Lifestyle Intelligence

Cost of Living · Dubai vs Singapore

Compare rent pressure, discretionary drift, and monthly budgets across two sovereign hubs before you sign the relocation package.

Dubai

Cost-of-living

Rent index

Estimated median professional income: AED 289,000

Singapore

Cost-of-living

Rent index

Estimated median professional income: $105,500

Spread

Index delta

+4.1

Dubai is 4 points more expensive on our deterministic index.

Dubai

The leading financial center of the MEASA region. Offers a tax-free salary environment for maximum wealth retention.

Reference monthly net: AED 24,083

Housing pressure

35% of take-home pay devoted to housing.

Singapore

Asia’s premier wealth management hub. Known for ultra-low personal income tax and high expatriate demand.

Reference monthly net: $19,528

Housing pressure

25% of take-home pay devoted to housing.

Monthly allocation

Budget blueprint

Dubai

Monthly net AED 24,083

HousingAED 8,429

EssentialsAED 7,225

LifestyleAED 4,817

SavingsAED 3,612

Singapore

Monthly net $19,528

Housing$4,882

Essentials$2,929

Lifestyle$4,882

Savings$6,835

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Frequently asked

Is Dubai more expensive than Singapore?+

Dubai posts a cost-of-living score of 55 with rent at 72. Singapore sits at 50 / 63. The spread is driven by housing (9.1 points) and imported services.

What income do I need to maintain lifestyle parity?+

Using a reference salary of AED 289,000, the take-home pay differs by AED 54,670. Adjust offers upward if relocating to the more expensive hub.

How much of my income should go to rent?+

Allocating 30% of monthly net is sustainable in Singapore, while Dubai may require closer to 35% unless allowances are provided.