The Verdict
Living in Abu Dhabi is 18% cheaper than London.
If you move from Abu Dhabi to London, you will pay more 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 £48,780 in London.
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 London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Abu Dhabi | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,560 | £2,000 | +£440 |
| Monthly groceries | £263 | £350 | +£87 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £250 | +£50 |
| Public transport pass | £96 | £160 | +£64 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £126 | £180 | +£54 |
| Total Monthly | £2,245 | £2,940 | +£695 |
* 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 lower overall living costs (18% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/mo avg)
- 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 London to match a Abu Dhabi salary
| Salary in Abu Dhabi | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £36,585 | £6,585 more |
| £40,000 | £48,780 | £8,780 more |
| £50,000 | £60,976 | £10,976 more |
| £60,000 | £73,171 | £13,171 more |
| £80,000 | £97,561 | £17,561 more |
| £100,000 | £121,951 | £21,951 more |
Abu Dhabi vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 18%. Abu Dhabi is the more affordable option.
Rent: Abu Dhabi has a rent index of 78, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Abu Dhabi: £3,520/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Abu Dhabi wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.