Dubai
Kyoto

Dubai vs Kyoto — Cost of Living Comparison

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
VS
Kyoto
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~16% lower in Kyoto

Dubai

$3,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,550,000

Safety

88/100

Quality

76/100

Cost
75
Safety
88
Life
76

Kyoto

$2,600

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,460,000

Safety

88/100

Quality

82/100

Cost
72
Safety
88
Life
82

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~16% lower in Kyoto

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Dubai

$3,100

estimated per month

Kyoto

$2,600

estimated per month

Difference

-16.1%

Monthly savings

$500

Yearly savings

$6,000

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)

$62,903

-$12,097/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

ItemDubaiKyotoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,650.00$750.00
-54.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,050.00$480.00
-54.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.00$1,600.00
-50.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,000.00$1,050.00
-47.5%
ItemDubaiKyotoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$8.00$6.50
-18.7%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$55.00$40.00
-27.3%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$7.00$6.00
-14.3%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.60$2.00
+25.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.20$2.00
+66.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$4.20
+133.3%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.80$2.60
-7.1%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$6.50$7.80
+20.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$5.80
+93.3%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$3.50
+94.4%
ItemDubaiKyotoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$80.00$85.00
+6.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$1.40$1.60
+14.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.30$4.20
+27.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.55$3.00
+445.5%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.75$1.35
+80.0%
ItemDubaiKyotoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$180.00$175.00
-2.8%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$45.00$32.00
-28.9%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$85.00$38.00
-55.3%
ItemDubaiKyotoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$55.00$30.00
-45.5%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$70.00$50.00
-28.6%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$15.00$14.00
-6.7%
ItemDubaiKyotoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$75.00$65.00
-13.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$11.00$12.50
+13.6%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.80$4.00
-16.7%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$9.50$4.50
-52.6%
ItemDubaiKyotoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$60.00$62.00
+3.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00$35.00
-7.9%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00$80.00
-5.9%

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

Frequently asked questions: Dubai vs Kyoto

Is Dubai or Kyoto more expensive?
Dubai is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 75 compared with 72 for Kyoto.
How much cheaper is Kyoto than Dubai?
Living in Kyoto is around 4% cheaper than Dubai, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Dubai and Kyoto?
Dubai scores 75 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Kyoto scores 72 — where New York City equals 100.