Cost Comparison 2025

DubaivsPerth

United Arab Emirates
Australia

Overall

💰

0.0%

Dubai is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

-22.7%

Housing is 22.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

+9.3%

Restaurants 9.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+7.1%

Food shopping 7.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Perth, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dubai is similarly priced than Perth. 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 higher than in Perth by 29%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dubai's city center costs around AED 8,000, while the same in Perth is approximately A$1,900.

Dining out in Dubai costs about the same compared to Perth. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs AED 40 in Dubai versus A$22 in Perth.

Public transportation in Dubai is more expensive, with monthly passes at AED 350 compared to A$160 in Perth.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Dubai can expect to spend approximately AED 2,334 per month (excluding rent), while in Perth, the same lifestyle would cost around A$800. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about AED 8,169 monthly in Dubai versus A$2,801 in Perth. 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
Perth, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
AED 8,000
A$1,900
1BR Outside Center
AED 5,000
A$1,500
3BR City Center
AED 15,000
A$3,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
AED 40
A$22
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
AED 300
A$100
Cappuccino
AED 20
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
AED 50
A$11

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
AED 6
A$2
Bread (500g)
AED 5
A$3
Eggs (12)
AED 10
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
AED 40
A$10

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
AED 8
A$5
Monthly Pass
AED 350
A$160
Taxi Start
AED 12
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
AED 3
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
AED 600
A$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
AED 400
A$75
Mobile Minute
AED 1
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Perth 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 Perth 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 Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index110

Perth

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index58
Purchasing Power Index105

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai more expensive than Perth?

The cost of living in Dubai and Perth is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Perth salary when living in Dubai. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Perth, you'd need about $50,000 in Dubai for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dubai and Perth?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 29%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. 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, Perth provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Dubai if you prioritize earning potential, or Perth for affordability.

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

In Dubai, a single person needs approximately AED 7,334 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about AED 18,169. In Perth, these figures are A$2,300 for singles and A$5,201 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Dubai and Perth in 2025 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.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers