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Dubai vs London

Dubai runs about 19% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 634 USD a month.

The skyscrapers of Dubai Marina
Dubai
$3,417/month · United Arab Emirates
Norlando Pobre · CC BY 2.0
Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Dubai monthly
$3,417
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+19%
London relative to Dubai
Rent gap
$500
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

DubaiLondon
  • Housing
    Housing: Dubai $2,100, London $2,600. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Food
    Food: Dubai $620, London $617. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: Dubai $92, London $282. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Dubai $264, London $267. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Dubai $44, London $8.03. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Dubai $199, London $169. Cheaper in London.
  • Other
    Other: Dubai $98, London $107. Cheaper in Dubai.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricDubaiLondon
Cost
Total monthly cost3,417 USD✓4,050 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)54✓63
Housing2,100 USD✓2,600 USD
Utilities264 USD✓267 USD
Food620 USD617 USD✓
Transport92 USD✓282 USD
Healthcare44 USD8 USD✓
Lifestyle199 USD169 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr8,333 USD✓5,953 USD
Effective tax + social rate0.0%✓28.6%
Left over each month4,917 USD✓1,902 USD
Average local net salary3,800 USD✓3,600 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,100 USD✓2,600 USD
3-bed rent, city centre4,200 USD✓5,200 USD
Buy price per m², centre5,200 USD✓15,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety88/100✓66/100
Healthcare80/10084/100✓
Air quality48/10060/100✓
Public transport72/10092/100✓
Walkability55/10090/100✓
English proficiency88/100100/100✓
Nightlife86/10094/100✓
Family friendliness76/100✓72/100
Median broadband300 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature28°C12°C✓
Summer high41°C23°C✓
Winter low15°C✓3°C
Sunshine hours per year3,500 h✓1,480 h
Annual rainfall90 mm✓600 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYes✓No
Beach access15 min✓90 min
CurrencyAEDGBP
Time zoneAsia/DubaiEurope/London

Dubai runs about 19% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 634 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in DubaiCost of living in LondonConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Dubai vs Abu DhabiDubai vs Tel AvivDubai vs Doha
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Dubai or London cheaper?

Dubai runs about 19% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 634 USD a month.

What salary do you need in London compared with Dubai?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $8,333 a month in Dubai and $5,953 in London, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Dubai or London?

Dubai scores 88/100 on safety and 80/100 on healthcare; London scores 66 and 84. Dubai averages 28°C against 12°C in London.