Cost of living in Dubai vs Canada in 2025

Working and living in Dubai is very different from Canada. However, to choose between the two, you must know the difference in the cost of living in Dubai vs Canada.

Dubai offers modern infrastructure with a tax-free income system. Additionally, the standard of living in Dubai is unmatched. Groceries are less expensive, and public transportation is cheaper. Also, multiple housing options are available to suit different lifestyles.

Dubai has a warm and sunny climate. This is in sharp contrast to the harsh winters in Canada. The public services, healthcare, and schooling options are all of international standards. Thus, expatriates find it easy to save while soaking in Dubai’s excellent lifestyle.

The real estate market stands as another divider. While in Dubai, renting in the city centre is expensive, suburban areas have reasonably priced options. Generally speaking, Dubai offers better financial perks along with a modern urban lifestyle. 

• Quick 2025 comparison: Dubai vs Canada
• Housing and rental market
• Utilities and daily expenses
• Salaries, taxes, and disposable income
• Education and healthcare
• Lifestyle and cultural differences
• Cost of living Dubai vs Canada: percentage comparison
• Key takeaways
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Quick 2025 comparison: Dubai vs Canada

This snapshot shows how daily expenses in Dubai typically cost less than in Canada. However, some essentials and urban rents remain higher.

Housing and rental market

Renting a home in Dubai city centre is higher compared to Canada. For instance, your monthly rental for a one-bedroom apartment in the Dubai city centre works out to around 6,123 AED. The rental for a similarly located apartment in Canada is 4,899 AED. 

Monthly rentals for three-bedroom apartments in central Dubai are much more expensive than those in Canada. You will pay 12,595 AED in Dubai against 7,733 AED in Canada. 

Further away from city centres, smaller flats may deliver better value in Dubai. One-bedroom units in the periphery can be rented for around 4,181 AED per month. This is slightly lower than the 4,258 AED monthly rental in Canada.

However, the three-bedroom apartments will cost you more to rent in Dubai than in Canada. Dubai rental rates are higher at 9,025 AED as against 6,758 AED in Canada.

Explore the Available Apartments for Rent in Dubai

Buying a property is also a notable expense in both Dubai and Canada. The price per square metre for a city centre apartment in Dubai is 23,443 AED. This is just marginally above Canada’s 22,467 AED cost for a similar apartment. Apartments located outside prime locations are significantly cheaper in Dubai. You will roughly pay 13,493 AED in Dubai compared to 16,430 AED per square metre in Canada.

Mortgage rates in Dubai are lower. The fixed-rate loans for 20 years have an interest rate of 4.6% annually in Dubai compared to 5.98% in Canada. Hence, it is easier for expats and investors in Dubai to become homeowners. 

The Dubai housing market is highly diverse. You will find:

• Central business district apartments 
• Marina-facing apartments 
• Suburban villas  

These housing categories are viable options for:

• Singles 
• Families 
• Working professionals

Some of the popular residential locations in Dubai are:

• Dubai Marina 
• Downtown 
• Dubai South

Unlike Canada, there is no property tax levied in Dubai. This reduces the long-term costs for homeowners. It naturally makes renting and purchasing properties in Dubai more attractive than in Canada.

Explore the Available Apartments for Sale in Dubai

Utilities and daily expenses

In Dubai, you will pay more for utilities like:

• Electricity 
• Water 
• Garbage clearance 
• Internet 
• Monthly mobile plans 
• Heating 
• Cooling 

For an 85m² apartment in Dubai, monthly outgoings on basic utilities work out to approximately 653 AED. However, for a similar apartment in Canada, you will pay 553 AED. 

Monthly mobile plans and high-speed internet are also pricier in Dubai. Monthly phone plans cost you 214 AED in Dubai compared to 164 AED in Canada. Likewise, an internet connection will cost you 368 AED in Dubai as opposed to 228 AED in Canada.

Public transportation is cheaper in Dubai. One-way tickets cost 5 AED in the UAE. However, in Canada, it will cost you 9.28 AED. Monthly passes cost 200 AED in the UAE as against 278 AED in Canada. Taxi fares begin at 12 AED in Dubai and are marginally higher in Canada at 12.47 AED. Per km, taxis charge 2.5 AED in the UAE and 5.76 AED in Canada. Thus, commuting is overall cheaper in the UAE than in Canada.

Groceries are relatively cheaper in Dubai. 

• A litre of milk costs 6.69 AED in the UAE and 8.13 AED in Canada. 
• A 500 g loaf of bread costs 5.21 AED in the UAE, as against 9.72 AED in Canada.  
• One kg of tomatoes costs 5.11 AED in the UAE and 14.93 AED in Canada.  
• One kg of potatoes costs 4.06 AED in the UAE and 9.75 AED in Canada.  
• One kg of onions costs 4.46 AED in the UAE as against 9.67 AED in Canada.

Dining out varies across both regions. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost 32.50 AED in the UAE, compared to 66.31 AED in Canada. A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around 250 AED in the Emirates compared to 265 AED in Canada. A fast-food combo meal is slightly cheaper in Dubai at 35 AED versus 40 AED in Canada.

