The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 16% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from Dubai to Manchester, 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 £32,727 in Manchester.
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 Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £1,100 | £-800 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £333 | +£60 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £200 | £-13 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £136 | +£32 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £162 | +£27 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £1,931 | £-694 |
* 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 (16% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- 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 Manchester to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £24,545 | £5,455 less |
| £40,000 | £32,727 | £7,273 less |
| £50,000 | £40,909 | £9,091 less |
| £60,000 | £49,091 | £10,909 less |
| £80,000 | £65,455 | £14,545 less |
| £100,000 | £81,818 | £18,182 less |
Dubai vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 16%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 3, while Manchester wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.