dubai: Is moving to Dubai worth it? Compare the 2026 cost of rent, food, and transport between Dubai, India, and Pakistan. See the real numbers before you sign that contract.
Moving from India or Pakistan to Dubai is often driven by the dream of a higher salary, but the “sticker shock” of expenses can be overwhelming. To understand if the move is worth it, you have to look at the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)—basically, how much your money actually buys you in each location.
In 2026, while Dubai remains a tax-free haven, inflation in housing and services has widened the gap between the UAE and South Asia.
1. Housing: The Biggest Budget Killer
Rent in Dubai is significantly higher than in South Asia, often consuming 35% to 50% of an expat’s salary.
| Category | Dubai (Monthly) | India (Tier 1 City) | Pakistan (Major City) |
| Studio / 1BR (City Center) | AED 4,500 – 7,500 | AED 1,200 – 2,000 | AED 800 – 1,500 |
| Bed Space (Shared) | AED 600 – 1,200 | AED 200 – 400 | AED 150 – 300 |
| Utilities (Electricity/Water) | AED 600 – 1,000 | AED 150 – 300 | AED 250 – 500 |
- The Dubai Difference: In Dubai, “chiller” (AC) costs can be a hidden expense unless included in the rent.1 In India and Pakistan, housing is cheaper, but you often deal with power outages or water shortages that don’t exist in Dubai.
2. Food & Groceries: Quality vs. Cost
Dubai imports about 80% of its food. While South Asian staples are widely available, they come at a premium.
| Item | Dubai (Price) | India (Price) | Pakistan (Price) |
| 1kg Chicken | AED 25 – 35 | AED 10 – 12 | AED 12 – 15 |
| 1kg Basmati Rice | AED 8 – 15 | AED 4 – 7 | AED 4 – 8 |
| Milk (1 Liter) | AED 6 – 8 | AED 2.50 – 3 | AED 3 – 4 |
| Basic Meal (Cafeteria) | AED 15 – 25 | AED 5 – 8 | AED 4 – 7 |
- The “Viva/Lulu” Strategy: You can narrow this gap by shopping at discount hypermarkets, but “eating out” in Dubai—even at casual spots—is roughly 3x to 5x more expensive than in Mumbai, Delhi, or Karachi.
3. Transport: Efficiency vs. Affordability
Dubai’s public transport is world-class but comes with a fixed cost.2
- Dubai: A monthly Gold Class Nol card for all zones costs roughly AED 700, while a standard card is AED 350. Petrol prices in 2026 are around AED 3.20 per liter.
- India/Pakistan: Local trains and rickshaws are incredibly cheap (rarely exceeding AED 50–100 per month for a commute). However, petrol prices in India/Pakistan are often higher relative to income due to heavy taxes.
4. The “Savings” Reality Check (The 3x Rule)
To maintain the same quality of life and save money, your Dubai salary should ideally be 3 times your home country salary.
Example: If you earn ₹100,000 in India or ₨250,000 in Pakistan, you should aim for at least AED 12,000 to 15,000 in Dubai.
- At AED 5,000: You are surviving. You will live in a bed space and send home modest amounts.
- At AED 15,000: You are living well. You can afford a private studio and save significantly.
- At AED 30,000+: You are thriving. You can afford a family, a car, and a high-end lifestyle.
5. Summary Table: Where Dubai Wins & Loses
| Factor | Dubai | Home Country |
| Safety & Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (World Class) | ⭐⭐ (Variable) |
| Career Growth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Global Hub) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Growing) |
| Daily Expenses | ❌ High | ✅ Low |
| Quality of Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Savings Potential | ✅ High (If salary is high) | ❌ Low (High inflation) |
Conclusion
Dubai isn’t “expensive” if your salary is scaled correctly. The mistake most South Asians make is looking at the Dirham-to-Rupee conversion without looking at the local expenses. If you plan to live in a bed space and cook every meal, you can save 60% of your income. If you want the “Dubai Life” you see on Instagram, prepare to pay for it.
#DubaiVsIndia #DubaiVsPakistan #CostOfLiving2026 #DubaiExpenses #ExpatFinance #MovingToDubai #DubaiSalary #DubaiRent #SouthAsianExpats
Next Step for You
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