🇦🇪 Dubai vs 🇸🇬 Singapore

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇪

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

$2,615–$4,141/mo

د.إ9,685 – د.إ15,337 / month (local)

🇸🇬

Singapore

Singapore

$2,923–$4,628/mo

S$3,950 – S$6,254 / month (local)

Singapore is 12% more expensive

Dubai wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryDubai (USD)Singapore (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,962–$3,051$2,192–$3,410🟢 Dubai
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,035–$1,635$1,157–$1,827🟢 Dubai
Utilities$82–$158$91–$177🟢 Dubai
Groceries$414–$621$463–$694🟢 Dubai
Eating out (mid-range meal)$54–$98$61–$110🟢 Dubai
Public transport (monthly)$104–$125$116–$140🟢 Dubai
Internet & Mobile$33–$54$37–$61🟢 Dubai
Gym membership$38–$71$43–$79🟢 Dubai
Cinema ticket$15–$20$17–$22🟢 Dubai
Monthly total (single)$2,615–$4,141$2,923–$4,628🟢 Dubai

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing5.0 / 10 · 4.1 / 10
Dubai▲ better
Singapore
Safety9.5 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Dubai▲ better
Singapore
Healthcare7.8 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Dubai
Singapore▲ better
Education7.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Dubai
Singapore▲ better
Environment8.2 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Dubai
Singapore▲ better
Economy8.2 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Dubai▲ better
Singapore
Culture8.8 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Dubai▲ better
Singapore
Internet9.2 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Dubai▲ better
Singapore

Who should choose which city?

Choose Dubai if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Singapore
  • ✓Tax-free income
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Hub
  • ✓Aviation

Choose Singapore if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Singapore offers vs Dubai
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Hub airport
  • ✓Low tax for some
  • ✓Finance

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