The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 10% cheaper than Dublin.
If you move from Dubai to Dublin, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Dubai, you would need to earn about £44,545 in Dublin.
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 Dubai:
Why people love Dublin:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | Dublin | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £2,300 | +£400 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £322 | +£49 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £238 | +£25 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £141 | +£37 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £171 | +£36 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £3,171 | +£546 |
* 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
- Want higher earning potential (£3,960/mo avg)
- Prioritize safety (score: 83/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
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 Dublin to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £33,409 | £3,409 more |
| £40,000 | £44,545 | £4,545 more |
| £50,000 | £55,682 | £5,682 more |
| £60,000 | £66,818 | £6,818 more |
| £80,000 | £89,091 | £9,091 more |
| £100,000 | £111,364 | £11,364 more |
Dubai vs Dublin: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while Dublin has 115.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs Dublin: £3,268/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 6, while Dublin wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.