Loading...
Loading...
Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
London is 10% cheaper than Dubai
| Lifestyle | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,700/mo | $1,850/mo | +9% |
| Moderate | $2,400/mo | $2,650/mo | +10% |
| Comfortable | $3,600/mo | $4,000/mo | +11% |
Estimates for a single person. Based on World Bank PPP data and national statistics.
| Category | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bed, center) | $2,300/mo | $2,200/mo | -4% |
| Groceries & Food | $480/mo | $530/mo | +10% |
| Dining Out | $200/mo | $300/mo | +50% |
| Transport | $80/mo | $227/mo | +184% |
| Utilities & Internet | $240/mo | $265/mo | +10% |
| Healthcare | $192/mo | $212/mo | +10% |
| Leisure & Personal | $168/mo | $186/mo | +11% |
Sources: FCSC (UAE), World Bank / ONS (UK), Eurostat. Updated Jan 2026.
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loaf of bread (500g) | $1 | $1 | 0% |
| Milk (1 liter) | $2 | $1 | -13% |
| Eggs (12) | $3 | $3 | +11% |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | $8 | $8 | +5% |
| Rice (1 kg) | $2 | $2 | +12% |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3 | $3 | -7% |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $2 | $3 | +75% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawarma (street) | $3 | $17 | +511% |
| Fast food combo meal | $8 | $9 | +17% |
| Cappuccino | $5 | $4 | -10% |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | $11 | $8 | -33% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (Marina/Downtown) | $1,800 | $2,200 | +22% |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside | $1,100 | $1,500 | +36% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, center | $3,200 | $3,800 | +19% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, outside | $2,000 | $2,400 | +20% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass (NOL) | $82 | $190 | +132% |
| Taxi start | $3 | $4 | +33% |
| Taxi per km | $1 | $3 | +372% |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1 | $2 | +137% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, water, garbage (85m²) | $175 | $240 | +37% |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | $82 | $38 | -54% |
| Mobile plan (10GB+) | $40 | $19 | -53% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pair of jeans (Levi's) | $65 | $82 | +26% |
| Running shoes (Nike/Adidas) | $85 | $38 | -55% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (monthly) | $65 | $55 | -15% |
| Cinema ticket | $11 | $16 | +45% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut (men) | $13 | $25 | +92% |
Explore more: Dubai city guide | London city guide | United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom