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My Journey from India to Dubai
Allow me to take you on a slight adventure - one which is very personal and dear to me. I remember very well the first time I thought about relocating from India to Dubai for work, and I had one fundamental question constantly repeated in my mind: ‘Is it really worth it?’
Yeah, Dubai offers income without tax, a trendy lifestyle in the city etc, but will I really manage to save more than I did back in India? I had to dig deeper into the living standards of the two places and that is what I would like to share with you.
You see, I grew up in India—in the crazy city of Mumbai to be exact—where everything moved to the rhythm of its own pace, one that I was accustomed to. A few years later, while working in the corporate jungle of Mumbai, an intriguing offer from Dubai, a city, which I knew only from the pictures of tall buildings against the sun or desert sand, came my way. But with that much splendour, there was always a nagging question: what’s the real cost of living like in Dubai compared to India?
Thus, I embarked upon a journey to comprehend the figures associated with such a way of life. Undoubtedly, the issue of living in a new place might arise, and for that reason, let us compare the Costs of living in Dubai and India in a polite manner.
Currency and Exchange Rate: AED vs INR
First of all – money. Before I relocated, working in a currency that is far more appreciated than the Indian rupee was an enticing thought. To put it in simpler terms, converting Dubai’s currency (AED) into Indian rupees (INR) makes everything seem quite costly. In other words, as of this writing, roughly 22 Indian Rupees equals 1 AED.
I soon understood that analyzing expenses without accounting for the currency exchange rate would leave something quite misleading. Paying 2,000 AED, for example, for rent may sound excessive, but 44,000 INR comes across as a fraction of the rent! But do not panic in such situations. If anything, wages in Dubai are meant to be at that level, and I am talking about the real comparison here.
Salary Comparison: Dubai vs India
Let us discuss the topic of compensation packages. One of the biggest incentives of encouraging people to relocate to Dubai, apart from the comfortable tax-free conditions, is salary.
However, how is it fair with what I used to earn back in India? So a brief let’s be realistic to ourselves: in Dubai, most professionals in finance, technology, and healthcare are paid between 30 – 50% more than the rates earned in India especially in cities such as Mumbai and Bangalore.
For Instance, suppose a marketing manager based in Mumbai makes INR 1.5 lakhs per month. Such a position in Dubai might offer between 12,000 and 15,000 AED, which is equal to INR 2.6 to 3.3 lakhs in a span of 30 days.
Moreover, since there is no income tax, it implies that you take home every cent you earn. Yes, salaries can also be lucrative in India, but the various income tax slabs tend to reduce your take home pay by quite a fair margin.
Housing and Rent Comparison: Finding a Place to Call Home
I think this was the factor that I was most worried about prior to relocation. Would the housing costs in Dubai be higher or lower than those in India?
Dubai is often considered an expensive city to live in, particularly in the Downtown Dubai , Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers which are all known to be where most expatriates reside.
The cost of a 1 bedroom apartment in these three zones ranges from around 5,000 to 8,000 AED a month (which is about 1-1.76 lakhs INR). On the other hand, Mumbai offers a similar prime one bed apartment for about 60,000-1 lakh INR.
If you don’t mind residing some distance from the town center, then Dubai suburbs such as Al Nahda or Dubai Silicon Oasis would provide cheaper options from 3,500 AED (INR 77,000). Back in India, though the pricing is comparatively cheaper, so are the facilities in most instances.
For example, in Dubai, apartments come with swimming pools, gyms and parking – all of which are hard to find at the same level in India, unless of course one is willing to spend more.
Cost of Living for Different Lifestyles: Singles, Couples, and Families
For a single person, achieving a Dubai cost of living index is quite tolerable. For a single person, expenses such as Rent, Food, Travel and others will be around 5,000 - 7,000 AED (INR 1- 1.5 lakh) per month. T
The same thing in India for this standard of living will cost more or less around INR 40,000 to 60,000 in the cities which are metropolitan.
For couples, Dubai provides a pleasing environment for which an estimated expenditure of 8,000-10,000 AED (INR 1.76-2.2 lakh) can be made per month particularly when the rent and other amenities are shared. On the other hand, in India, a couple could live comfortably within the bounds of INR 60,000 to 1 lakh depending on the city.
Imagine a four-person family visiting Dubai. Their budget goes up to an average of 12,000-15,000 AED (INR 2.6-3.3 lakh) every month including rent, groceries, schooling and transport. Back in India, something around INR 1-1.5 lakh would suffice, however, the same conveniences and schooling are the standards set in Dubai.
Groceries and Food Prices: What’s on the Menu?
I have to admit, the initial visit to a supermarket in Dubai, especially regarding prices, was a bit too much for me. Overall, foodstuffs in Dubai turned out to be more costly compared to India, especially for someone like me who is used to buying only fresh local produce.
