✦ Cost of living
United Arab Emirates
National taxes, visas and economy — plus every city we track in United Arab Emirates.
The cost of living in United Arab Emirates averages 119 on our index (a typical US city = 100) — about 19% more expensive. A one-bedroom rent runs roughly $2,000/mo and the top income-tax rate is 0%. The average net salary is about $3,500/mo.
- Currency
- UAE dirham (د.إ AED)
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Driving
- Right-hand side
- Power
- G · 230V
▤ Taxes
0%
Income tax
none
5%
VAT / sales
9%
Corporate
0%
Capital gains
$3,500
Avg net salary
per month
83.1 yr
Life expectancy
World Bank 2024
✈ Visas & residency
Employer visas, freelance permits, and the 10-year Golden Visa.
✈ Visa on arrival for many; residence tied to job or property.
Golden Visainvestment
10 years for investors/talent.
Remote Work (Virtual Working) Visadigital-nomad
1-year, remote income.
Employment Residence Visawork
❖ Cities in United Arab Emirates
⚖ Compare United Arab Emirates with other countries
United Arab Emirates vs United StatesUnited Arab Emirates vs United KingdomUnited Arab Emirates vs FranceUnited Arab Emirates vs GermanyUnited Arab Emirates vs NetherlandsUnited Arab Emirates vs IrelandUnited Arab Emirates vs SpainUnited Arab Emirates vs PortugalUnited Arab Emirates vs ItalyUnited Arab Emirates vs SwitzerlandUnited Arab Emirates vs CanadaUnited Arab Emirates vs SingaporeUnited Arab Emirates vs JapanUnited Arab Emirates vs AustraliaUnited Arab Emirates vs ThailandUnited Arab Emirates vs MexicoUnited Arab Emirates vs ArgentinaUnited Arab Emirates vs IndiaUnited Arab Emirates vs TurkeyUnited Arab Emirates vs IndonesiaUnited Arab Emirates vs ColombiaUnited Arab Emirates vs BrazilUnited Arab Emirates vs AustriaUnited Arab Emirates vs South Korea