Despite India’s advantage in macroeconomic indicators such as GDP per capita, Pakistani households are more likely to own key labour-saving appliances, highlighting differences in consumption priorities between the two neighbours, according to a new Gallup Pakistan report.
The “Big Data Analysis” released on January 23, 2026, shows that 57.6 per cent of Pakistani households own a washing machine — nearly three times higher than India’s 20 per cent ownership rate. Gallup analysts say this reflects a strong preference among Pakistani families for technologies that reduce domestic labour, even amid economic constraints.
A similar pattern is evident in refrigerator ownership. The report found that 56.2 per cent of households in Pakistan own a refrigerator, compared to 50.2 per cent in India. Researchers suggest that Pakistani households prioritise food preservation and domestic convenience, viewing such appliances as long-term investments that directly improve quality of life.
India, however, continues to lead in entertainment-related assets. Around 66 per cent of Indian households own a television, compared with 50.2 per cent in Pakistan. Gallup noted that the gap has narrowed significantly since 2019, indicating gradual growth in entertainment consumption in Pakistan.
Transportation trends show closer similarities between the two countries. Motorcycle ownership is nearly identical, with 53.4 per cent of households in Pakistan and 55 per cent in India owning a two-wheeler — a reflection of the shared reliance on motorcycles for daily mobility across South Asia.
Car ownership remains low in both countries, though India holds a slight edge at 8 per cent, compared with Pakistan’s 6.4 per cent. According to the report, these figures underline an important conclusion: per-capita GDP alone does not accurately capture household welfare or living standards.
Gallup argues that factors such as pricing, infrastructure, cultural preferences and household priorities play a decisive role in shaping how income is translated into everyday living conditions. While India’s economy is larger overall, Pakistani households appear to invest more consistently in assets that enhance domestic efficiency.
The findings point to a resilient middle-class aspiration in Pakistan, suggesting that living standards are shaped not only by income levels but also by deliberate household choices, even in the face of economic volatility.
