The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 10% more expensive than Dubai.
If you move from Amsterdam to Dubai, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Amsterdam, you would need to earn about £35,918 in Dubai.
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 Amsterdam:
Why people love Dubai:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Dubai | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £1,900 | £-200 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £273 | £-35 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £213 | £-25 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £104 | £-43 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £135 | £-63 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £2,625 | £-366 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (10% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£3,960/mo avg)
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 Dubai to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Dubai | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £26,939 | £3,061 less |
| £40,000 | £35,918 | £4,082 less |
| £50,000 | £44,898 | £5,102 less |
| £60,000 | £53,878 | £6,122 less |
| £80,000 | £71,837 | £8,163 less |
| £100,000 | £89,796 | £10,204 less |
Amsterdam vs Dubai: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Dubai has 95.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs Dubai: £3,960/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 0, while Dubai wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.