Dubai VS Singapore Cost of Living Deep Dive

Before choosing a location to move into, it’s important to consider some key factors such as housing costs, travel expenses, education, food, jobs and many more factors. According to Mercer’s cost of living data, Singapore is one of the costliest cities to live in for international workers. Also, Dubai is the costliest city in the Middle East according to the Mercer rankings.

Both cities offer incredible opportunities — but how do they truly compare when it comes to day-to-day living costs? In this guide, we’ll break down the numbers and give you a clear picture of what life and spending look like in Dubai versus Singapore.

Here you will find details on:

• What are the housing costs in Dubai vs Singapore?
• What are the travel expenses in Dubai vs Singapore?
• What is the cost of education in Dubai vs Singapore?
• How are food prices in Dubai vs Singapore?
• How is the job scene in Dubai vs Singapore?
• What is the income in Dubai vs Singapore?
• How much is the Inflation in Dubai vs Singapore?
• What is the ease of doing business in Dubai vs Singapore?
• How is taxation in Dubai vs Singapore?
• Factors that influence the cost of living in a place
• What to consider before moving to Singapore?
• What to consider before moving to Dubai?
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

What are the housing costs in Dubai vs Singapore?

Both Dubai and Singapore offer a lot of great perks for foreign nationals, locals, working professionals, tourists, businesses and more. However, living in these places can come at a premium due to their high standard of living. So, which place is more cost-effective, Dubai vs Singapore?

Housing is often the first thing you’ll look for when choosing a place to live. A home provides you with stability and security, making it one of the most important factors to consider.

In Dubai, a one-bedroom apartment will cost you about 80,000 AED to rent and if you want to buy an apartment, this might cost you 1,200,000 AED. In Singapore, renting a similar one-bedroom apartment will set you back about $3,770 per month.

Explore the available properties for rent in Dubai

What are the travel expenses in Dubai vs Singapore?

Travel isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it opens doors to new opportunities, helps you to apply what you know and promotes mental well-being.

Moreover, the average travel expenses in Dubai are around 300 AED for a metro and bus card. There is plenty of public transportation. If you prefer driving, leasing a car can cost between AED 2,000 and AED 2,500 per month. Whereas in Singapore, the average cost of travel comes up to $150 per day. 

What is the cost of education in Dubai vs Singapore?

Educational facilities in Dubai are excellent, and it costs from 25,000 AED going up to 1,00,000 AED for your child’s education. Not just that, you can also find vocational education opportunities in Dubai. While in Singapore, there are exceptional standards of education, which cost $21,000 to $38,500. Singapore also has a very low crime rate, making it a safe country for you and your family.

How are food prices in Dubai vs Singapore?

Food is another key factor that can influence your cost of living. In Dubai, you can expect to spend around 2,500 AED per month on groceries, while dining out may cost you 250 AED per day, especially if you enjoy quick meals from some of the best fast food restaurants in the city.

In Singapore, meals are generally more affordable, ranging from $8 to $65 per meal. While Dubai excels in offering a wide range of global cuisines, Singapore stands out for its local food.

How is the job scene in Dubai vs Singapore?

Both Dubai and Singapore have a lot of scope for jobs. The job sector is well developed in Dubai with emphasis on variety and responsibility, while in Singapore, there’s an emphasis on professionalism and structure. Both cities have large talent pools.

What is the income in Dubai vs Singapore?

The income level in Dubai and Singapore is impressive. In Dubai, the average salary is 1,89,000 AED annually. Accordingly, a decent salary for good living in Dubai ranges from 9,000 AED for a single person to 25,000 AED per month. In Singapore, the average salary is $70,000 per year.

How much is the Inflation in Dubai vs Singapore?

Inflation is inevitable, and rising costs can add to the cost of living. Dubai’s inflation stands at 2.9% whereas Singapore has an inflation rate of 1.5%. which directly affects the wages and savings of international workers in Singapore.

What is the ease of doing business in Dubai vs Singapore?

The ease of doing business in Dubai is 16, and in Singapore, it is 2, according to the ease of doing business index. Dubai offers free zones where foreign nationals can own businesses. Similarly, Singapore allows foreign nationals to own 100% of the business.

