The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 12% cheaper than London.
If you move from Dubai 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 Dubai, you would need to earn about £45,455 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 Dubai:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £2,000 | +£100 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £350 | +£77 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £250 | +£37 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £160 | +£56 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £180 | +£45 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £2,940 | +£315 |
* 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 (12% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£3,960/mo avg)
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- 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 London to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £34,091 | £4,091 more |
| £40,000 | £45,455 | £5,455 more |
| £50,000 | £56,818 | £6,818 more |
| £60,000 | £68,182 | £8,182 more |
| £80,000 | £90,909 | £10,909 more |
| £100,000 | £113,636 | £13,636 more |
Dubai vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 12%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.