Cost of Living Comparison
8 min read • Updated December 2024
Compare monthly living costs across popular relocation destinations. These are realistic budgets based on actual expat spending, including rent, food, transport, utilities, and entertainment.
📊 Important: These are approximate ranges for a comfortable lifestyle. Costs vary based on neighborhood, lifestyle choices, and whether you're single or supporting a family. Use these as starting points, not exact figures.
All figures are monthly estimates in local currency. Exchange rates fluctuate—convert to your home currency for accurate comparison.
| City | Housing | Food | Transport | Utilities | Entertainment | Total/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 7,000-12,000 | 2,500-4,000 | 500-1,000 | 600-900 | 1,500-3,000 | 12,100-20,900 |
| Singapore | 3,000-5,000 | 1,200-2,000 | 150-200 | 100-150 | 1,000-2,000 | 5,450-9,350 |
| London | 1,500-2,500 | 600-1,000 | 160 | 150-250 | 1,000-2,000 | 3,410-6,910 |
| New York | 2,000-3,500 | 800-1,200 | 127 | 150-250 | 1,500-3,000 | 4,577-8,077 |
| Bangkok | 15,000-25,000 | 5,000-10,000 | 500-1,000 | 2,000-3,000 | 5,000-10,000 | 27,500-49,000 |
| Lisbon | 800-1,400 | 400-700 | 40 | 100-150 | 500-1,000 | 1,840-3,250 |
Costs in local currencies. See detailed city guides for exchange rates and current costs.
Cost Breakdown by City
Dubai
UAE
Monthly Total
12,100-20,900 AED
Housing
7,000-12,000
Food
2,500-4,000
Transport
500-1,000
Utilities
600-900
Entertainment
1,500-3,000
Zero income tax, high housing costs, affordable food if you eat local
Singapore
Singapore
Monthly Total
5,450-9,350 SGD
Housing
3,000-5,000
Food
1,200-2,000
Transport
150-200
Utilities
100-150
Entertainment
1,000-2,000
Excellent public transit, expensive overall, high tax rate
London
UK
Monthly Total
3,410-6,910 GBP
Housing
1,500-2,500
Food
600-1,000
Transport
160
Utilities
150-250
Entertainment
1,000-2,000
High rent depending on area, excellent public transport, significant taxes
New York
USA
Monthly Total
4,577-8,077 USD
Housing
2,000-3,500
Food
800-1,200
Transport
127
Utilities
150-250
Entertainment
1,500-3,000
Very expensive housing, high taxes, excellent everything
Bangkok
Thailand
Monthly Total
27,500-49,000 THB
Housing
15,000-25,000
Food
5,000-10,000
Transport
500-1,000
Utilities
2,000-3,000
Entertainment
5,000-10,000
Very affordable, amazing food, excellent quality of life on budget
Lisbon
Portugal
Monthly Total
1,840-3,250 EUR
Housing
800-1,400
Food
400-700
Transport
40
Utilities
100-150
Entertainment
500-1,000
Most affordable of major cities, growing expat community, lower taxes
What's Included in These Costs?
Included
- ✓ Apartment rent (1-2 bedroom, good neighborhood)
- ✓ Groceries and casual dining out
- ✓ Public transport or equivalent
- ✓ Electricity, water, internet
- ✓ Moderate entertainment and dining
- ✓ Basic health insurance
NOT Included
- ✗ School fees (if applicable)
- ✗ One-time relocation costs
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Visa fees
- ✗ Debt payments or savings
- ✗ Luxury/expensive hobbies
How to Use These Comparisons
- 1.
Adjust for your lifestyle
These are moderate budgets. You might spend less (budget travel) or more (luxury preferences). Add 20-30% if you tend toward higher spending.
- 2.
Consider tax implications
Some cities have zero tax (Dubai, Monaco). Others have high taxes (London, New York). Factor this into your salary expectations.
- 3.
Compare against your income
A city might be cheap but have low salaries. Consider both cost and earning potential in your field.
- 4.
Talk to current residents
Connect with expats in your target city. Their real spending is often different from published averages.
Want detailed cost breakdowns?
Check out city-specific cost guides with neighborhood prices and detailed spending analysis
Explore Dubai costs →