Dubai vs Cairo: Cost of Living, Rent & Purchasing Power Comparison
Comparing Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Cairo (Egypt) reveals a cost-of-living index of 72.7 in Dubai versus 23.2 in Cairo (NYC baseline = 100.0). Overall, Cairo is 68.1% more affordable than Dubai.
| Metrological Indicator | Dubai (United Arab Emirates) | Cairo (Egypt) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100) | 72.7 | 23.2 |
| Rent Index | 64.1 | 6.6 |
| Groceries Index | 52.3 | 21.5 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 65.3 | 19.9 |
| Local Purchasing Power Index | 110.1 | 14.5 |
| 1-Bed Apartment in City Center | AED 7,800 | EGP 6,760 |
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | AED 46.80 | EGP 156.00 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | AED 312.00 | EGP 364.00 |
| Basic Monthly Utilities (85m²) | AED 748.80 | EGP 1,248 |
| Safety & Healthcare Score | Safety 83.6/100 · Health 76.5/100 | Safety 51.4/100 · Health 42.1/100 |
Is Dubai more expensive than Cairo?
Dubai has a higher overall cost-of-living index (72.7) compared to Cairo (23.2), representing an index differential of 49.5 points (68.1% difference).
How do apartment rents compare between Dubai and Cairo?
In Dubai, a 1-bedroom city-center apartment averages AED 7,800/month (Rent Index: 64.1), whereas in Cairo it averages EGP 6,760/month (Rent Index: 6.6).
Cost of Living & Real Estate Market in Dubai
The cost of living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is indexed at 72.7 points relative to New York City (which acts as the baseline at 100). This rating indicates a premium-tier expense profile for residents, digital nomads, and expats alike. When factoring in general consumer spending, local taxes, and retail prices, {city} offers a unique economic landscape.
Housing and accommodation in Dubai are defined by a Rent Index of 64.1. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally commands about AED 7,800 per month. For long-term stays, housing expenses represent a very expensive portion of an average expat budget, meaning finding affordable housing requires careful planning.
Daily sustenance and lifestyle expenses are key. In Dubai, a basic meal at an inexpensive local restaurant averages AED 46.80, while a standard cup of coffee is priced around AED 23.92. Public transit is accessible, with a monthly commuter pass costing approximately AED 312.00, and basic residential utility bills (electricity, heating, water) averaging AED 748.80 monthly.
Looking at quality of life metrics, Dubai secures a safety index rating of 83.6/100, which is considered highly secure. The local climate efficiency is rated at 42.1/100, healthcare standard scores 76.5/100, and digital connectivity is supported by average internet download speeds of 96.4 Mbps.
Cost of Living & Real Estate Market in Cairo
The cost of living in Cairo, Egypt is indexed at 23.2 points relative to New York City (which acts as the baseline at 100). This rating indicates a very affordable expense profile for residents, digital nomads, and expats alike. When factoring in general consumer spending, local taxes, and retail prices, {city} offers a unique economic landscape.
Housing and accommodation in Cairo are defined by a Rent Index of 6.6. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally commands about EGP 6,760 per month. For long-term stays, housing expenses represent a low-cost portion of an average expat budget, meaning finding affordable housing requires careful planning.
Daily sustenance and lifestyle expenses are key. In Cairo, a basic meal at an inexpensive local restaurant averages EGP 156.00, while a standard cup of coffee is priced around EGP 57.20. Public transit is accessible, with a monthly commuter pass costing approximately EGP 364.00, and basic residential utility bills (electricity, heating, water) averaging EGP 1,248 monthly.
Looking at quality of life metrics, Cairo secures a safety index rating of 51.4/100, which is considered highly secure. The local climate efficiency is rated at 75.1/100, healthcare standard scores 42.1/100, and digital connectivity is supported by average internet download speeds of 45.1 Mbps.