Relocation Playbook
Move from New York to Dubai
High-earning financiers trade NY state drag for Dubai’s tax-free status, plus housing allowances. We quantify the delta across tax, cost of living, and monthly cash flow so you can ship an evidence-backed relocation memo.
New York Net Pay
$176,328
Effective rate 29.5% • marginal 42.6%
Dubai Net Pay
AED 917,500
Effective rate 0.0% • marginal 0.0%
Annual delta
+$73,672.00
After tax & social costs on $250,000 package
Tax structure breakdown
- •0% personal income tax with optional DIFC structures
- •Employer housing & education stipends offset rent inflation
- •12% higher take-home on $250k+ USD packages
Cost of living shift
Cost of living
73
Cost of living
55
Rent index
64
Rent index
72
Differences in rent and COL mean the tax delta compounds into lifestyle gains.
Relocation timeline
- Week 0-4: Finalize offer structure, trigger exit tax planning in New York, and launch visa applications for Dubai.
- Week 4-10: Relocate, lease housing, and obtain tax residency certificates (TRC/Tax Domicile). Update payroll & equity grant paperwork.
- Week 10+: Rebuild allowances and cash management to exploit Dubai benefits (housing stipends, CPF/GOSI options, corporate structures).