Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Abu Dhabi vs ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Dubai

Dubai is 12.7% more expensive

Add your salary for a personalized comparison

See exact tax differences, net income, and savings potential.

AED gross / year

Or see the worked example at AED 350,000 a year

Category ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Abu Dhabi ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Dubai Difference
Cost of Living 50.3 56.7 +12.7%
Rent 45.8 52.3 +14.2%
Groceries 47.8 49.2 +2.9%
Restaurants 57.0 72.5 +27.2%
Purchasing Power 106.9 113.0 +5.7%
Data from March โ€“ October 2026 · Cost of living: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available. Rent, groceries, restaurants and purchasing power: Numbeo (NYC = 100) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.
Explore
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
Explore
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Cost of Living in Dubai
Explore
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Should I Move to Abu Dhabi?
Explore
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Should I Move to Dubai?

Tax Calculators

See detailed income tax brackets and net salary calculations for Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช United Arab Emirates Tax Calculator
Income tax rates, brackets & net salary