Air Quality Comparison Tool

Compare air quality between two locations using real-time data from the World Air Quality Index (WAQI). Search for any city or location worldwide and see detailed air quality metrics including AQI, PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO levels. Perfect for travelers, health-conscious individuals, and environmental monitoring.

Location 1

Location 2

What is Air Quality Comparison?

Air quality comparison is the process of evaluating and comparing air quality metrics between different geographical locations. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized measurement system that quantifies air pollution levels and their potential health impacts. AQI values range from 0 to 500+, with higher values indicating worse air quality. This tool allows you to compare real-time air quality data from two different locations, including detailed pollutant measurements such as PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), PM10 (coarse particulate matter), O₃ (ozone), NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide), SO₂ (sulfur dioxide), and CO (carbon monoxide).

Who Uses Air Quality Comparison Tools?

Air quality comparison tools are valuable for a wide range of users:

  • Travelers: Compare air quality between destinations to make informed travel decisions, especially for health-sensitive individuals
  • Health-Conscious Individuals: Monitor air quality in different locations to protect respiratory health and plan outdoor activities
  • People with Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, COPD, and allergy sufferers who need to avoid high pollution areas
  • Relocation Planners: Evaluate air quality as a factor when considering moving to a new city or country
  • Environmental Researchers: Compare pollution levels across different regions for studies and analysis
  • Urban Planners: Assess air quality differences between neighborhoods and cities
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts: Runners, cyclists, and hikers who want to choose locations with better air quality for exercise

Why Compare Air Quality?

Comparing air quality between locations provides numerous benefits:

  • Health Protection: Make informed decisions about where to spend time, especially for vulnerable populations like children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions
  • Travel Planning: Choose destinations with better air quality, reducing health risks during travel
  • Relocation Decisions: Factor air quality into important life decisions like moving for work or family
  • Activity Planning: Schedule outdoor activities in locations with better air quality to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants
  • Environmental Awareness: Understand pollution patterns and differences between urban and rural areas, or between different countries
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Access up-to-date air quality data from monitoring stations worldwide
  • Comprehensive Metrics: Compare not just overall AQI but specific pollutants that may affect you differently

How Does This Air Quality Comparator Work?

Our air quality comparator uses real-time data from the World Air Quality Index (WAQI) API:

  1. Search for Locations: Type the name of any city or location in the search field. The tool searches WAQI's database of air quality monitoring stations worldwide
  2. Select a Station: Choose from the list of available monitoring stations. Each result shows the station name, current AQI value, and last update time
  3. View Air Quality Data: Once selected, the tool displays:
    • Current AQI value with color-coded health category (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, etc.)
    • Location information and last update timestamp
    • Detailed pollutant measurements: PM2.5, PM10, O₃, NO₂, SO₂, and CO
  4. Compare Two Locations: Select a second location to compare side-by-side. The comparison summary shows:
    • AQI difference between the two locations
    • Which location has better air quality
    • Average AQI across both locations
    • Side-by-side pollutant comparisons
  5. Real-Time Updates: All data is fetched in real-time from WAQI's network of monitoring stations, ensuring you have the most current air quality information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AQI and how is it calculated?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized scale from 0 to 500+ that indicates how polluted the air is. AQI values are calculated based on measurements of major air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, O₃, NO₂, SO₂, and CO. Each pollutant has its own sub-index, and the highest sub-index becomes the overall AQI. The scale is color-coded: 0-50 (Good, green), 51-100 (Moderate, yellow), 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, orange), 151-200 (Unhealthy, red), 201-300 (Very Unhealthy, purple), and 300+ (Hazardous, maroon).

What is PM2.5 and why is it important?

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing serious health problems. PM2.5 is considered one of the most harmful air pollutants because of its small size and ability to carry toxic substances. Sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and wildfires. Long-term exposure to high PM2.5 levels is linked to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and premature death.

How often is the air quality data updated?

Air quality data is updated in real-time from monitoring stations worldwide. Update frequency varies by station, but most stations report new measurements hourly or more frequently. The tool displays the last update timestamp for each location so you can see how current the data is. Some stations may have slight delays, but the data typically reflects conditions within the past hour.

Why can't I find my city in the search results?

If your city doesn't appear in search results, it may not have an active air quality monitoring station in the WAQI network. The tool only shows locations where monitoring stations are available. Try searching for:

  • Nearby major cities that might have stations
  • Alternative spellings or the city's name in the local language
  • Coordinates (latitude, longitude) if you know them

Coverage is best in major urban areas, but the network is continuously expanding.

What's the difference between PM2.5 and PM10?

PM2.5 and PM10 are both particulate matter, but differ in size:

  • PM2.5: Fine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These are more dangerous as they can penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream
  • PM10: Coarse particles 10 micrometers or smaller. These are larger and typically get trapped in the upper respiratory system

Both are harmful, but PM2.5 is generally considered more dangerous due to its ability to reach deeper into the body. PM10 levels are often higher than PM2.5 because they include larger particles from dust, construction, and road traffic.

Is the AQI the same worldwide?

While the AQI scale (0-500+) is standardized, different countries may use slightly different calculation methods or color-coding systems. The US EPA AQI, European Air Quality Index, and Chinese AQI all use similar scales but may weight pollutants differently. Our tool uses the World Air Quality Index (WAQI) standard, which provides consistent measurements across countries. The health categories and color codes are universal, making it easy to compare locations globally.

What should I do if the AQI is high in my location?

If air quality is unhealthy (AQI above 100), consider these precautions:

  • Limit outdoor activities, especially exercise
  • Stay indoors with windows closed and use air purifiers if available
  • Wear N95 or KN95 masks when going outside
  • People with respiratory conditions, children, and elderly should be especially cautious
  • Monitor air quality regularly and plan activities when conditions improve
  • Consider postponing non-essential outdoor activities until air quality improves

Can I compare more than two locations?

Currently, the tool allows comparison of two locations at a time. To compare multiple locations, you can:

  • Compare locations in pairs (Location 1 vs Location 2, then Location 2 vs Location 3, etc.)
  • Note the AQI values and pollutant levels for each location
  • Use the comparison summary to identify which location has the best air quality

This approach allows you to evaluate multiple destinations systematically.