Cost of Living Comparison Dubai vs UK
Relocating from the UK to Dubai can bring significant changes in the cost of living. Here is a detailed comparison of the expenses in both locations:
Housing Costs
Dubai: Living in a one bedroom city center is fairly expensive with a monthly rent ranging between $1,679 and $2,052. In the suburban areas, the rates vary between 963 and 1,178 U.S dollars for a month.
UK (London): Currently, it is possible to rent a one-bedroom apartment in city center for more than $2800 monthly while in other areas of the city, it goes for between $1800 and $2400 per month.
Utilities
- Dubai: Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment an estimated between $165 to $211 CAD per month.
- UK (London): That same utilities in London can be within the range of $200-$300 on a monthly basis.
Transportation
Dubai: Cover by a one way ticket on local transports is usually $1. 91 while there is a cost of roughly $81 for persons who take the monthly pass. 68. Taxis too are cheaper and each fare is $3 base rate. 27
UK (London): While a one-way rate may be possible at about $4, most of the trips are completed with a return ticket at about $4. 20, and a monthly pass is about a hundred and sixty dollars. Taxis start at $4. 50 reaching its kwargs per mile more than any other one seen so far.
Groceries
- Dubai:
- Milk (1 liter): $1.77
- Bread (500g): $1.50
- Eggs (12): $3.30
- Chicken Fillets (1kg): $8.50
- UK (London):
- Milk (1 liter): $1.20
- Bread (500g): $1.30
- Eggs (12): $3.50
- Chicken Fillets (1kg): $10.00
Dining Out
Dubai: Dinner at a cheap restaurant, a burger for instance costs, $10. According to the survey a couple that is dining at a mid-scale restaurant would spend about $73 on a three-course meal. 51 to $89. 85
UK (London): A fast food is approximately 5000Ksh which can also be divided by 15 to make each meal cost $15. Two people could easily spend anywhere between $80 to $100 eating out at a mid-price restaurant for three course meal.
Internet and Communication
- Dubai: Internet: (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) = $88 to $108 per month
- UK (London): Other Internet services of similar nature cost roughly between $50 to $70 per month
Healthcare
Dubai: In terms of healthcare there is government health care organization but most of the expatriates prefer to go for the private health care which can be expensive if the person does not have any insurance. Primitive health insurance is available at $100 to $200 per month.
UK: Thus, a publicly funded healthcare system exists in the UK in the form of the National Health Service (NHS) that offer free services for the users for which the tax payers bear the cost. Private care is also possible in Saudi but less preferred comparing to Dubai.
All in all, the average living expenses of housing, transportation and utility in Dubai are cheaper than in UK, mainly in London but the standard of living might vary depending on a person’s preferences and requirements. The no-tax income scale in Dubai can also offer a very important bonus in the general expense balance.