The Verdict
Living in Abu Dhabi is 4% more expensive than Edinburgh.
If you move from Abu Dhabi to Edinburgh, 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 £38,049 in Edinburgh.
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 Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Abu Dhabi | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,560 | £1,300 | £-260 |
| Monthly groceries | £263 | £336 | +£73 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £213 | +£13 |
| Public transport pass | £96 | £141 | +£45 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £126 | £166 | +£40 |
| Total Monthly | £2,245 | £2,155 | £-90 |
* 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 (4% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- 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 Edinburgh to match a Abu Dhabi salary
| Salary in Abu Dhabi | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £28,537 | £1,463 less |
| £40,000 | £38,049 | £1,951 less |
| £50,000 | £47,561 | £2,439 less |
| £60,000 | £57,073 | £2,927 less |
| £80,000 | £76,098 | £3,902 less |
| £100,000 | £95,122 | £4,878 less |
Abu Dhabi vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 4%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Abu Dhabi has a rent index of 78, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Abu Dhabi: £3,520/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Abu Dhabi wins 4, while Edinburgh wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.