Dubai, UAE
-35% vs Dubai avgInternational City is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Dubai, with a cost of living index of 47.1 — that is -35% compared to the Dubai average. Ranked #24 of 24, it offers some of the lowest costs in the city. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around AED 4,239/month, compared to a range of AED 4,239 in International City to AED 9,129 in Palm Jumeirah.
For a typical resident of International City, housing takes up roughly 26% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 17%, while transportation costs around 9%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately AED 169,544 before tax.
Salaries in International City reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 47.1:
After tax and deductions of 0.0% in UAE, take-home pay for someone earning AED 169,544 would be roughly AED 169,544/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.
Estimated annual deductions on a AED 127,973 salary in International City, Dubai (local employee).
Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.
What a $75,000 USD salary in International City would need to be elsewhere:
| City | Currency | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| New York | USD | $35,325 |
| London | GBP | £30,400 |
| Neighborhood | COLI | Multiplier | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Jumeirah | 101.4 | 1.40x | +40% |
| Downtown Dubai | 97.7 | 1.35x | +35% |
| DIFC | 94.1 | 1.30x | +30% |
| Dubai Marina | 92.7 | 1.28x | +28% |
| JBR | 88.3 | 1.22x | +22% |
See exactly what you need to earn in International City, Dubai to maintain your lifestyle.
Open Salary ConverterNeighborhoods with a similar cost of living to International City:
International City is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Dubai. It costs about -35% less than the city average, ranking #24 out of 24 neighborhoods.
The cost of living in International City is well below the Dubai average. With a multiplier of 0.65x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -35% compared to the city baseline.