Is Dubai cheaper than London for expats?

On raw living costs alone, Dubai and London are broadly comparable — both sit around a similar monthly cost for a single professional in mid-range accommodation. However, Dubai has no income tax, which means take-home pay is significantly higher than in the UK for most salary levels. When tax is factored in, many expats find their net disposable income is considerably higher in Dubai than in London, even if gross costs are similar.

What is the cheapest expat destination in Europe?

Based on our indicative estimates, Athens and Valletta (Malta) are among the most affordable European expat destinations, with monthly costs substantially below those of Barcelona or Lisbon. Cairo, while not in Europe, offers the lowest overall costs of any location in our comparison. Within the EU, Athens offers a good quality of life at relatively low cost — though specific neighbourhood, lifestyle choices, and whether you are renting or own your property all have a significant impact.

Should I factor in taxes when comparing cost of living between countries?

Absolutely. The figures in this calculator show gross living costs only — they do not account for income tax, social contributions, or the cost of international health insurance. Two destinations with identical gross living costs can have very different net living standards depending on local tax rates. For example, the UAE has no income tax, while France and Spain have progressive rates that can reach 45-55% for high earners. A full financial comparison should include tax modelling as well as raw cost of living.

Tools · Expat Life

Cost of Living Calculator

Compare monthly living costs across 15 popular expat destinations — rent, groceries, transport, utilities, dining, and healthcare. Select two locations to see a side-by-side breakdown.

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with

Compare with

Cost Index

100

London, UK

Cost Index

120

Dubai, UAE

Index based on London = 100.

Monthly extra cost

£770 / month

Moving from London, UK (£3,780/mo) to Dubai, UAE (£4,550/mo) would cost an additional £9,240 per year.

Monthly cost breakdown

Category	London, UK	Dubai, UAE	Difference
Rent / Housing	£2,400	£2,800	+£400
Groceries	£600	£500	£-100
Transport	£180	£200	+£20
Utilities	£200	£350	+£150
Dining out	£400	£500	+£100
Healthcare	£0	£200	+£200
Total / month	£3,780	£4,550	+£770

Figures are indicative estimates for a single professional in a mid-range lifestyle (2025–2026). Actual costs vary significantly by specific neighbourhood, lifestyle, family size, and individual choices. UK healthcare costs shown as £0 reflecting NHS access; costs may apply to expats in some countries.

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About the data

The figures in this calculator are indicative estimates for a single professional living a mid-range lifestyle — broadly, someone renting a one-bedroom apartment in an accessible central or near-central neighbourhood, eating out two to three times a week, and using public transport regularly.

Cost data is based on a combination of published expat surveys, property rental indices, and general market research as of 2024–2025. All figures are presented in British pounds at approximate exchange rates as a common baseline for comparison; actual costs in local currency will vary with exchange rate movements.

The calculator does not include income tax, social contributions, international health insurance, school fees, or the cost of international travel. These can be significant additional items for expat households — particularly school fees in locations such as Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong, where international school fees can add £15,000–£30,000+ per child per year.

Note on healthcare: UK healthcare is shown as £0 on the assumption of NHS access. Expats who have left the UK and are no longer ordinarily resident are generally not entitled to free NHS treatment and will need international health insurance or local coverage — this cost is not reflected in the London figure for expats living abroad.

Planning a move abroad?

Cost of living is one piece of the relocation puzzle. Tax residency, pension planning, international protection, and investment structuring all require professional advice before you make the move. Global Investments specialises in financial planning for internationally mobile individuals.

Speak to an expat financial planner

Planning to relocate? Talk to an expat adviser

Our team can walk you through the full financial picture of your target destination — banking, tax, pensions, and FX.