The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 37% cheaper than New York.
If you move from Dubai to New York, 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 £56,818 in New York.
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 New York:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | New York | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £3,600 | +£1,700 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £368 | +£95 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £288 | +£75 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £152 | +£48 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £198 | +£63 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £4,605 | +£1,980 |
* 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 (37% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£4,345/mo avg)
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in New York to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £42,614 | £12,614 more |
| £40,000 | £56,818 | £16,818 more |
| £50,000 | £71,023 | £21,023 more |
| £60,000 | £85,227 | £25,227 more |
| £80,000 | £113,636 | £33,636 more |
| £100,000 | £142,045 | £42,045 more |
Dubai vs New York: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 37%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while New York has 180.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs New York: £4,345/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 6, while New York wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.