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Hong Kong vs Dubai

Hong Kong and Dubai cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

Happy Valley Racecourse at night
Hong Kong
$3,435/month · Hong Kong SAR
TypeZero · CC BY-SA 4.0
The skyscrapers of Dubai Marina
Dubai
$3,417/month · United Arab Emirates
Norlando Pobre · CC BY 2.0
Hong Kong monthly
$3,435
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
Dubai monthly
$3,417
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-1%
Dubai relative to Hong Kong
Rent gap
$100
Hong Kong costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

Hong KongDubai
  • Housing
    Housing: Hong Kong $2,200, Dubai $2,100. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Food
    Food: Hong Kong $672, Dubai $620. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Transport
    Transport: Hong Kong $88, Dubai $92. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Hong Kong $171, Dubai $264. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Hong Kong $32, Dubai $44. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Hong Kong $180, Dubai $199. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
  • Other
    Other: Hong Kong $91, Dubai $98. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
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

MetricHong KongDubai
Cost
Total monthly cost3,435 USD3,417 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)5454✓
Housing2,200 USD2,100 USD✓
Utilities171 USD✓264 USD
Food672 USD620 USD✓
Transport88 USD✓92 USD
Healthcare32 USD✓44 USD
Lifestyle180 USD✓199 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr7,155 USD8,333 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate14.1%0.0%✓
Left over each month3,720 USD4,917 USD✓
Average local net salary3,000 USD3,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,200 USD2,100 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre4,600 USD4,200 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre22,000 USD5,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety86/10088/100✓
Healthcare84/100✓80/100
Air quality52/100✓48/100
Public transport98/100✓72/100
Walkability92/100✓55/100
English proficiency72/10088/100✓
Nightlife84/10086/100✓
Family friendliness74/10076/100✓
Median broadband290 Mbps300 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature24°C✓28°C
Summer high31°C✓41°C
Winter low15°C15°C
Sunshine hours per year1,830 h3,500 h✓
Annual rainfall2400 mm90 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access25 min15 min✓
CurrencyHKDAED
Time zoneAsia/Hong_KongAsia/Dubai

Hong Kong and Dubai cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in Hong KongCost of living in DubaiConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Hong Kong vs TokyoHong Kong vs SeoulHong Kong vs Taipei
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Hong Kong or Dubai cheaper?

Hong Kong and Dubai cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

What salary do you need in Dubai compared with Hong Kong?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $7,155 a month in Hong Kong and $8,333 in Dubai, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Hong Kong or Dubai?

Hong Kong scores 86/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Dubai scores 88 and 80. Hong Kong averages 24°C against 28°C in Dubai.