Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirate (UAE), and has become a hugely popular choice for British expats looking to start a new life overseas. Known as a city of luxury, Dubai has become associated with a high standard of living for expats.

Dubai commands a high cost of living, ranking as the 21^st most expensive city in the world, according to Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living Survey. However, there is no personal tax in Dubai, which allows workers to generally command a higher net income than in Europe.

The currency used in Dubai is the Emirati dirham, with 1 British pound equalling 4.82 Emirati dirham (as of 8^th January 2020). By converting AED into GBP, you’ll be able to gauge a clearer understanding of the differences between the cost of living in Dubai and in the UK. From our Currency Zone, you can monitor the GBP to AED rate.

(All figures taken from Numbeo.com and exchange rates calculated on 8^th January 2020 at 9.40am).

How much does accommodation cost in Dubai?

The cost of renting and buying property in Dubai depends entirely on the location and size of the accommodation you are seeking. More luxurious flats and those with more amenities will command more premium prices, while generally speaking, the further out of the city, the cheaper the property. Below is a guide of the average prices you can expect to find when renting or buying property in Dubai.

Cost of transport in Dubai

Public transport within the city is highly accessible, with a reliable metro system in place. However, bus options are limited, and most expats rely on travelling via their own cars. This is due to the cost of petrol being less than half the price of UK petrol, while car prices are also significantly more affordable.

What is the cost of living in Singapore?

The cost of living in Dubai is generally more expensive than in the UK, however this hugely depends on your preferences and requirements for overseas living. In addition, many expats feel the higher net income they earn allows for them to enjoy a higher standard of living than they would in the UK. Below is a list of the average prices you might encounter for various goods and services when living in Dubai.

If you plan on moving to Dubai, you will want to get the most out of your money when sending payments abroad. Whether you need to send money to UAE or transfer some of your salary home, a moneycorp international payments account provides you with great exchange rates and low transfer fees.