Cost of Living Comparison Between Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates And Dubai

Both are renowned for their own unique charms and enviable lifestyle. Cost of Living Comparison Between Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates And Dubai is an important factor, and choosing between the two often depends on your preferences and needs.

As a traveler, a potential job seeker, or perhaps an inquisitive mind, questions around wealth, living costs, and salaries, can play pivotal roles in your decision-making process. So join us, on this enlightening journey where we will pit Dubai against Abu Dhabi, comparing their wealth, career opportunities, cost of living, and much more.

Cost of Living in Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi

With this guide, you'll be equipped with insightful facts and information designed to guide your choice, whether you're considering a vacation, a new job, or a complete lifestyle change.

Prepare yourself, as we explore these two glamorous powerhouses of the Middle East. Whether you are figuring out how many days to spend in Abu Dhabi, pondering over the expat salary in the city, or trying to determine the cheaper city to live in, our comparative exploration promises to reveal all.

Cost of Living Comparison Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai: What You Need to Know?

Let's delve into the comparative living expenses you could anticipate if you call Dubai or Abu Dhabi your new home. It's essential to understand that while these cities are situated relatively close to each other within the United Arab Emirates, they have differing living costs. This fluctuation depends on many factors, including rental costs, groceries, and leisure expenses, to name a few.

Starting with rental costs, you might notice that Dubai tends to have higher rental prices than Abu Dhabi. Dubai’s rent is 42.3% higher than in Abu Dhabi, making it a significant factor to consider when choosing between the two cities.

When rent is included in the overall cost of living, Dubai is 21.2% more expensive than Abu Dhabi. You would need around 24,232.9 AED in Dubai to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 20,000.0 AED in Abu Dhabi, assuming you rent in both cities.

Regarding grocery shopping, your weekly trip to the supermarkets might set you back a little more in Dubai than in Abu Dhabi. On average, grocery prices in Dubai are 4.9% higher than in Abu Dhabi. Essentials like fresh produce and dairy tend to cost more in Dubai, but the difference is relatively small.

When it comes to eating out or enjoying your time with some entertainment, you could expect costs to be quite similar in the two cities, with only a small difference leaning in favor of Abu Dhabi. Dubai’s restaurant prices are 2.9% higher than in Abu Dhabi.

Lastly, the cost of utilities like electricity, water, and internet services can often surprise many expats. In Dubai, such costs tend to be higher due to the overall higher cost of living.

Dubai’s utilities are 49.9% more expensive than in Abu Dhabi. This is primarily due to higher consumption costs, particularly for air conditioning. For an 85m² apartment, the basic utility bill in Dubai is 814.43 AED, whereas in Abu Dhabi, it is 543.37 AED.

How Do Salaries in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Compare?

When considering a move to a new city, particularly if that city is overseas, it's essential to balance the cost of living with the potential salary you could be taking home. So, salary consideration is crucial in the financial comparison between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Generally speaking, higher salaries are typically seen in Abu Dhabi. This may be due to the capital's stronger focus on professional sectors such as finance and government jobs. These sectors demand specialized skills and, in return, offer substantial compensation, often higher than in Dubai. However, new data suggests that average salaries in Dubai are now 3.1% higher than in Abu Dhabi. Despite this, due to the higher cost of living in Dubai, this increase may not always lead to greater purchasing power. Dubai’s local purchasing power is 14.9% lower than in Abu Dhabi.

How Do Transportation Costs Compare Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Public transportation costs in Dubai are significantly higher than in Abu Dhabi. A monthly transport pass in Dubai costs 258.3% more than in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, taxi fares per kilometer are 57.9% higher in Dubai. One-way local transport tickets in Dubai cost 160% more than in Abu Dhabi.

What is the Difference in Healthcare Costs Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Healthcare in Abu Dhabi is 13.6% cheaper than in Dubai. From general practitioner consultations to specialist visits, the overall medical expenses in Abu Dhabi tend to be more affordable.