The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 10% more expensive than Edinburgh.
If you move from Dubai 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 Dubai, you would need to earn about £35,455 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 Dubai:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £1,300 | £-600 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £336 | +£63 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £213 | — |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £141 | +£37 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £166 | +£31 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £2,155 | £-470 |
* 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 (£3,960/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (10% 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 Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £26,591 | £3,409 less |
| £40,000 | £35,455 | £4,545 less |
| £50,000 | £44,318 | £5,682 less |
| £60,000 | £53,182 | £6,818 less |
| £80,000 | £70,909 | £9,091 less |
| £100,000 | £88,636 | £11,364 less |
Dubai vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 3, while Edinburgh wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.