ABERDEEN has been named as the second-best place in the world for workers in the oil and gas industry to live.
Researchers found only Calgary in Canada was a better financial option for industry professionals.
As well as a cheaper cost of living compared to other oil centres highlighted by the survey, tourism chiefs in the city highlighted other benefits of Aberdeen including its coastline, nearby countryside and world-class golfing.
The study by Scottish oil and gas specialist recruitment firm PRG took into account average pay levels and cost of living when compiling the index.
It said the oil and gas industry was going through an "incredible boom period" with an average salary of £56,000. Median pay is even higher for highly skilled engineers, with employees in the roles earning £66,000 annually, it said.
It is argued the bumper salaries are worth more in Aberdeen, as it is cheaper than most other oil cities, many of which are major capital cities.
Steve McCutcheon, chief executive of PRG, said: "Aberdeen is a very attractive place to live and work because although it may be expensive by UK standards, it isn't when compared to the other major oil and gas centres around the world.
"Add to that a booming North Sea sector and it becomes evident that Aberdeen is one of the major draws for experienced oil and gas professionals."
In Aberdeen, a three-bedroom suburban home costs about £950 per month, compared to almost £1,400 in Dubai, £1,890 in Singapore and £2,850 in Luanda in Angola. In Paris such a property costs £883 and in Zurich £1,393, while in Norway's Stavanger it is £1,488. London the cost is £1,687.
Oil workers in the Granite City can expect to pay about £56 for a three-course meal for two, according to PRG, compared to £66 in Zurich and £71 in Stavanger. In the French capital the cost is £43 and in Singapore £28.
In Melbourne a meal costs £59, in Houston, Texas, only £33 and in Luanda, the Angolan capital, just £51.
The average cost of a weekly shop for a family of three costs £90 in Aberdeen, the research said, compared to £137 in Zurich. However, the survey estimated that groceries in cities including London, Houston and Hong Kong were cheaper. Shopping in Singapore would cost £80 and in Angola, £83. In Hong Kong, shopping for the family each week would cost on average £70
Calgary was rated as nine per cent cheaper than Aberdeen overall, with housing costing £881, a meal costing £38 and a weekly shop costing £85.
When tax was taken into account, Dubai was judged among the cheapest cities. However, PRG said cultural and political implications in the area negated financial advantages.
Steve Harris, chief executive of tourism body VisitAberdeen, said: "It comes as no surprise to see Aberdeen ranking highly amongst oil and gas cities worldwide. PRG have obviously focused on the cost of living here, and Aberdeen does offer great value compared to other oil and gas cities.
"However, we also offer a wonderful quality of life, rated the best in Scotland. With a bustling city combined with world-class golf, countryside and coastline, it isn't surprising that, once people come here, they find it hard to leave."
The recruitment firm analysed compensation data as a measure to help professionals make decisions about the best places for them and their families to live.
The figures represent relative cost-of-living differences among the major cities.
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