Lifestyle Intelligence

Cost of Living · Singapore vs Dubai

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

Singapore

Cost-of-living

Rent index

Estimated median professional income: $105,500

Dubai

Cost-of-living

Rent index

Estimated median professional income: AED 289,000

Spread

Index delta

-4.1

Singapore is 4 points less expensive on our deterministic index.

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.

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.

Monthly allocation

Budget blueprint

Singapore

Monthly net $19,528

Housing$4,882

Essentials$2,929

Lifestyle$4,882

Savings$6,835

Dubai

Monthly net AED 24,083

HousingAED 8,429

EssentialsAED 7,225

LifestyleAED 4,817

SavingsAED 3,612

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Frequently asked

Is Singapore more expensive than Dubai?+

Singapore posts a cost-of-living score of 50 with rent at 63. Dubai sits at 55 / 72. 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 $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 Dubai, while Singapore may require closer to 25% unless allowances are provided.