The Verdict
Living in Abu Dhabi is 12% more expensive than Birmingham.
If you move from Abu Dhabi to Birmingham, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Abu Dhabi, you would need to earn about £34,146 in Birmingham.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Abu Dhabi:
Why people love Birmingham:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Abu Dhabi | Birmingham | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,560 | £1,000 | £-560 |
| Monthly groceries | £263 | £329 | +£66 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £195 | £-5 |
| Public transport pass | £96 | £131 | +£35 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £126 | £158 | +£32 |
| Total Monthly | £2,245 | £1,814 | £-431 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£3,520/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (12% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Birmingham to match a Abu Dhabi salary
| Salary in Abu Dhabi | Equivalent in Birmingham | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £25,610 | £4,390 less |
| £40,000 | £34,146 | £5,854 less |
| £50,000 | £42,683 | £7,317 less |
| £60,000 | £51,220 | £8,780 less |
| £80,000 | £68,293 | £11,707 less |
| £100,000 | £85,366 | £14,634 less |
Abu Dhabi vs Birmingham: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 12%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Abu Dhabi has a rent index of 78, while Birmingham has 50.
Average Salaries: Abu Dhabi: £3,520/month vs Birmingham: £2,400/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Abu Dhabi wins 3, while Birmingham wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.