The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 57% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from Dubai to Zurich, 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 £65,909 in Zurich.
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 Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £3,300 | +£1,400 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £473 | +£200 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £375 | +£162 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £208 | +£104 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £216 | +£81 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £4,572 | +£1,947 |
* 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 (57% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/mo avg)
- 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 Zurich to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £49,432 | £19,432 more |
| £40,000 | £65,909 | £25,909 more |
| £50,000 | £82,386 | £32,386 more |
| £60,000 | £98,864 | £38,864 more |
| £80,000 | £131,818 | £51,818 more |
| £100,000 | £164,773 | £64,773 more |
Dubai vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 57%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.