For example, a single liter of fresh milk in Dubai costs around 6 AED, which is about 132 rupees. The same liter of fresh milk in India will cost about 55 rupees. A single loaf of bread, for instance, in Dubai will go for about 5 AED which is 110 rupees while in India, a person would buy the same loaf for a price not exceeding 35 rupees.
Dubai is made up of all types of restaurants, cheap ones where you can get a shawarma for about 10 AED (INR 220) to posh ones where you spend nearly 150-300 AED (INR 3,300-6,600) with ease. Getting food at such local places in India is at much lower prices, i.e., food costing anywhere from INR 200 to INR 2,000, based on what type of food you order.
Transportation Costs: Getting Around Town
The public transportation system in Dubai can be rated among the best in the world. The Dubai Metro has affordable commute fares, which range from about 5 - 7 AED (INR 110 – 150) depending on the distance covered. While in India the costs of local transport are considerably lower, for instance metro fares in Delhi do not exceed INR 10 – 50.
Having a car in Dubai is a completely different thing, as the price per litre of petrol is quite cheap, costing 3.4 AED (INR 75) but expenses towards car insurance and parking come on top of that. In India, where the price of petrol and diesel is around INR 100 per Litre for most cities, a car is very expensive to buy and the insurance costs and maintenance are lower.
Utilities and Internet: Staying Connected
Dubai’s utility bills are subject to change because summer temperatures make air conditioning a must-have. On average, I spend around AED 600–800 (INR 13,200–17,600) every month on electricity, water and cooling. In India, my utility expenses were way lower, roughly around INR 2,000–5,000 per month.
The cost of internet and mobile services in Dubai tends to be more expensive, with a basic home internet subscription priced at about 300 AED (INR 6,600). However, a similar service could range from INR 1,000–1,500 in India.
Healthcare Costs: The Price of Wellness
Indeed, the healthcare system in Dubai is fantastic and developed, however, it has its demerits in terms of costs. In case the employer does not provide the health care insurance services, it may range from about a 1,000 -2,000 AED (INR 22,000-44,000) per year. Visiting the doctor and receiving the treatment costs a lot more than it does in India as well.
Healthcare in India, especially in government hospitals, is comparatively cheaper. The costs of private healthcare services, though expensive, are much lower than what one would pay in Dubai. A typical consultation with a physician in India will cost approximately Rs 500 but the same service rendered in Dubai will easily range from 150-300 AED (Rs 3,300 – Rs 6,600).
Property Prices: India vs Dubai
For those looking into making investments in real estate, consideration to Dubai’s property market brings us to the conclusion that Property prices in Dubai are way higher. A 2-bedroom apartment is Dubai Marina which is a prime real estate location and may cost 2 million AED (INR 4.4 crores). For instance, a similar piece of property located in a metro city Mumbai would likely be available in INR 2-3 crores.
However, Dubai provides appealing installment plans along with the assurance of a good return on investment which is the main reason for its popularity among investors. Compared to the irregularity of the Indian market which is less lucrative up front has a more stable market with gradual appreciation over time.
Entertainment: Dubai vs India
Here is where the line between Dubai and India is crossed completely by entertainment. While Dubai is the land of extravagance in everything, the entertainment of India is rather more cultural. Having been one who has experienced and enjoyed both, there is a striking yet agreeable contrast.
Dubai: High-End Glamour & Endless Options
When it comes to events, Dubai is known for going all out. You can expect international music events and sports events like the Dubai World Cup or the UFC Fight Night. One thing I really appreciated while in Dubai was being able to catch concerts from international stars such as Beyonce or Coldplay who are frequent visitors although such events may cost you 200-500 AED (INR 4,400-11,000).
Then there are other things such as desert safaris, jumping off planes over The Palm, or partying in luxury yachts - all geared towards fulfilling a higher class of entertainment. But of course, these experiences are not free.
A trip to the cinema is even more of a luxury. I still recall an expensive, action-packed film I watched at the Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall, which had a reclining seat and a fine making menu. Given the experience, tickets range from 35–100 AED (INR 770–2,200) and the price is quite outrageous than back home.
There is a flip side to all of this: it is an expensive joy ride. Dubai offers a great deal of great entertainment; however, the problem is, you often have to pay so much to enjoy it.
India: Affordable Fun with a Cultural Twist
Comparatively, entertainment in India is more relaxed, with a high degree of cultural elements infused. While being a part of or watching a local activity or a Bollywood film on the large screen, one may realize that most forms of entertainment here come at a cheap price, and even better, are diverse in nature.
I remember one such instance clearly when I went to the Bollywood night party held in Mumbai wherein, I spent the whole night dancing to the tunes of my favourite songs and the reboot crisis it did sorely cost me anything between INR 2000-5000.
