Dubai
Edinburgh

Dubai vs Edinburgh — Cost of Living Comparison

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
VS
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Estimated average living costs are ~34% lower in Edinburgh

Dubai

$3,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,550,000

Safety

88/100

Quality

76/100

Cost
75
Safety
88
Life
76

Edinburgh

$2,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

540,000

Safety

72/100

Quality

78/100

Cost
75
Safety
72
Life
78

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~34% lower in Edinburgh

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Dubai

$3,100

estimated per month

Edinburgh

$2,050

estimated per month

Difference

-33.9%

Monthly savings

$1,050

Yearly savings

$12,600

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$49,597

-$25,403/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemDubaiEdinburghDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,650.00$1,050.00
-36.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,050.00$750.00
-28.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.00$2,000.00
-37.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,000.00$1,400.00
-30.0%
ItemDubaiEdinburghDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$8.00$16.00
+100.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$55.00$65.00
+18.2%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$7.00$8.50
+21.4%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.60$1.30
-18.8%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.20$1.30
+8.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$1.50
-16.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.80$3.00
+7.1%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$6.50$8.00
+23.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$2.20
-26.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$1.30
-27.8%
ItemDubaiEdinburghDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$80.00$65.00
-18.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$1.40$2.10
+50.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.30$4.00
+21.2%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.55$1.50
+172.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.75$1.70
+126.7%
ItemDubaiEdinburghDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$180.00$200.00
+11.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$45.00$22.00
-51.1%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$85.00$35.00
-58.8%
ItemDubaiEdinburghDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$55.00$0.00
-100.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$70.00$70.00
0.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$15.00$12.00
-20.0%
ItemDubaiEdinburghDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$75.00$42.00
-44.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$11.00$13.00
+18.2%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.80$4.00
-16.7%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$9.50$6.50
-31.6%
ItemDubaiEdinburghDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$60.00$72.00
+20.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00$35.00
-7.9%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00$85.00
0.0%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Dubai vs Edinburgh

Is Dubai or Edinburgh more expensive?
Dubai and Edinburgh have very similar living costs — both score around 75 out of 100 on our cost of living index.
What is the cost of living difference between Dubai and Edinburgh?
Dubai scores 75 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Edinburgh scores 75 — where New York City equals 100.