Moscow
Dubai

Moscow vs Dubai — Cost of Living Comparison

Moscow
Russia
VS
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Estimated average living costs are ~195% lower in Moscow

Moscow

$1,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

12,600,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

50/100

Cost
42
Safety
55
Life
50

Dubai

$3,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,550,000

Safety

88/100

Quality

76/100

Cost
75
Safety
88
Life
76

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~195% lower in Moscow

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Moscow

$1,050

estimated per month

Dubai

$3,100

estimated per month

Difference

+195.2%

Monthly savings

$2,050

Yearly savings

$24,600

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)

$221,429

+$146,429/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

ItemMoscowDubaiDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$700.00$1,650.00
+135.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$420.00$1,050.00
+150.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,300.00$3,200.00
+146.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$750.00$2,000.00
+166.7%
ItemMoscowDubaiDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.00$8.00
+14.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$35.00$55.00
+57.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.00$7.00
+40.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$1.60
+45.5%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.60$1.20
+100.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10$1.80
+63.6%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$2.80
+55.6%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$6.50
+44.4%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.60$3.00
+87.5%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.80
+50.0%
ItemMoscowDubaiDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00$80.00
+166.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.65$1.40
+115.4%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.50$3.30
+120.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.50$0.55
+10.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.65$0.75
+15.4%
ItemMoscowDubaiDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$100.00$180.00
+80.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00$45.00
+800.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$8.00$85.00
+962.5%
ItemMoscowDubaiDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$25.00$55.00
+120.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$35.00$70.00
+100.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$6.00$15.00
+150.0%
ItemMoscowDubaiDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00$75.00
+114.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$6.00$11.00
+83.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.00$4.80
+60.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$4.00$9.50
+137.5%
ItemMoscowDubaiDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$50.00$60.00
+20.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00$38.00
+35.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00$85.00
+30.8%

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

Frequently asked questions: Moscow vs Dubai

Is Moscow or Dubai more expensive?
Dubai is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 75 compared with 42 for Moscow.
How much cheaper is Moscow than Dubai?
Living in Moscow is around 44% cheaper than Dubai, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Moscow and Dubai?
Moscow scores 42 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Dubai scores 75 — where New York City equals 100.