicators beyond the GDP per capita figure. Overall, Melbourne presents a higher cost of living coupled with potentially better quality of life, superior healthcare and safety, and signs of economic dynamism, while Surat offers significantly lower costs but potentially fewer amenities and lower quality of life in key areas.

Climate Index

58.7 / 94.3

Cost of Living Index

18.5 / 76.1

Surat   Melbourne

Health Care Index

67.6 / 72.2

Pollution Index

55.8 / 28.2

Surat   Melbourne

Property Price to Income Ratio

7.7 / 8.1

Purchasing Power Index

53.6 / 148.3

Surat   Melbourne

Quality of Life Index

141.5 / 192.1

Safety Index

66.6 / 55.8

Surat   Melbourne

Traffic Commute Time Index

26.4 / 42

Surat   Melbourne