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London vs Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi runs about 27% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,090 USD a month.

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
View of the beach at the Beach Rotana hotel, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi
$2,960/month · United Arab Emirates
Jpbowen · CC BY-SA 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Abu Dhabi monthly
$2,960
Index 46 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-27%
Abu Dhabi relative to London
Rent gap
$900
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonAbu Dhabi
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Abu Dhabi $1,700. Cheaper in Abu Dhabi.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Abu Dhabi $597. Cheaper in Abu Dhabi.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Abu Dhabi $83. Cheaper in Abu Dhabi.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Abu Dhabi $255. Cheaper in Abu Dhabi.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Abu Dhabi $42. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Abu Dhabi $191. Cheaper in London.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Abu Dhabi $93. Cheaper in Abu Dhabi.
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

MetricLondonAbu Dhabi
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD2,960 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6346✓
Housing2,600 USD1,700 USD✓
Utilities267 USD255 USD✓
Food617 USD597 USD✓
Transport282 USD83 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓42 USD
Lifestyle169 USD✓191 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD8,333 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate28.6%0.0%✓
Left over each month1,902 USD5,373 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD3,900 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD1,700 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD3,400 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD4,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10092/100✓
Healthcare84/100✓80/100
Air quality60/100✓52/100
Public transport92/100✓55/100
Walkability90/100✓45/100
English proficiency100/100✓86/100
Nightlife94/100✓66/100
Family friendliness72/10080/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps290 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓28°C
Summer high23°C✓42°C
Winter low3°C14°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h3,400 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm60 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min15 min✓
CurrencyGBPAED
Time zoneEurope/LondonAsia/Dubai

Abu Dhabi runs about 27% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,090 USD a month.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in Abu DhabiConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Abu Dhabi cheaper?

Abu Dhabi runs about 27% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,090 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Abu Dhabi compared with London?

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

Which has better quality of life, London or Abu Dhabi?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Abu Dhabi scores 92 and 80. London averages 12°C against 28°C in Abu Dhabi.