Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick FactsKey stats and figures for United Arab Emirates
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Languages
Arabic, English
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Cost of Living
20% below US
Avg. Salary
د.إ 140k/yr
Timezone
UTC+4
Population
10 million
Expats
10 million
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 8,571 | AED 11,278 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 7,500 | AED 10,000 |
| Sharjah | AED 4,500 | AED 6,650 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in AED/month.
Key tax information for United Arab Emirates
0% (no personal income tax)
9% (above AED 375,000)
0%
5%
No personal income tax; corporate tax introduced in 2023
What to expect when living in United Arab Emirates
No language requirement for most work visas
English is the business lingua franca; Arabic is official
Before You Go
Essential reading for anyone considering the move
Deep DivesThe borderless economy is not a future prediction - it is the operating system of modern work. We explore how the convergence of remote work, talent shortages, and competitive visa policy is dissolving the link between where you live and what you earn.
Deep DivesA data-driven ranking of the top destinations for software engineers, data scientists, and product managers - factoring in visa processing speed, tech salaries, cost-adjusted take-home pay, and quality of life.
Remote Work & TaxA practical guide to territorial tax systems, non-dom regimes, and 0% income-tax jurisdictions - and the residency visas that unlock them. How to legally optimise your tax position when relocating abroad.
Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.