Updated January 5, 2026

Cost Comparison 2026

DubaivsHong Kong

United Arab Emirates

•

Hong Kong

Overall

💰

+9.3%

Dubai is 9.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+31.9%

Housing is 31.9% higher

Dining

🍽️

-12.8%

Restaurants 12.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+35.3%

Food shopping 35.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, Hong Kong reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2026. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dubai is more expensive than Hong Kong by approximately 9.3%. 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 Dubai are lower than in Hong Kong by 24%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dubai's city center costs around AED 8,693, while the same in Hong Kong is approximately HK$18,152.

Dining out in Dubai is notably more expensive compared to Hong Kong. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs AED 40 in Dubai versus HK$60 in Hong Kong.

Public transportation in Dubai is more affordable, with monthly passes at AED 300 compared to HK$500 in Hong Kong.

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

Grocery shopping in Dubai is more affordable by approximately 26%. 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 Dubai can expect to spend approximately AED 2,513 per month (excluding rent), while in Hong Kong, the same lifestyle would cost around HK$4,579. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about AED 8,794 monthly in Dubai versus HK$16,026 in Hong Kong. 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

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

AED 8,693

HK$18,152

1BR Outside Center

AED 5,462

HK$13,500

3BR City Center

AED 17,064

HK$38,100

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

AED 40

HK$60

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

AED 300

HK$500

Cappuccino

AED 21

HK$46

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

AED 50

HK$50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

AED 7

HK$28

Bread (500g)

AED 5

HK$18

Eggs (12)

AED 14

HK$32

Cheese (1kg)

AED 45

HK$197

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

AED 6

HK$8

Monthly Pass

AED 300

HK$500

Taxi Start

AED 12

HK$27

Gasoline (1L)

AED 3

HK$20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

AED 894

HK$1,700

Internet (60 Mbps)

AED 351

HK$186

Mobile Minute

AED 1

HK$1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Dubai to Hong Kong, 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 Hong Kong to Dubai 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

Dubai

Cost of Living Index75

Rent Index72

Purchasing Power Index115

Hong Kong

Cost of Living Index82

Rent Index95

Purchasing Power Index78

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai more expensive than Hong Kong?

Yes, Dubai is approximately 9.3% more expensive than Hong Kong overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Dubai compared to Hong Kong?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Hong Kong salary when living in Dubai. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Hong Kong, you'd need about $54,667 in Dubai for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dubai and Hong Kong?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 26%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable 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, Hong Kong provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Dubai if you prioritize earning potential, or Hong Kong for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Dubai vs Hong Kong?

In Dubai, a single person needs approximately AED 7,975 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about AED 20,194. In Hong Kong, these figures are HK$18,079 for singles and HK$41,026 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Dubai and Hong Kong in 2026 shows moderate 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.