Cost Comparison 2025

WarsawvsDubai

Poland
United Arab Emirates

Overall

šŸ’°

+60.0%

Warsaw is 60.0%more expensive

Rent

šŸ 

+87.5%

Housing is 87.5% higher

Dining

šŸ½ļø

+78.6%

Restaurants 78.6% pricier

Groceries

šŸ›’

+55.6%

Food shopping 55.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Warsaw, Poland and Dubai, United Arab Emirates reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Warsaw is more expensive than Dubai by approximately 60.0%. 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 Warsaw are lower than in Dubai by 47%. A one-bedroom apartment in Warsaw's city center costs around PLNĀ 3,500, while the same in Dubai is approximately AEDĀ 8,000.

Dining out in Warsaw offers significant savings compared to Dubai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PLNĀ 40 in Warsaw versus AEDĀ 40 in Dubai.

Public transportation in Warsaw is more affordable, with monthly passes at PLNĀ 110 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 Warsaw.

Grocery shopping in Warsaw is more affordable by approximately 36%. 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 Warsaw can expect to spend approximately PLNĀ 1,578 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 PLNĀ 5,523 monthly in Warsaw 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
Warsaw, Poland
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
PLNĀ 3,500
AEDĀ 8,000
1BR Outside Center
PLNĀ 2,500
AEDĀ 5,000
3BR City Center
PLNĀ 6,000
AEDĀ 15,000

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
PLNĀ 40
AEDĀ 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
PLNĀ 200
AEDĀ 300
Cappuccino
PLNĀ 13
AEDĀ 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
PLNĀ 12
AEDĀ 50

šŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
PLNĀ 4
AEDĀ 6
Bread (500g)
PLNĀ 3
AEDĀ 5
Eggs (12)
PLNĀ 8
AEDĀ 10
Cheese (1kg)
PLNĀ 30
AEDĀ 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
PLNĀ 4
AEDĀ 8
Monthly Pass
PLNĀ 110
AEDĀ 350
Taxi Start
PLNĀ 8
AEDĀ 12
Gasoline (1L)
PLNĀ 7
AEDĀ 3

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
PLNĀ 700
AEDĀ 600
Internet (60 Mbps)
PLNĀ 60
AEDĀ 400
Mobile Minute
PLNĀ 0
AEDĀ 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Dubai

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index110

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warsaw more expensive than Dubai?

Yes, Warsaw is approximately 60.0% more expensive than Dubai overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Dubai salary when living in Warsaw. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dubai, you'd need about $80,000 in Warsaw for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Warsaw 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 Warsaw if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Dubai for better value.

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

In Warsaw, a single person needs approximately PLNĀ 4,078 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about PLNĀ 10,023. 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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