Living Costs Comparison Dubai vs Major US Cities
Before moving from the USA to Dubai, it is important to know the cost of living differences. The following is a comprehensive analysis of costs of living in relation to the main aspects of life including; accommodation, transport, food and other aspects of life.
1. Housing Costs
Dubai:
- Rent:
- City Centre: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around AED 7,927 (USD 2,160) per month.
- Outside City Centre: The cost drops to about AED 4,858 (USD 1,320) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Buying Property:
- City Centre: AED 1,659 (USD 450) per square foot.
- Outside City Centre: AED 985 (USD 268) per square foot.
New York City:
- Rent:
- City Centre: A one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan averages USD 3,500 per month.
- Outside City Centre: In other boroughs, the rent is about USD 2,500 per month.
- Buying Property:
- City Centre: Approximately USD 1,500 per square foot.
- Outside City Centre: Around USD 800 per square foot.
Los Angeles:
- Rent:
- City Centre: A one-bedroom apartment in downtown LA costs about USD 2,500 per month
- Outside City Centre: Around USD 1,800 per month
- Buying Property:
- City Centre: USD 1,200 per square foot
- Outside City Centre: USD 600 per square foot
2. Transportation Costs
Dubai:
- Public Transport:
- One-way Ticket: AED 7 (USD 2)
- Monthly Pass: AED 300 (USD 82)
- Taxi:
- Starting Tariff: AED 12 (USD 3.27)
- Per Mile: AED 4.83 (USD 1.31)
- Gasoline: AED 2.24 (USD 0.61) per liter
New York City:
- Public Transport:
- One-way Ticket: USD 2.75.
- Monthly Pass: USD 127
- Taxi:
- Starting Tariff: USD 2.50.
- Per Mile: USD 2.50
- Gasoline: USD 0.90 per liter
Los Angeles:
- Public Transport:
- One-way Ticket: USD 1.75.
- Monthly Pass: USD 100
- Taxi:
- Starting Tariff: USD 2.85.
- Per Mile: USD 2.70
- Gasoline: USD 0.95 per liter
3. Food and Dining Costs
Dubai:
- Groceries:
- Milk (1 liter): AED 6.50 (USD 1.77).
- Bread (500g): AED 4.50 (USD 1.22)
- Dining:
- Inexpensive Restaurant: AED 40 (USD 11).
- Mid-range Restaurant (for 2): AED 200 (USD 54)
New York City:
- Groceries:
- Milk (1 liter): USD 1.30.
- Bread (500g): USD 3.50
- Dining:
- Inexpensive Restaurant: USD 20.
- Mid-range Restaurant (for 2): USD 80
Los Angeles:
- Groceries:
- Milk (1 liter): USD 1.20.
- Bread (500g): USD 3.00
- Dining:
- Inexpensive Restaurant: USD 18.
- Mid-range Restaurant (for 2): USD 70
4. Lifestyle and Entertainment Costs
Dubai:
- Fitness Club Membership: AED 300 (USD 82) per month.
- Cinema Ticket: AED 45 (USD 12)
New York City:
- Fitness Club Membership: USD 90 per month.
- Cinema Ticket: USD 15
Los Angeles:
- Fitness Club Membership: USD 60 per month.
- Cinema Ticket: USD 14
Expenses such as housing, vehicle, and other utilities are quite cheap compared to other big cities in the United States of America, but food and fitness are expensive. It is therefore crucial that the expats take time and assess these factors since they will have a great impact on their budget.