Coffee depicts an opposite trend. A regular cappuccino costs 20.23 AED in the UAE. However, you are likely to pay 13.84 AED for the same beverage in Canada.

Sports and leisure are pricier in Dubai. A monthly gym membership costs 244 AED in the UAE. In contrast, you are likely to pay 155 AED in Canada each month for a similar membership. The hourly tennis court rental on weekends is 156 AED in the UAE versus 63 AED in Canada. Cinema ticket prices are 50 AED per seat in Dubai versus 41 AED per seat in Canada.

Childcare is cheaper in Dubai. Full-day, monthly fees for a private preschool are 2,504.68 AED in Dubai. In Canada, you will pay 2,875.62 AED for the same. International primary schools in Dubai levy a yearly fee of 45,786 AED, as against 47,250 AED in Canada.

Shoes and clothing usually cost more in the UAE. For instance, a pair of branded jeans costs 256.63 AED in Dubai as compared to 202.61 AED in Canada. Summer dresses from a branded chain store cost roughly 224.25 AED in Dubai versus 151.07 AED in Canada. A mid-range pair of Nike shoes sells for approximately 399 AED in the UA,E as against 323 AED in Canada.

A pair of leather formal shoes for men is similarly priced in both regions. It will roughly cost you 387 AED in Canada and 397 AED in Dubai.

Salaries, taxes, and disposable income

The average monthly net salary after tax in Dubai is 11,329 AED. This is slightly above the average monthly net wage in Canada, which stands at 10,615 AED after tax. Naturally, the tax-free system in Dubai means more disposable income. In contrast, all Canadian provinces and territories levy federal taxes.

This difference makes it easier for expats in Dubai to cover their relatively higher outgoings on:

• Housing 
• Utilities 
• Leisure

Additionally, the lower mortgage rates in Dubai at 4.6% make it easier for you to own a property in Dubai. In addition to lower overall expenses, Dubai offers more financial flexibility.

Education and healthcare

Monthly preschool or kindergarten fees are around 2,504.68 AED in the UAE, as against 2,875.62 AED in Canada. International primary schools in Dubai charge 45,786 AED yearly. In comparison, you will likely pay 47,250 AED in Canada towards your child’s yearly primary school education. So, education is comparatively cheaper in Dubai.

Dubai has many English-speaking schools with international curricula. The Canadian curriculum is taught at:

• Maplewood Canadian International School 
• American School of Dubai

Healthcare in Dubai is top-notch. You can find English-speaking medical staff at the Canadian Specialist Hospital in Dubai, for instance.

Mandatory health insurance schemes like the Essential Benefits Plan cover Dubai residents with a monthly salary of under 4,000 AED and their unemployed dependents. However, private healthcare can be a bit expensive in Dubai.

Overall, Dubai provides superior schooling and healthcare at slightly lower costs than Canada, especially for expatriates.

Lifestyle and cultural differences

As a cosmopolitan city, Dubai is equipped with high-end shopping and modern infrastructure that caters to its multicultural population. Working professionals often move here to avail of its tax-free structure. A vast range of lucrative career opportunities also makes Dubai a top choice for expats.

Canada offers a range of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural landscapes. Its diverse climate is another highlight. Families value safety and established public systems here.

In contrast, Dubai is for you if you enjoy a more fast-paced urban lifestyle with year-round sunny weather. Networking options are plentiful in the city. On the other hand, Canada provides a more stable environment and allows you to soak in nature at a slower pace.

Each of these destinations has its own share of plus points. Your final choice boils down to your personal preference.

Cost of living Dubai vs Canada: percentage comparison

• Food: Dubai is 49% cheaper 
• Housing: Canada is 29% cheaper 
• Clothing: Canada is 27% cheaper 
• Transportation: Dubai is 33% cheaper 
• Personal Care: Dubai is 41% cheaper 
• Entertainment: Dubai is 17% cheaper 
• Overall, living in Toronto (Canada) is 5% more expensive than residing in Dubai (UAE)

Key takeaways

When comparing the cost of living in Dubai vs Canada, there are a few things to consider. Overall, Dubai offers substantial financial and lifestyle advantages compared to Canada. Groceries and public transportation are notably cheaper, while the tax-free salary structure means higher disposable income. Although city-centre housing in Dubai can be more expensive, suburban areas offer affordable alternatives. Canada remains ideal for those who value stability, safety, and access to nature, while Dubai appeals to professionals seeking a dynamic, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Conclusion

Dubai appears to have an edge when comparing the cost of living in Dubai vs Canada in 2025.

Day-to-day expenses are cheaper in Dubai. You pay less for utilities, transport, and groceries. Additionally, Dubai offers tax-free salaries. So, you have more disposable income. 

While rents are higher in central Dubai, suburban areas offer plenty of less expensive options.

Overall, Dubai offers better financial benefits with a superior standard of living. Its cosmopolitan environment and luxury amenities are additional highlights. You can lead a comfortable lifestyle as a working professional in Dubai.

Want to move to Dubai? Start your search for some of the best Dubai properties on Property Finder. Here you can find a property that matches your budget and lifestyle.

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