The Verdict
Living in Dubai is 14% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Dubai to Sydney, 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 £46,364 in Sydney.
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 Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dubai | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £2,400 | +£500 |
| Monthly groceries | £273 | £333 | +£60 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £230 | +£17 |
| Public transport pass | £104 | £144 | +£40 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £135 | £176 | +£41 |
| Total Monthly | £2,625 | £3,283 | +£658 |
* 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 (14% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£3,960/mo avg)
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Sydney to match a Dubai salary
| Salary in Dubai | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £34,773 | £4,773 more |
| £40,000 | £46,364 | £6,364 more |
| £50,000 | £57,955 | £7,955 more |
| £60,000 | £69,545 | £9,545 more |
| £80,000 | £92,727 | £12,727 more |
| £100,000 | £115,909 | £15,909 more |
Dubai vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 14%. Dubai is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dubai has a rent index of 95, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Dubai: £3,960/month vs Sydney: £3,380/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dubai wins 6, while Sydney wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.