Cost Comparison 2025

CasablancavsDubai

Morocco
United Arab Emirates

Overall

šŸ’°

+90.5%

Casablanca is 90.5%more expensive

Rent

šŸ 

+240.9%

Housing is 240.9% higher

Dining

šŸ½ļø

+97.4%

Restaurants 97.4% pricier

Groceries

šŸ›’

+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 MADĀ 6,000, while the same in Dubai is approximately AEDĀ 8,000.

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

Public transportation in Casablanca is more affordable, with monthly passes at MADĀ 300 compared to AEDĀ 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 MADĀ 2,364 per month (excluding rent), while in Dubai, the same lifestyle would cost around AEDĀ 2,334. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about MADĀ 8,274 monthly in Casablanca versus AEDĀ 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

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
MADĀ 6,000
AEDĀ 8,000
1BR Outside Center
MADĀ 3,500
AEDĀ 5,000
3BR City Center
MADĀ 12,000
AEDĀ 15,000

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

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

šŸ›’ Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
MADĀ 500
AEDĀ 600
Internet (60 Mbps)
MADĀ 300
AEDĀ 400
Mobile Minute
MADĀ 2
AEDĀ 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 MADĀ 5,864 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about MADĀ 15,274. In Dubai, these figures are AEDĀ 7,334 for singles and AEDĀ 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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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