Dubai is a city known for its luxury shopping, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The rich culture of this Middle Eastern city, with exciting festivals and mouth-watering delicacies, is also a strong pull factor for expats looking to relocate. Best of all, the cost of living in Dubai is considerably lower than in the UK. Keep reading to discover the latest statistics on two of the world’s leading cities – Dubai and London.
What are Housing Costs Like in Dubai vs the UK?
When analysing the cost of living in Dubai, housing is a top factor. Both London and Dubai are major cities in the world, so property prices are expected to be high. Surprisingly, however, Dubai’s skyscrapers and seafront properties are considerably cheaper, allowing you to live in style without breaking your budget.
Renting a House
Choosing whether to rent or buy a house when relocating abroad can be quite a dilemma. Renting remains a popular choice across the world as it allows you to experience a new place without any commitment, so you can decide in time if you’d like to settle there long–term. Renting in Dubai is typically about 16% cheaper than in London.
| Item | Dubai* | UK* |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | £ 2,200 (10,000 AED) | £ 2,500 (12,250 AED) |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £ 1,255 (5,700 AED) | £ 1,800 (8,800 AED) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | £ 3,500 (17,000 AED) | £ 5,000 (24,500 AED) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment outside City Centre | £ 2,600 (12,800 AED) | £ 3,200 (15,600 AED) |
Buying a House
If you want to put down roots in Dubai, you must first evaluate your living expenses before setting expectations. The region you choose will influence real estate prices considerably, so it’s best to consult with an agency before you make a choice.
| Item (Price per square metre) | Dubai* | UK* |
| Apartment in City-Centre | £ 4,000 (20,000 AED) | £ 14,000 (68,000 AED) |
| Apartment outside City-Centre | £2,700 (13,100 AED) | £ 6,100 (29,000 AED) |
Utility Bills
If you’re planning a move to Dubai, understanding utility costs is essential for managing your monthly budget. Electricity, water, and cooling can be significant expenses, especially during the hotter months. Here’s what you can expect:
| Item | Dubai* | UK* |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for an 85m2 Apartment | £ 175 (850 AED) | £ 320 (1,500 AED) |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | £ 47 (230 AED) | £ 20 (100 AED) |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | £ 75 (350 AED) | £ 30 (145 AED) |
What are Food Prices Like in Dubai vs the UK?
In Dubai, fruits and vegetables are either grown on local farms or imported from nearby countries such as Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Owing to Britain’s climate and its distance from the Middle East, imported fruits tend to be comparatively more expensive here. When it comes to meat, beef and lamb are the commonly found options, as pork isn’t consumed due to religious reasons.
Grocery Prices
While groceries may seem like a minor cost, it’s best to consider your day-to-day expenses and broader monthly expenditures when you’re thinking about moving abroad. The price of daily grocery shopping is quite similar between the UK and Dubai, so you shouldn’t adjust your grocery budget significantly as you settle into your new home.
| Item | Dubai* | UK* |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | £ 1.65 (7.60 AED) | £ 1 (6 AED) |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | £ 1.30 (6 AED) | £ 1.50 (7 AED) |
| White Rice (1kg) | £ 1.70 (8 AED) | £ 2 (9 AED) |
| 12 Eggs | £ 2.50 (11.50 AED) | £ 3 (15.50 AED) |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | £ 8.50 (40.50 AED) | £ 7.50 (35 AED) |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £ 6.50 (30 AED) | £ 7.50 (35 AED) |
| Round Beef (1kg) | £7.50 (35.50 AED) | £ 12 (55 AED) |
| Apples (1kg) | £ 8.50 (2 AED) | £ 2.50 (11 AED) |
| Banana (1kg) | £ 1.50 (7 AED) | £ 1 (6 AED) |
| Potato (1kg) | £ 0.80 (4 AED) | £ 1 (5.50 AED) |
| Onion (1kg) | £ 0.80 (4 AED) | £ 1 (5.50 AED) |
Restaurants
Dining out is considerably cheaper in Dubai compared to London. There are a lot of budget-friendly places, and several food chains offering combo meals. Alcohol prices tend to be slightly cheaper in Dubai, although you will need a liquor license (which can be obtained from a cashier) to buy alcoholic drinks.
| Item | Dubai* | UK* |
| 3-course Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | £ 65 (300 AED) | £ 80 (370 AED) |
| McDonald’s McMeal (or Equivalent) | £ 35 (7 AED) | £ 8 (47 AED) |
| Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | £ 48 (10 AED) | £ 6.50 (30 AED) |
| Cappuccino (regular) | £ 5 (20 AED) | £ 3.60 (17 AED) |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | £ 1 (4 AED) | £ 2 (9 AED) |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | £ 0.50 (2.50 AED) | £ 1.50 (7.50 AED) |
What are Transportation Costs Like in Dubai vs the UK?
Both London and Dubai are cities with high living standards, meaning daily commute costs are an important factor in the cost of living analysis. The UAE’s oil reserves, however, are the sixth largest in the world, making petrol prices considerably cheaper in Dubai. The city’s public transport is also cheaper than in London.
| Item | Dubai* | UK* |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | £ 1.35 (6.25 AED) | £ 3 (13 AED) |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £ 65 (300 AED) | £ 200 ( 925 AED) |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | £ 2.50 (12 AED) | £ 4 (18.50 AED) |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | £0.65 (3 AED) | £ 2 (9 AED) |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | £0.65 (3 AED) | £ 1.50 (7 AED) |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | £ 32,400 (150,000 AED) | £ 26,300 (121,500 AED) |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | £ 18,000 (83,000 AED) | £ 26,250 (121,500 $) |
Are Childcare Costs More Expensive in Dubai or London?
If you’re moving to Dubai with kids, you need to add childcare costs to your monthly budget. Dubai is home to some of the best institutions in the world, and they’re also more affordable than those in the UK.
| Item | Dubai* | UK* |
| Full Day at Private Preschool (Monthly) | £ 560 (2,600 AED) | £ 1,850 (8,500 AED) |
| International Primary School (Yearly) | £ 11,750 (54,300 AED) | £ 20,050 (93,000 AED) |
How do Recreation Costs Compare in Dubai and the UK?
When creating a cost-of-living analysis, recreation should be as important as bills and basic living costs. Dubai’s recreational opportunities are undoubtedly fantastic, although they also tend to be slightly more expensive than those in the UK.
| Item | Dubai* | UK* |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | £ 70 (330 AED) | £ 50 (225 AED) |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | £ 40 (180 AED) | £ 13 (60 AED) |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | £ 10 (50 AED) | £ 15 (70 AED) |
On average, Dubai is up to 29% less expensive than London (excluding rent). This difference is significant, especially when you take into account the fact that London and Dubai are two of the world’s leading cities. The statistics are encouraging for anyone looking to move to Dubai at the moment.
Whether you’d like more information on specific aspects of moving, such as move liability cover or money transfers, get in touch with one of our experts for a consultation. And if you haven’t already looked into employment in the UAE, our guide has a lot of useful information. You can also find out information about working in Dubai as a UK citizen.
(*All prices are approx. as of October 2025)
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