How do living expenses in Dubai compare to those in the UK and USA?

Your day to day cost of living in Dubai generally comes out lower than in London or major US cities like New York, especially on housing and transportation. Where Dubai loses ground is on hidden family costs, since public schooling is free in the UK and US but private international schools are mandatory for expat children in Dubai. Your specific comparison depends heavily on which cities you place side by side and your own lifestyle.

Core Monthly Expenses Compared

Where Each Location Wins Or Loses

• Dubai housing typically buys you more space and building amenities such as pools and gyms than equivalent square footage in London or major US cities.
• Dubai's zero personal income tax lets you keep a much higher share of your earnings compared to the UK's top 45 percent bracket or combined US federal, state, and local taxes.
• Transportation runs cheaper in Dubai thanks to low fuel prices and an affordable metro, while London's Underground is costly and most US cities are car dependent with high insurance and gas costs.
• If you are moving with family, factor in Dubai's private international school fees of $8,000 to over $22,000 per child yearly, since public schooling is free in the UK and US.

My Advice

If you are comparing offers or planning a move, build your own monthly budget city by city rather than relying on national averages, since Dubai, London, and New York each swing the numbers differently. If children are part of your plan, price out specific international schools in Dubai first, since that single line item can outweigh every housing saving you make elsewhere.