The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 42% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Dubai to San Francisco, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Dubai, you would need to earn about £59,091 in San Francisco.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Dubai:
Why people love San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £3,900 | +£2,000 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £378 | +£105 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £275 | +£62 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £144 | +£40 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £189 | +£54 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £4,886 | +£2,261 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (42% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£5,530/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in San Francisco to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £44,318 | £14,318 more |
| £40,000 | £59,091 | £19,091 more |
| £50,000 | £73,864 | £23,864 more |
| £60,000 | £88,636 | £28,636 more |
| £80,000 | £118,182 | £38,182 more |
| £100,000 | £147,727 | £47,727 more |
Dubai vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 42%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while San Francisco has 195.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs San Francisco: £5,530/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 6, while San Francisco wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.