For global families and mobile entrepreneurs, the cost of luxury living in Dubai is often a decisive factor when comparing relocation options. The city offers a wide spectrum of high-end residences that compete with the world’s most prestigious addresses, often at more favourable values.

This guide serves as a comprehensive Dubai luxury expat guide, comparing Dubai with global cities such as London, New York, Monaco, and Singapore. 

Cost of Luxury Housing: Dubai vs Other Cities

Housing is often the single largest component of the cost of luxury living in Dubai, and it is here that the city distinguishes itself from most global wealth hubs. Despite its reputation for luxury, Dubai remains comparatively affordable on a price-per-square-foot basis while delivering some of the highest rental yields worldwide.

In Downtown Dubai, average prices are around AED 2,077 per sq. ft ($566), significantly lower than prime districts in Hong Kong (AED 9,002 / $2,453), Zurich (AED 8,052 / $2,194), or London’s City district (AED 6,943 / $1,892). Even New York (AED 6,121 / $1,668) and Singapore (AED 7,549 / $2,057) trade at far higher premiums. 

Rental yields further reinforce the strength of the Dubai luxury housing market. Prime properties in Dubai deliver 6–10% yields, far outpacing London (2.5–4%), New York (2.9–3.5%), Hong Kong (2–3%), and Singapore (2–3.8%). 

For investors comparing Dubai vs London living costs, the contrast is clear: Dubai offers significantly lower acquisition prices with higher yields, all within a tax-free framework that enhances net returns.

Schooling & Education for HNW Families

Education is often a key consideration when assessing the overall cost of luxury living in Dubai. The city has positioned itself as a global education hub by offering a wide selection of elite private schools catering to international curricula. This includes British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB).

Tuition Costs in Dubai

On average, tuition fees for children in Dubai range from AED 12,000 to over AED 100,000 per year. At the premium end, world-class institutions offering British, IB, or American programmes can exceed AED 200,000 annually. This places Dubai’s top-tier schools among the most expensive in the region, but still competitive compared to global peers.

Global Comparisons

• London: Private day schools typically charge £15,000–£30,000 per year (AED 70,000–AED 140,000). Boarding schools are significantly higher, often above £40,000 annually (AED 186,000+).
• New York: Elite schools such as Dalton or Brearley average $50,000–$60,000 per year (AED 183,000–AED 220,000).
• Singapore: International schools offering IB or British curricula range between SGD 30,000–45,000 annually (AED 81,000–AED 122,000).
• Geneva: Premium international schools often exceed CHF 30,000 per year (AED 125,000+).

High-End Healthcare Access

In Dubai, the quality of care has advanced rapidly. The city has quickly become home to world-class hospitals, specialist clinics, and wellness centres that rival even the best in London, New York, or Singapore.

Cost and Quality in Dubai

Luxury healthcare in Dubai features modern infrastructure, advanced diagnostic technology, and internationally trained physicians. Executive health screening packages at premium clinics typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the depth of testing. 

Comprehensive annual wellness memberships, which include priority access to specialists, can reach AED 30,000–50,000, albeit still competitive compared to global peers.

A major advantage in Dubai is that high-quality insurance cover makes access far more affordable. Premium expat health insurance often includes global coverage, with annual policies for families ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 100,000. This significantly reduces the out-of-pocket costs.

• London: Executive health assessments at top Harley Street clinics average £5,000–£8,000 (AED 23,000–AED 37,000) annually.
• New York: Concierge medical memberships can exceed $25,000 per year (AED 92,000+) for priority physician access.
• Singapore: Premium clinics charge SGD 10,000–15,000 annually (AED 27,000–AED 41,000) for high-level screening packages.

Dining, Entertainment & Lifestyle

For many high-net-worth individuals, lifestyle is just as important as property or tax efficiency. The HNW lifestyle in Dubai rivals that of global capitals.

Fine Dining

A multi-course fine dining experience in Dubai typically costs AED 300–1,000+ per person ($80–$270+), with Michelin-starred venues and exclusive chef-led tasting menus at the higher end. Alcohol adds significantly to the bill: AED 50–100 ($14–$27) for a single drink, or AED 400+ ($110+) for a bottle of wine at licensed venues. Unique dining experiences such as Dinner in the Sky cost around AED 699 per person.

By comparison, tasting menus in London or New York average £250–400 ($300–$500) per person, excluding wine pairings.

Private Clubs

Dubai offers a wide spectrum of memberships:

• Privilee – access to multiple beach clubs, pools, and gyms from AED 579/month.
• The Arts Club Dubai – annual subscription AED 18,900, plus a AED 15,750 joining fee for members over 30.
• Neera Dubai – AED 10,500 annually, plus an AED 5,000 joining fee.
• Cove Beach – memberships from AED 9,000 annually for singles, AED 12,000 for couples, and AED 14,000 for families.
• Chouchou – guest passes at AED 250 per adult, fully redeemable.