Some festivals in India like Diwali, Holi, or Durga Puja make entire towns come alive with festivities and the best part? Most of them are free! Picture spending all day getting messy with colors during Holi or enjoying beautiful visuals of fireworks being lit in the sky over the city of Bombay during Diwali-everything at no additional cost.
And if that doesn’t impress you, which of course it should, being a fan of films comes with no risks in India as the cost of going to watch a usual bollywood movie in a common theatre is not more than INR 200-500 making it a relatively cheaper excursion than the cost of going out in Dubai.
Clothing: Fashion in Two Different Worlds
Next up, let’s discuss something that I greatly care for - fashion. Moving from India to Dubai meant not just changing the wardrobe, but transforming the shopping habits too. Here is how the scenario of fashion plays out in both the cities.
Dubai: Luxury Shopping and International Brands
Dubai has built quite a reputation with an array of luxury fashion labels dominating her shopping scene. For the case of malls only, everything goes from high-end boutiques like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, to others like Balenciaga, Chanel and many more.
All this is tempting for one suffering from the disease of shopping, which, trust me, is deadly, as it is very easy to go overboard and spend more than intended.
A single luxury handbag in The Dubai Mall can go for prices ranging from anywhere between 4000 to 15000 AED, which is around 88000 to 330000 rupees INR.
And don’t even get me started with the Dubai Shopping Festival; it is more like overpriced sales – the discounts are hard to resist, but they are still expensive for the Indian standards.
But Dubai is also for every type of user. In case you are not in a spending mood, you can still enjoy the offerings of places such as the Dragon Mart or Ibn Battuta Mall where you will find stylish dresses. At such malls, trendy tops start selling at 50 AED (INR 1,100) and dresses at 200 AED (INR 4,400).
Still, even if luxury is not that appealing, fashion in Dubai is still very accommodating and because of its global market reach, fads are everywhere.
India: Traditional Meets Modern Fashion
The fashion scenario in India is all about the fusion of age-old styles with contemporary Ideas. India has an amazing array of clothing for all occasions, be it the affordable high street or expensive designer wear.
I remember very fondly going shopping at places like Sarojini Nagar or Colaba Causeway where one could easily get their hands on fashionable ethnic wear in form of tops and dresses for INR 300-500.
It is true that street markets in India are the best for cheap shopping and with a good sense of observation, you can find the best of things at very low prices.
Personal Care: Looking Good, Feeling Great
One of the first things I noticed after moving to Dubai was how personal care and grooming became a bit more of a luxury. Let’s compare the two:
Dubai: High-End Beauty with a Price
The Emirate of Dubai has some of the finest beauty services ranging from expensive salons to modern spas. There are international cosmetic companies and skilled workers within the city, however it is once again expensive. For instance, a very basic haircut in an average styled salon will range within 150–300 AED (INR 3,300–6,600) and if one wishes to enjoy a spa experience at a luxurious place like the Talise Spa or the Anantara Spa, he should be ready to pay anything between 500-1000 AED (INR 11,000-22,000) for a full spa experience.
It is known that the best skin care dermatologists and greatest cosmetic clinics are found in Dubai. Be it a facial or some skin treatments, the quality is the best – however, it does cost a lot, which is quite a shame.
For someone like me who likes to have a facial every now and then, this was quite an increase in expenses compared to back home in India.
India: Affordable and Accessible Grooming
The services for personal care in India are not only of high quality but also very cheap. I used to get haircuts for about INR 300–1,000, depending on how renowned the salon was. And spa treatments? You can get an entire spa treatment including massages, facials, and hair treatment for just INR 1,500–3,000.
In India, even the beauty and skincare products are inexpensive as compared to other countries. For instance, whether it is the organic looking skin products of Biotique or an expensive brand like Forest essentials where the costs may range and vary, many people would agree the products are qualitatively great but at a lower cost compared to Dubai. When it comes to daily pampering, the cheap beauty services available in the Indian market are the best.
Conclusion: A Lifestyle Choice Beyond Costs
In conclusion, after considering all of these comparisons, where do I stand? Moving to Dubai was quite a life changing experience in my life. Of course, it is expensive, but then again, the standard of living is high. The facilities, security, tax-free salary, and the possibility of finding a job made it worth all the trouble for me.
Nevertheless, if you are family-oriented, able to enjoy low living costs in India, and are settled there, you might want to consider remaining in India.
For me, it was about striking a balance - enjoying the expensive experiences in Dubai on one hand and indulging in the inexpensive lifestyle of India when back home on the other. After all, lifestyle is not merely how much you spend – it is how one feels living in a particular place that holds a certain degree of attachment to the heart.
