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London vs Dubai

Dubai runs about 16% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 634 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
The skyscrapers of Dubai Marina
Dubai
$3,417/month · United Arab Emirates
Norlando Pobre · CC BY 2.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Dubai monthly
$3,417
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-16%
Dubai relative to London
Rent gap
$500
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonDubai
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Dubai $2,100. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Dubai $620. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Dubai $92. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Dubai $264. Cheaper in Dubai.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Dubai $44. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Dubai $199. Cheaper in London.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Dubai $98. 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

MetricLondonDubai
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD3,417 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6354✓
Housing2,600 USD2,100 USD✓
Utilities267 USD264 USD✓
Food617 USD✓620 USD
Transport282 USD92 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓44 USD
Lifestyle169 USD✓199 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 USD4,917 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD3,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD2,100 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD4,200 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD5,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10088/100✓
Healthcare84/100✓80/100
Air quality60/100✓48/100
Public transport92/100✓72/100
Walkability90/100✓55/100
English proficiency100/100✓88/100
Nightlife94/100✓86/100
Family friendliness72/10076/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps300 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓28°C
Summer high23°C✓41°C
Winter low3°C15°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h3,500 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm90 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min15 min✓
CurrencyGBPAED
Time zoneEurope/LondonAsia/Dubai

Dubai runs about 16% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 634 USD a month.

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Go deeper

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

Frequently asked

Is London or Dubai cheaper?

Dubai runs about 16% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 634 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Dubai compared with London?

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

Which has better quality of life, London or Dubai?

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