London’s private clubs are priced differently. Examples include:

• House of Koko – £1,800/year (AED 8,400).
• Mark’s Club – £2,000/year (AED 9,300), plus a £1,000 joining fee.
• George – £3,200/year (AED 14,900), plus joining fees.
• Annabel’s – £3,250/year (AED 15,100) plus a £1,750 joining fee.
• The Ned – £3,465/year (AED 16,100), with reduced under-30 rates.
• 5 Hertford Street – £3,500/year (AED 16,300).
• Bamford – from £2,250 (AED 10,500) for limited visits to £15,000 (AED 70,000+) for full wellness access.

Yacht Charters & Events

Yachting is a cornerstone of the Dubai lifestyle. Options range from casual cruises to ultra-luxury experiences.

• Small yachts (28–40 ft): AED 400–700/hour, ideal for 8–12 guests.
• Medium yachts (52–75 ft): AED 850–3,500/hour, suitable for 17–30 guests.
• Superyachts (76 ft and above): AED 2,000/hour to AED 20,000+, depending on size, crew, and onboard amenities.

In Monaco, equivalent charters often start at €2,000/hour (AED 8,000+).

Dubai also hosts an international events calendar, from Art Dubai and the Dubai World Cup to Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi. Get world-class entertainment at ticket prices that are often priced lower than equivalent events in Europe or the US.

Luxury Retail

Luxury retail is central to Dubai’s appeal. The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates house nearly every global designer brand. Prices are generally aligned with international markets, and while Dubai applies a 5% VAT, this is still considerably lower than the sales taxes or VAT rates in cities such as London, Paris, or New York, where they can range from 10% to over 20%.

For those weighing Dubai vs Monaco for expats (and other global cities, for that matter), Dubai offers a broader variety with much stronger value. 

Taxes & Financial Considerations

One of Dubai’s greatest attractions for wealthy individuals is its 0% income tax policy. While London, New York, and Paris impose rates of 40–50%, the tax-free lifestyle in Dubai allows residents to preserve more of their wealth. There are also no capital gains or inheritance taxes, which is a significant advantage for long-term planning.

The UAE Golden Visa strengthens this appeal by offering long-term residency to investors, property owners, and entrepreneurs. With UAE tax residency benefits, families gain security of residence while structuring wealth in a low-tax jurisdiction.

Dubai also offers favourable conditions for business owners. Free zones continue to provide 0% corporate tax for many activities, and even with the new federal tax, most passive income and qualifying free zone companies remain exempt.

Staff & Domestic Help Costs

One advantage of Dubai is the relative affordability and availability of domestic help compared with Western cities. This significantly reduces the overall cost of high-end living in the UAE.

In Dubai, salaries for full-time staff are:

• Housekeepers/Nannies: AED 2,500–4,500 per month
• Drivers: AED 3,500–5,500 per month
• Private Chefs: AED 8,000–15,000 per month, depending on training and experience

By contrast, costs in London, New York, or Geneva are substantially higher. Live-in nannies in London often exceed £3,000 per month (AED 14,000+), while private chefs in New York can cost $80,000–120,000 annually (AED 290,000–440,000). 

Travel & Connectivity

Dubai is served by two major airports: Dubai International (DXB), one of the world’s busiest, and Al Maktoum International (DWC), which is growing to meet future demand. Together, they provide convenient access to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

Emirates Airlines connects Dubai directly to more than 250 destinations worldwide, with premium first and business-class services designed for high-net-worth travellers. From Dubai, major European cities are just six to eight hours away, while flights to Asia average seven to nine hours.

When comparing expat life in Dubai vs global cities, this connectivity is one of Dubai’s biggest advantages. Few other hubs offer the same ability to reach multiple continents quickly.

Summary: Where Does Dubai Win or Fall Short?

When assessing the cost of luxury living in Dubai against global cities like London, New York, Monaco, or Singapore, the city stands out in several ways.

Where Dubai Wins:

• Housing Value – Lower cost per square foot and higher rental yields than most global peers.
• Tax Environment – 0% income tax, no capital gains or inheritance tax.
• Residency – Long-term security through the Golden Visa and straightforward UAE tax residency benefits.
• Lifestyle Costs – Fine dining, private clubs, and yacht charters are often more competitively priced than in Europe or the US.
• Domestic Help – Access to qualified staff at a fraction of the cost in London or New York.
• Connectivity – Global flight links via Emirates Airlines and world-class airport infrastructure.
• Safety – Consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world.

Where Dubai Falls Short:

• Education – Premium international schools can rival London and New York in cost.
• Healthcare Insurance – While care quality is excellent, comprehensive private coverage is essential.
• Summer Climate – Peak summer heat limits outdoor activities and increases reliance on air conditioning.

Final Thoughts

While certain costs, such as schooling and insurance, align with London or New York, the overall cost of high-end living in the UAE remains more favourable.

For those considering relocation, this guide serves as a practical starting point. Think of this as your comprehensive Dubai luxury expat guide.

At Key One Realty Group, we support clients through every step of their Dubai journey from identifying the right luxury property to navigating residency and relocation.Are you ready to explore Dubai’s lifestyle and investment potential? Contact Key One today to begin your move with confidence.