How is taxation in Dubai vs Singapore?

Taxes are often a major consideration when choosing where to live or work. While most developed regions impose high tax rates, both Dubai and Singapore offer relatively favourable tax environments. Here is a comparison table of taxes in Dubai vs Singapore.

Additionally, Dubai imposes other taxes such as tolls, airport taxes, etc. Taxes are part of the social contract between citizens and their government and provide revenue to the economy.

How much is consumer spending in Dubai vs Singapore?

Consumer goods are expensive in both Dubai and Singapore, reflecting their high standards of living. 

Dubai is known for its luxury shopping, offering a wide selection of brands and high-end retail experiences. Singapore, on the other hand, stands out with its attention to detail and local shops.

What are the policies in Dubai vs Singapore?

Policies establish clear expectations, provide consistency, and ensure accountability within a place or organisation. In Dubai, government policies are investor-friendly. Singapore, on the other hand, focuses on being business-oriented.

Factors that influence the cost of living in a place

Cost of living is the amount of money required to sustain a good standard of living and your basic needs as an individual or your household. Living costs can be significantly affected by the following factors: 

1. Housing in the area

Housing is very important for human beings. Shelter is one of the basic necessities of life, providing stability and security. Dubai vs Singapore salary can cover housing costs.

2. Educational facilities

In today’s world, education plays a crucial role in helping you build a successful career and make a positive contribution to society. It also helps reduce inequality, creating more growth opportunities and ultimately raising the overall standard of living within a community.

3. Type of transportation

To get from point A to point B, you need reliable transportation, and both its type and cost can vary greatly depending on where you live. Transportation plays a major role in shaping the overall cost of living, as daily commuting expenses can quickly add up and significantly impact your monthly budget.

4. Quality of healthcare

Health is wealth, as the saying goes. To be gainfully employed, you need to be healthy and free from disease, and healthcare costs can influence the cost of living.

5. Tax regime of the country

The economic stability of a country plays an important role in shaping its cost of living. A strong, stable economy helps maintain consistent prices, supports job security, and fosters overall financial confidence among residents.

6. Childcare in that place

Daycare, nursery, etc., are important as the costs can influence the cost of living.

7. Geographical location of the state

Strategically located places have a higher cost of living than those that are in areas of lower geographical vantage. Singapore vs Dubai development also adds to the cost of living.

8. Food prices

Food prices have a major impact on the cost of living, as every household needs to buy groceries and eat out occasionally. The cost and availability of food can greatly influence how affordable daily life feels in any city.

9. Income and salary

The income is the main factor that influences the cost of living in any place. That’s why the first thing you should check and accordingly decide whether Dubai or Singapore is more suitable for you is the offered salary.

What to consider before moving to Dubai?

Dubai is located on the southeastern Arabian Peninsula and is known for its modern projects and luxurious lifestyle. Its skyline is famous around the world for its tall buildings and bright city lights. People from over 200 countries live in Dubai, yet it still stays connected to its cultural roots.

Besides, the city is home to impressive landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, making it one of the hot spots for expats. It offers you a modern lifestyle in addition to being a major global business hub with favourable tax policies, which makes it a good spot for residents and investors.

Not just that, you should also consider Dubai’s weather, as it has a desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters.

What to consider before moving to Singapore?

Singapore is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and is known for being modern, clean, and full of green spaces. Popular attractions include Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa Island.

The city is famous for its efficient public transportation system, with a well-connected network of MRT trains and buses. Singapore is also a leading financial centre, known for its economic stability and strong global reputation. Often called the Garden City, it has a tropical climate and is home to a large expat community from around the world.

Key Takeaways

Based on the data presented in this article on the Cost of Living in Dubai VS Singapore, Singapore is generally more expensive than Dubai. However, both cities are considered costly places to live, offering high standards of living and world-class infrastructure.

Both cities have low crime rates and are known for being safe and well-regulated. Their favourable business policies create strong environments for companies to grow and succeed. You can keep these factors in mind when choosing between Dubai vs Singapore as the best place to live and work.

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