Namur vs. Ulyanovsk: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Namur presents a significantly more expensive cost of living than Ulyanovsk, a Russian city, according to detailed 2026 data. This disparity is evident across multiple basic expenses, fundamentally shaping the financial landscape for residents. While Namur offers certain quality-of-life advantages, the overall financial burden is substantially higher, making everyday expenses a major consideration for potential inhabitants.

The difference in food costs is particularly stark. Groceries in Namur are roughly double the price found in Ulyanovsk, reflecting the higher cost of basic staples. This trend extends to dining out, where a mid-range meal for two people costs approximately three times more in Namur compared to Ulyanovsk. Even fast food reflects this elevated cost structure, adding to the daily financial pressure in the Belgian city.

Transportation expenses also favour Ulyanovsk. Public transport passes and fuel costs are substantially higher in Namur. However, the most pronounced cost differential emerges from housing. A 3-bedroom apartment in Ulyanovsk's city center is significantly more affordable than comparable accommodation there, while owning property in Namur is dramatically more expensive, with the price per square meter being over 100 times higher than in Ulyanovsk. Rent for similar apartments is also many times more costly in Namur, representing a major barrier to entry for many residents.

Although Namur's higher cost of living dominates the picture, quality-of-life metrics paint a contrasting scenario. Ulyanovsk boasts much higher quality-of-life scores, such as a reported 91.45 and 218.62, compared to Namur's considerably lower metrics, including a Safety Index of 43.3 and a Property Price to Income Ratio of 8.87. Paradoxically, Ulyanovsk has a lower safety index and a higher pollution index than Namur. Healthcare access appears superior in Namur, indicated by a higher Health Care Index score of 56.94.

Economically, Ulyanovsk demonstrates a lower GDP per capita of $39,800, implicitly contrasting with Namur's higher GDP and associated salaries. Crucially, the lower cost of living in Ulyanovsk drastically reduces the burden of basic expenses, making essentials significantly more affordable for its residents despite lower salaries. This combination of lower costs and potentially lower quality-of-life metrics, particularly in safety and environment, presents a different calculus than the expensive but potentially safer and healthier Namur.