Dubai vs London: Cost of Living & Salary Comparison
Dubai and London are both popular destinations for professionals. Here's a data-driven comparison of what it actually costs to live and work in each city.
Dubai
London
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Category | Dubai | London | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 72 | 85 | -15% (lower is better) |
| Median Salary | $60,000 | $52,000 | |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,000 | $2,300 | (/month) |
| Rent (2BR) | $3,200 | $3,200 | (/month) |
| Groceries Index | 72 | 82 | -12% (NYC=100) |
| Transport Monthly | $110 | $180 | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5% | 31% | (at median income) |
| Purchasing Power | 105 | 78 | +35% (higher is better) |
Salary Comparison by Role
| Role | Dubai | London | Difference |
|---|
Dubai Offers Better Purchasing Power
While Dubai may be cheaper, its purchasing power index of 105 vs 78 means your money generally goes further. Higher median salaries ($60,000 vs $52,000) help offset costs.
Common Questions
Based on cost of living indices, Dubai (72) is less expensive compared to London (85), where NYC = 100.
To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately $85,000 in London to match $100,000 in Dubai.
Dubai has a tech hub score of 7/10 while London scores 9/10. London generally offers more tech opportunities.
Based on purchasing power, Dubai offers better value. This accounts for both salary levels and cost of living.
Compare Your Own Salary
See exactly how your salary compares in Dubai vs London with our free tool.
Check Your Salary →Related Salary Insights
Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.