Cost Comparison 2025

CasablancavsDubai

Morocco
United Arab Emirates

Overall

💰

+90.5%

Casablanca is 90.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+240.9%

Housing is 240.9% higher

Dining

🍽️

+97.4%

Restaurants 97.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+75.0%

Food shopping 75.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Casablanca, Morocco and Dubai, United Arab Emirates reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Casablanca is more expensive than Dubai by approximately 90.5%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Casablanca are lower than in Dubai by 71%. A one-bedroom apartment in Casablanca's city center costs around MAD 6,000, while the same in Dubai is approximately AED 8,000.

Dining out in Casablanca offers significant savings compared to Dubai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs MAD 50 in Casablanca versus AED 40 in Dubai.

Public transportation in Casablanca is more affordable, with monthly passes at MAD 300 compared to AED 350 in Dubai.

Purchasing power in Dubai is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Casablanca.

Grocery shopping in Casablanca is more affordable by approximately 43%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Casablanca can expect to spend approximately MAD 2,364 per month (excluding rent), while in Dubai, the same lifestyle would cost around AED 2,334. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about MAD 8,274 monthly in Casablanca versus AED 8,169 in Dubai. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Casablanca, Morocco
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
MAD 6,000
AED 8,000
1BR Outside Center
MAD 3,500
AED 5,000
3BR City Center
MAD 12,000
AED 15,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
MAD 50
AED 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
MAD 250
AED 300
Cappuccino
MAD 25
AED 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
MAD 35
AED 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
MAD 8
AED 6
Bread (500g)
MAD 4
AED 5
Eggs (12)
MAD 15
AED 10
Cheese (1kg)
MAD 70
AED 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
MAD 6
AED 8
Monthly Pass
MAD 300
AED 350
Taxi Start
MAD 10
AED 12
Gasoline (1L)
MAD 12
AED 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
MAD 500
AED 600
Internet (60 Mbps)
MAD 300
AED 400
Mobile Minute
MAD 2
AED 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Casablanca to Dubai, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Dubai to Casablanca requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Casablanca

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index40

Dubai

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index110

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casablanca more expensive than Dubai?

Yes, Casablanca is approximately 90.5% more expensive than Dubai overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Casablanca compared to Dubai?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.9x of your Dubai salary when living in Casablanca. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dubai, you'd need about $95,238 in Casablanca for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Casablanca and Dubai?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 71%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Dubai offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Dubai provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Casablanca if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Dubai for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Casablanca vs Dubai?

In Casablanca, a single person needs approximately MAD 5,864 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about MAD 15,274. In Dubai, these figures are AED 7,334 for singles and AED 18,169 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Casablanca and Dubai in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Dubai to maintain your lifestyle from Casablanca

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Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers