The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 20% cheaper than Singapore.
If you move from Dubai to Singapore, 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 £49,091 in Singapore.
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 Singapore:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | Singapore | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £2,700 | +£800 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £298 | +£25 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £188 | £-25 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £128 | +£24 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £171 | +£36 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £3,484 | +£859 |
* 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 (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£3,960/mo avg)
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Singapore to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £36,818 | £6,818 more |
| £40,000 | £49,091 | £9,091 more |
| £50,000 | £61,364 | £11,364 more |
| £60,000 | £73,636 | £13,636 more |
| £80,000 | £98,182 | £18,182 more |
| £100,000 | £122,727 | £22,727 more |
Dubai vs Singapore: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while Singapore has 135.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs Singapore: £3,835/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 5, while Singapore wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.