Dubai vs New York: Cost of Living & Salary Comparison
How do Dubai and New York stack up for professionals? We compare salaries, rent, taxes, and overall quality of life to help you make an informed decision.
Dubai
New York
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Category | Dubai | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 72 | 100 | -28% (lower is better) |
| Median Salary | $60,000 | $75,000 | |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,000 | $3,200 | (/month) |
| Rent (2BR) | $3,200 | $4,500 | (/month) |
| Groceries Index | 72 | 100 | -28% (NYC=100) |
| Transport Monthly | $110 | $127 | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5% | 28.5% | (at median income) |
| Purchasing Power | 105 | 100 | +5% (higher is better) |
Salary Comparison by Role
| Role | Dubai | New York | Difference |
|---|
Dubai Offers Better Purchasing Power
While Dubai may be cheaper, its purchasing power index of 105 vs 100 means your money generally goes further. However, median salaries in New York are higher, so it depends on your specific role and compensation.
Common Questions
Based on cost of living indices, Dubai (72) is less expensive compared to New York (100), where NYC = 100.
To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately $139,000 in New York to match $100,000 in Dubai.
Dubai has a tech hub score of 7/10 while New York scores 9/10. New York generally offers more tech opportunities.
Based on purchasing power, Dubai offers better value. This accounts for both salary levels and cost of living.
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Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.