Islamabad has ranked ahead of several major global cities in Numbeo’s 2026 Mid-Year Quality of Life Index. Pakistan’s capital received a score of 140.7, surpassing cities including Paris, New York and London.

The ranking highlights the role of affordability, safety and climate in evaluating urban living conditions. However, it does not mean Islamabad performs better in every aspect of daily life.

According to the index, Islamabad scored higher than Paris, which received 138.8 points. Budapest followed with 138.6, while Johannesburg recorded 138.1.

New York received a score of 137.3, placing it below the Pakistani capital. London also ranked lower, with 135.8 points. Kuala Lumpur recorded approximately 135.3.

The list placed Mangalore in India at the top with 142.1 points. Turin, Italy, followed closely with 142.0, while Islamabad secured third place among the cities listed in the provided data.

Other cities included Pretoria, Novi Sad, Sofia and Montevideo. Their scores ranged from 139.1 to 139.7, according to the ranking.

Islamabad Scores Higher Than Lahore and Karachi

The index also showed a considerable difference between Islamabad and Pakistan’s other major cities. The capital recorded a score of 140.7, while Lahore received 98.4.

Karachi scored 76.1 in the same comparison. These figures highlight the differences recorded across the country’s major urban centres.

However, the scores should not be treated as a complete measure of living standards. Individual experiences can vary depending on income, neighbourhood and access to essential services.

Islamabad also remained below several of the world’s highest-scoring cities. The Hague topped the global rankings with 221.5 points.

Eindhoven followed with 210.7, while Seattle recorded 182.5. These results show that the capital’s position differs depending on the cities included in the comparison.

Lower Living Costs Support Islamabad’s Ranking

Affordability appears to be one of Islamabad’s key advantages. Numbeo assigned the city a Cost of Living Index score of 25.3.

By comparison, New York scored 100, London received 88.2, and Paris recorded 78.6. These figures suggest that everyday expenses are considerably lower in Islamabad than in these international cities.

However, index scores are comparative measures rather than direct estimates of household spending. Actual expenses depend on income, lifestyle and individual circumstances.

The capital also recorded a Safety Index score of 69.2. Its healthcare index stood at 63.7, while its climate score reached 76.9.

Islamabad’s pollution index was 41.5. Its traffic commute time index stood at 35.9, according to the supplied figures.

Housing Costs and Purchasing Power Remain Concerns

Despite its favourable overall ranking, Islamabad faces challenges related to purchasing power and housing affordability. The city received a Purchasing Power Index score of 43.7.

Its Property Price-to-Income Ratio stood at 14.3. These figures highlight factors residents may consider when assessing their financial comfort.

Lower living costs do not automatically mean that residents can afford everything easily. Household incomes and property prices also influence the ability to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Similarly, a higher quality of life score does not guarantee better public transport, employment opportunities or healthcare access for everyone.

Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index relies largely on crowdsourced information and user-submitted perceptions. It combines several indicators to compare urban living conditions across different cities.

The findings provide a useful overview of how Islamabad compares with international destinations. However, they should be treated as an indicative comparison rather than a definitive scientific assessment.

Overall, Islamabad’s score reflects the advantages associated with its relatively low living costs, safety rating and climate. At the same time, housing affordability and purchasing power remain important considerations for residents.

In other news read more about: Pakistan Ranks 7th Globally After Successful 5G Spectrum Auction