The Ultimate Comparison of London vs. Dubai in 2024

London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, is bustling, vibrant, and multicultural. It is also ranked among the oldest of the world’s great cities. London has been a center for settlement, trade, commerce, and ceremony since the Roman period, whereas Dubai is a superficial megapolis that tries to compensate for the lack of culture through tall buildings..

When comparing both cities, London vs. Dubai, London is more cosmopolitan, diverse, and enriched with cultural history, while Dubai is modern but conformist. Let’s figure out a few particular factors that can differentiate both cities in various aspects, helping us to make an informed decision about the best one. 

List of Distinctive Factors of London Vs Dubai

Here is a list of several factors which distinguishes London from Dubai in different ways.

• The Weather
• Quality of Life
• Cost of Living 
• Tax Policy
• Price Per Square Foot
• Currency
• Education System
• Healthcare Facilities 
• Transportation 
• Safety 

1. The Weather

With mild winters and temperate summers, modern London has the equable climate of South East England. Londoners have a cold and heavy rainy season during November and February, in which the temperature remains around 9°C to 12 °C. From June to August, the weather becomes warm and pleasant with temperatures of 21°C and 23°C. London city faces moderate to heavy rain in the months of March, May, September, and October. There’ll be no snow in London very often. A small snow flurry for a few days most years occurs between April and November. May, June, and July are the best months to visit London.

Dubai’s desert climate is known for sultry weather all year round. The summer months including June and August have average highs of 41 °C and lows of 31 °C. January is the coldest month in Dubai, with highs of about 20°C and lows of 16°C. During the peak summer season, the heat feels overwhelming for some. The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March.   

Read More: London vs Berlin

2. Quality of Life

London is a great place to live, and also a perfect spot for foodies, offering a diverse range of food options worldwide. With world-class education, impressive healthcare, vibrant nightlife, and eclectic culinary scenes, London ensures an excellent way of living for all. Whether you are looking for a traditional British dish or something more exotic, you’ll definitely find it here. London is an exciting, colorful, and buzzing city with something for everyone. 

Dubai, on the other hand, is a home of luxury and a high standard of living. The city consistently ranks as one of the best places to live, facilitating exceptional safety and the best amenities. The world’s most diverse and multicultural destination, known for its harmony and tolerance, combining traditional values and hospitality with prominent modern influence. Dubai’s breathtaking infrastructure, matchless social and economic services, and unrivaled lifestyle opportunities attract people from all around the world. This city is ranked among the top 13% more expensive cities globally.

3. Cost of Living

When talking about the cost of living in both places, London is more expensive than Dubai. Although, living in Dubai isn’t also cheaper when compared to London it’s much less than London. An estimation revealed the cost of living in London is 58% more expensive than in Dubai.

In London, the average income specifically for housing and transportation expenses tends to be higher, compared to other regions in the United Kingdom. Taking into account these aspects, a good salary range falls under £50,000 to £60,000 per year for a comfortable standard of living in London. The housing costs in London depend on the area you choose. For instance, a house with furnished accommodation in an expensive area will cost you around £2,500 per month. The average rent in London is £2,121 per month. If we talk about educational expenses, then London will charge you around £10,000 to £20,000 for Bachelor’s programs, £10,000 to £20,000 for post Postgraduate Master’s Degree, and £15,000 to £35,000 for Doctoral Degree per year. 

Dubai’s cost of living depends on the kind of lifestyle you want to have. For a one bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay around AED 5,365 per month. However, a one bedroom apartment for rent in Dubai Marina will cost an average of AED 100k. The School fee in Dubai ranges between AED 12,723 (USD 3,463.84) to AED 64,093 (USD 17,449.32) per annum. However, a comfortable monthly salary range is 10,000 to 15,000 AED in Dubai. This range of income will allow you to have a decent standard of living, as well as savings. For people who’re just beginning their careers, a salary of around 5,000 AED is considered reasonable for good survival.

4. Tax Policy

The taxation system in London is higher than in Dubai. In London, you’re required to pay 20% Income Tax for amounts between £1,048.01 and £4,189 per month, whereas 40% Income Tax for monthly amounts of £4,189.01 to £12,500. Above £12,500 per month, you need to pay 45% Income Tax according to the London Tax policy system.

While Dubai does not levy income tax on individuals. A key pull factor for expats is its low-tax regime, including zero personal income tax, considered as the world’s lowest corporate tax rate. This city only levies a 5% value-added tax (VAT) on the purchases of goods and services.

5. Price Per Square Foot

Under an estimation, around 56,168 properties have been sold in London since last year. Compared to the UK average of £330.17, the average price per square foot in London was £670.71 last year. Different property types have different sold prices here over the last 12 months. However, the average sold price for property in London was estimated as £692,531 last year.   

In Dubai, the price per square foot depends on the area. For instance:

• Dubai Marina, home to some luxurious skyscrapers and apartment complexes, has an average sale price per square foot is AED 2,031 per apartment.
• Jumeirah Village Circle costs AED 1,271 as the average sale price per square foot for an apartment.
• For apartments in Business Bay, the average sale price per square foot is AED 2,243.
• Downtown Dubai has an average sale price per square foot of AED 3,003 for an apartment.

6. Currency

Sterling is the currency of the UK and nine of its associated territories including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and more. The word “Pound” is the unit of sterling, and refers to the British currency generally, known as the British pound or the pound sterling. Although the pound is the official currency in London, euros and dollars are often accepted in more international areas like airports and ferries. 

When comparing London’s sterling (dollar) to Dubai’s AED, then 1 GBP is equal to 4.66 AED.

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7. Education System

London is home to world-class universities including Imperial College London, University College London, and King’s College London. This United Kingdom’s place is known for its high-quality education, engaging teaching methods, prestigious higher education institutions, and student satisfaction. The top universities attract students from all over the world, making London a genuinely diverse and cosmopolitan city. According to an estimation, the education system in the United Kingdom ranked as the second-best across the world in 2021. The average amount falls under the GBP 6,000 to GBP 24,000 per year, for studying in the UK. The five most demanding programs in London are Business Studies, Computer Science & Software, Law, Finance, and Marketing.

Whereas, the education system of Dubai ranks as 14 among the world’s most effective education systems. The American University in Dubai, University of Wollongong, the British University in Dubai (BUiD), Canadian University Dubai, Zayed University UAE, and University of Dubai are considered as the top ranked educational institutes. Dubai’s education is renowned worldwide for core subjects such as science, math, and reading. With the average cost of schools being AED 37,000 to AED 70,000 per year, education can be considered as the largest expense in Dubai. However, Public schools in the United Arab Emirates are completely free and open to expats for a fee.

Read More: Most Educated Countries In The World

8. Healthcare Facilities

London promises the world’s best healthcare facilities. From NHS to private hospitals like Harley Street Clinic, each ensures satisfied treatment for all patients. Now you don’t need to worry much because the city has introduced modified equipment through which you’ll be treated under extra care by qualified professionals. A basic health insurance plan costs £64.88 per month. Whether it’s routine medical care or more specialized treatment, you can rest assured about receiving top-notch care in London.

Meanwhile, Dubai is renowned for the best hospitals and effective healthcare services in the United Arab Emirates. The average expenses for effective healthcare facilities may be around 5,500 AED per year. Moreover, the General practitioner may charge you about 300 to 400 AED without insurance, while 50 to 60 AED with insurance. Likewise, specialist consultation may cost up to 400 to 800 AED without insurance, and 100 to 200 with insurance. For diagnostic tests, you’ll be charged up to 500 to 1500 AED without insurance, and 50 to 300 AED with insurance. The Medical Tourism Index declared Dubai among the top five for its quality of facilities and services. If we talk about medical expenses, the public healthcare system is affordable, while private care can be highly expensive.

9. Transportation

London’s transport system is extensive and widely spread over each corner of the United Kingdom. The city’s excellent transportation connects it to other parts of Europe, via multiple airports, train stations, and ferries, making it convenient to travel to other parts of the continent effortlessly. If you’re in London, don’t bound yourself here and dive into exploration of Paris, Berlin, or Rome easily.

Dubai transportation includes a bus system that is run by RTA and has around 193 bus routes and over 1,500 bus stations. Its well-maintained transportation system has the capability to carry over 30 million people weekly.

10. Safety

Safety comes at top when you choose any place for living, educational, vocational, or other purposes. The Metropolitan Police and City of London Police Forces reported about 252,545 violent crime offenses in the year of 2023. Although an increased crime rate has been recorded in the last few years, precautionary measures have been taken to lower the crime ratio. Every street corner is covered by cameras and police rounds 24 hours, ensuring people’s safety.

However, you need to be careful and avoid the risk of going to less crowded areas at midnight.

Dubai is completely safe for all. The city’s strict laws control the crime rate significantly and ensure the safety of every citizen. The patrolling law enforcement discourages the crime rate at night, allowing people to come out at any hour to explore the well-lit and monitored city.

Read More: Safest Cities in Japan

Conclusion 

London vs. Dubai, are two of the world’s leading cities, offering a perfect way of living for all. From suitable weather to convenient transportation, lenient tax policies, impressive healthcare facilities, and a quality education system, each ensures to provide their best to people of all ages. However, choosing the area for living or studying purposes still depends on your personal preferences. If dating and activities are not a big issue for you as a homebody and you won’t mind a faster pace of life, then Dubai is perfect for you. But people who’re looking for modern living along with vibrant nightlife and extra benefits including high salaries should go to London.

FAQ’s

Which is better, Dubai or London?

Dubai is 58% less expensive than London. This significant statistical difference is encouraging for anyone who is looking to move to Dubai at the moment.

What do Dubai and London have in common?

Both vibrant cities share some common factors including:

• Plentiful Public Art
• Lots of Free Activities
• Expensive Places to Shop

What is the standard of living in the UK compared to Dubai?

You’ll need around 6,685.6£ (31,446.6AED) in London to maintain the same living standard that you can have with 23,000.0AED in Dubai.

Is Dubai cheaper than London?

Yes. If we talk about the cost of living, transport fares, and tax policies, then we can say Dubai is much cheaper than London.

Are salaries higher in Dubai or London?

According to an estimation, salary ranges are higher in London than in Dubai. The average salary ranges fall under £50,000 to £60,000 per year in London, while the average salary in Dubai is 189,000 AED. Remember, the expenses for living are also higher in London than in the UAE.