✦ Cost of living
Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
US = 100
In plain terms: Dubai is about 19% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $2,000/month.
Cities in United Arab Emirates →
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing152+52%
- Food & groceries105+5%
- Transport90−10%
- Utilities110+10%
- Healthcare100−0%
- Goods & services110+10%
About
“City of Gold”
Zero income tax and a big expat scene draw remote workers and founders — offset by pricey rent, car-dependence and brutal summers.
- Currency
- UAE dirham · AED
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Coordinates
- 25.20, 55.27
- Emergency
- 999
What things cost
Taxes
0%
Income tax
none
5%
VAT / sales
9%
Corporate
0%
Capital gains
$3,500
Avg net salary
per month
No personal income tax.
Visas & residency
Employer visas, freelance permits, and the 10-year Golden Visa.
✈ Visa on arrival for many; residence tied to job or property.
10 years for investors/talent.
1-year, remote income.
Quality of life
Safety
84/100
Healthcare
80/100
Pollution
55/100
Internet
250 Mbps
Jan avg
+19 °C
Jul avg
+36 °C
Sunny days
340/yr
Walkability
45/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Dubai, UAE?
Dubai, UAE's cost-of-living index is 119 (US average = 100) — about 19% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $2,000 per month.
What is the average rent in Dubai, UAE?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $2,000 per month, and around $1,300 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a top income-tax rate of 0% and a VAT or sales tax of 5%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Dubai, UAE?
Dubai, UAE averages around +19 °C in January and +36 °C in July, with roughly 340 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare Dubai with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.