The cost of living in Beirut is higher than Dubai yet the local purchasing power in Dubai is 185.86% higher than in Beirut. I looked at the items mentioned in the comparison between the two and they are generally accurate. I would add though to the utilities the generator monthly expenses which are almost twice as much as the electricity bills we pay.
Consumer Prices in Dubai are 6.55% lower than in Beirut
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Dubai are 19.05% higher than in Beirut
Rent Prices in Dubai are 76.17% higher than in Beirut
Restaurant Prices in Dubai are 14.15% lower than in Beirut
Groceries Prices in Dubai are 7.64% higher than in Beirut
Local Purchasing Power in Dubai is 185.86% higher than in Beirut
via BigSam
See Also:How Corrupt Are The Lebanese?
For Internet comparison, we don’t even have 6 Mbps and unlimited package in Lebanon. And for the cars, a brand new VW does not represent the automotive market in UAE, you can pay half price for Japanese cars in Dubai, especially second hand. Also not convinced about electricity and water expenses, not accurate at all. Nobody exceeds a 50$ bill, even big families. Local land-line calls are free. I’m an expat in the UAE and I dismiss this study. The only thing that’s really expensive here is the rent, and radar fines if you’re a careless driver.
I think some of things are accurate but definitely not the food related items. I live in Dubai and visit Lebanon often and I can assure you that the prices in Lebanon ae much cheaper than those in Dubai when compared with the same quality.
The descriptions mentioned like unlimited internet are generic, they wont edit based on country, that’s why the put the highest price….doesn’t necessarily mean Lebanon has unlimited….as for Electricity bill, this may combine private generator subscriptions…..but…it’s not 100% accurate from both sides….
Being an Expat in Dubai, i must say it’s about the same prices on things that are not Utility related, only thing that purchasing power in the UAE is a lot more. not sure if 185% is accurate but it’s not far off.
now.. if I want to maintain the same level of lifestyle I have here in Lebanon, i’m quite sure I’ll be spending my entire UAE income and there is no way in the world that Lebanon can match the basics in Utility let alone peace of mind.
so yeah Lebanon is a pretty expensive place considering what it offers. but to be entirely fair, the list is wrong, as fresh produce in the UAE is very expensive given that it’s flown in from around the world and local produce are not that consistent and price fluctuates. and there is no local draught beer as long as i’m concerned, unless i’ve been living in the only cave in Dubai since i got here.
Ronnan, same goes for beer (as previous comment, that’s why it’s prices the same as imported…cause there is no local..
The Cost of “Living-in” is relative to “earning-in” the respective cities. These statistics like the COL, GDP, etc have a bit of a specious purpose and unless you are coming at the issue from the intended perspective things get a little skewed. And beer is a great comparative around the world but not between the two subject cities. As an expat I have ‘earned’ and ‘lived’ in both places and fared far better in Dubai; higher pay, and a bit less cost of the things I needed to purchase (but not beer). In terms of quality-of-living, the two subject cities are a bit of a dichotomous pair; with due respect to Lebanon. But that said I’d rather be here in Beirut.