Cost Comparison 2025

FlorencevsDubai

Italy
United Arab Emirates

Overall

💰

+14.3%

Florence is 14.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+87.5%

Housing is 87.5% higher

Dining

🍽️

+7.1%

Restaurants 7.1% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+2.9%

Food shopping 2.9% more

Comparing the cost of living between Florence, Italy and Dubai, United Arab Emirates reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Florence is more expensive than Dubai by approximately 14.3%. 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 Florence are lower than in Dubai by 47%. A one-bedroom apartment in Florence's city center costs around €1,200, while the same in Dubai is approximately AED 8,000.

Dining out in Florence costs about the same compared to Dubai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Florence versus AED 40 in Dubai.

Public transportation in Florence is more affordable, with monthly passes at €35 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 Florence.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Florence can expect to spend approximately €468 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 €1,639 monthly in Florence 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
Florence, Italy
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,200
AED 8,000
1BR Outside Center
€800
AED 5,000
3BR City Center
€2,200
AED 15,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
AED 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€60
AED 300
Cappuccino
€2
AED 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
AED 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
AED 6
Bread (500g)
€2
AED 5
Eggs (12)
€3
AED 10
Cheese (1kg)
€15
AED 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
AED 8
Monthly Pass
€35
AED 350
Taxi Start
€5
AED 12
Gasoline (1L)
€2
AED 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€150
AED 600
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
AED 400
Mobile Minute
€0
AED 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Florence 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 Florence 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

Florence

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Dubai

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index110

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florence more expensive than Dubai?

Yes, Florence is approximately 14.3% more expensive than Dubai overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Dubai salary when living in Florence. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dubai, you'd need about $57,143 in Florence for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Florence and Dubai?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 47%, 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, Dubai provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Florence if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Dubai for better value.

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

In Florence, a single person needs approximately €1,268 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,139. 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 Florence and Dubai in 2025 shows notable 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 Florence

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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