Thimphu
Dubai

Thimphu vs Dubai — Cost of Living Comparison

Thimphu
Bhutan
VS
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Estimated average living costs are ~377% lower in Thimphu

Thimphu

$650

avg. monthly cost

Population

115,000

Safety

80/100

Quality

55/100

Cost
30
Safety
80
Life
55

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 ~377% lower in Thimphu

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Thimphu

$650

estimated per month

Dubai

$3,100

estimated per month

Difference

+376.9%

Monthly savings

$2,450

Yearly savings

$29,400

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

Thimphu
Dubai
70
Housing+378.8%
$413
$1,975
Food & Groceries+92.7%
$76
$147
Transportation+104.3%
$65
$133
Utilities+376.9%
$65
$310
Healthcare+624.6%
$6
$41
Entertainment+191.8%
$66
$193
Clothing+60.0%
$24
$39

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)

$357,692

+$282,692/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

ItemThimphuDubaiDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$350.00$1,650.00
+371.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$200.00$1,050.00
+425.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$700.00$3,200.00
+357.1%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$400.00$2,000.00
+400.0%
ItemThimphuDubaiDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50$8.00
+128.6%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00$55.00
+205.6%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.00$7.00
+40.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.60
+33.3%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.50$1.20
+140.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90$1.80
+100.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$2.80
+55.6%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50$6.50
+85.7%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$3.00
+66.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.00$1.80
+80.0%
ItemThimphuDubaiDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$12.00$80.00
+566.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.25$1.40
+460.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.60$3.30
+450.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.35$0.55
+57.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$0.75
-31.8%
ItemThimphuDubaiDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$35.00$180.00
+414.3%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00$45.00
+800.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$25.00$85.00
+240.0%
ItemThimphuDubaiDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$5.00$55.00
+1000.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$8.00$70.00
+775.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$3.00$15.00
+400.0%
ItemThimphuDubaiDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$20.00$75.00
+275.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$3.00$11.00
+266.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.50$4.80
+92.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50$9.50
+280.0%
ItemThimphuDubaiDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$40.00$60.00
+50.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$20.00$38.00
+90.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$55.00$85.00
+54.5%

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