The Verdict
Living in Berlin is 10% cheaper than Dubai.
If you move from Berlin to Dubai, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Berlin, you would need to earn about £45,128 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 Berlin:
Why people love Dubai:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Berlin | Dubai | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,360 | £1,900 | +£540 |
| Monthly groceries | £287 | £273 | £-14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £188 | £213 | +£25 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £104 | £-37 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £176 | £135 | £-41 |
| Total Monthly | £2,152 | £2,625 | +£473 |
* 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 (10% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- 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 Berlin salary
| Salary in Berlin | Equivalent in Dubai | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £33,846 | £3,846 more |
| £40,000 | £45,128 | £5,128 more |
| £50,000 | £56,410 | £6,410 more |
| £60,000 | £67,692 | £7,692 more |
| £80,000 | £90,256 | £10,256 more |
| £100,000 | £112,821 | £12,821 more |
Berlin vs Dubai: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Berlin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Berlin has a rent index of 68, while Dubai has 95.
Average Salaries: Berlin: £2,580/month vs Dubai: £3,960/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Berlin wins 3, while Dubai wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.