Advice please - Dubai vs London salary & cost of living comparison | ExpatWoman.com
 

Advice please - Dubai vs London salary & cost of living comparison

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 15:27

DH's company is transferring him to Dubai by the end of the year but offering a salary of AED25,000 per month including housing alowance (plus company car, medical & the usual) - with which we are not happy as it is considerably lower than his current package - but company is restructuring and not really open to negotiation - it is pretty much 'take it or leave it' :(

He also has a job offer with a company in London which would pay GBP 60,000 per year.

We are living in another GCC country at the moment (but no alternative job prospects here, so it looks like we will have to relocate). We have a 1 year old and another baby due in February so I cannot work right now to help financially and to be honest we are in a bit of a pickle. We know neither of these packages are fantastic but in order for us to move and get settled (and not be without an income!) by the time the new baby arrives we will have to take one of these two offers now and tighten our belts if necessary. But... we are not really up to date on the cost of living in Dubai or London (have lived in both cities years ago during our carefree single days...) so don't know which option will allow for the best quality of life for a young family on 1 income.

If we move to Dubai we will likely rent a small 3 bed villa in Mirdiff or an apartment in a new community like Motor City or Layan as those seem to be the most affordable options (DH will be working in DIP). So rent of about AED8,000 per month leaving us with AED17,000 per month for everything else. Is it do-able? If we move to the UK DH would be working in Docklands and commute and we would probably live in a town/village outside London where presumably rent would be cheaper than in inner London (if anyone could suggest specific areas that would be great as I haven't researched that part yet!).

If you had a young family of 3, soon 4, to support, and these were your only two immediate options, which would you take? We are not expecting to save any money during the next year or so, just want to be able to live comfortably! I am under the impression that the UK offer is a better option financially??? On the other hand, since we are already in the GCC and DH's employer would pay to ship our furniture etc (and we could export our car) the move to Dubai just seems less intimidating logistically. But I think pregnancy may be clouding my vision!!

This situation was so unexpected, we thought DH's job was secure and didn't plan to move for another year or two minimum - until suddenly it was taken out of our hands! - and since I was already nervous about soon having two children under two years before all this uncertainty came up - I am having a nervous breakdown right now and really, really need your advice!

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 18:24
Have a look down the thread sue62, I was totally ignoring your comments but you just had to get a little dig in, as you always do. So if you don’t want someone to say something back don’t start it. Dont read my posts as I most certainly don’t read yours. ETA LOL edited by tally-ho on 07/10/2011 so you're only guessing i never "contribute anything of use" then :D lolol
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 18:22
Have a look down the thread sue62, I was totally ignoring your comments but you just had to get a little dig in, as you always do. So if you don’t want someone to say something back don’t start it. Dont read my posts as I most certainly don’t read yours. ETA LOL <em>edited by tally-ho on 07/10/2011</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 18:17
is there a pop corn emotion on this site ?? LOL !! sadly no... but there is a pretty purple pen :D Do you ever contribute anything of use Sue62? I’ve used this site for 5 years, and with my 3 usernames I’m still way off your 4363 posts that you have racked up in your 15 months. Do you actually have a life or is the height of your entertainment to constantly sit on EW all day every day. [color=#CC00FF'>As for using LOL in every post........ let me be the first to tell you YOURE NOT FUNNY !!!! [/color'> She's actually a quite reasonable poster. Lots of sane advice and levelheaded. Thanks for that but don't worry - not the first time TallyHo has accused me of this, along with being boring, bitter and lonely :D... just hope that when our time here is done i don't have to spend 2 years coming on this forum just to slag Dubai off and constantly post how wonderful the UK is in comparison LOL !!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 18:04
Yes of course the UK is one of the most desirable countries to live in - Free schooling, health, freedoms especially if you are a criminal from another country and you can use the Human rights act to prevent you from being deported back to your own country err because you have a cat???? for one example. [color=#CC00FF'>Really????? [/color'> To get into a decent school you have to live in a decent area for a start with house prices reflecting this [color=#CC00FF'>Its the same in Duubai most people I know dont get their 1st 2nd or 3rd choice school [/color'> a healthcare system that is completely over-stretched beyond belief and you will most likely catch more infections in a hospital than what you came in with, [color=#CC00FF'>It might be overstretched but at least they don’t ask for your insurance before they will treat you. Also people come from all over the world to be treated in the UK, let’s hope you don’t need an op that can’t be performed in the UAE.[/color'> yes the NHS is a great service but it is not all roses. The TAX we pay in the UK is paid by those who WORK!!!! Many many don't!!!! these people have more rights to benefits than those who have done a days work and paid tax and national insurance. The system is unfair to those who have or are working. [color=#CC00FF'>What will you do if you lose your job and can’t find another? Will you go back to the UK and claim benefits..... Of course you will because it’s your right as a UK citizen [/color'> Many law abiding citizens actually don't have many rights for example if you own a property and rent it out, they have the right to stay there for free until you go through a very lengthy and costly process to get them evicted. [color=#9900FF'>Its called the law, strange as it might seem[/color'> Tallyho you are very lucky to have a RR in the UK most families cannot afford that type of motor due to the cost of fuel, tax and insurance. My friend has a cayanne and it costs her 130 pounds a wk to fill. The majority have to shop in places like Asda, tescos, aldi etc and are now very cautious about what they are spending in the supermarket. BTW if you are feeling a bit down go to Asda as that is where i found most miserable people in doing their shopping. [color=#9900FF'> I have seen those same miserable looking faces you talk about sitting in busses waiting to be shipped back to their labour camps where they share a room with 10 others. At least people in Asda can afford to buy food![/color'> There are places in dubai that you can take your kids to without costing the earth, there a beautiful clean parks here like there are in the UK but depending where you live in the UK going to a kids park can be awful, kids hanging out drinking alcohol or taking drugs worst case, graffiti. [color=#9900FF'>Have a look at the parks in Dubai you will see loads of teens drinking in places like the Meadows, AR and Springs. They also trash the parks and write graffiti. Its teenage behaviour unfortunatly [/color'> I feel much more safer walking alone at night and during the day, driving without having to lock my doors and hide my handbag here. [color=#CC00FF'>I feel just as safe here as I did in Dubai, I stay away from areas in the UK that I dont like just as I did in Dubai[/color'> It is personal choice about what will be best suited for the needs of your family. [color=#CC00FF'>Exactly[/color'> I have to say though everytime I watch sky news I think we made a good choice to live here, of course things change but that is life [color=#CC00FF'>And sky news is so accurate they never blow things out of proportion do they. [/color'> Every country has it's issues I don’t really want to pull your post apart but you are missing the point. It is the same in EVERY country !!! I just can’t stand wingers that constantly slag off their own country. <em>edited by tally-ho on 07/10/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 17:24
Yes of course the UK is one of the most desirable countries to live in - Free schooling, health, freedoms especially if you are a criminal from another country and you can use the Human rights act to prevent you from being deported back to your own country err because you have a cat???? for one example. To get into a decent school you have to live in a decent area for a start with house prices reflecting this, a healthcare system that is completely over-stretched beyond belief and you will most likely catch more infections in a hospital than what you came in with, yes the NHS is a great service but it is not all roses. The TAX we pay in the UK is paid by those who WORK!!!! Many many don't!!!! these people have more rights to benefits than those who have done a days work and paid tax and national insurance. The system is unfair to those who have or are working. Many law abiding citizens actually don't have many rights for example if you own a property and rent it out, they have the right to stay there for free until you go through a very lengthy and costly process to get them evicted. Tallyho you are very lucky to have a RR in the UK most families cannot afford that type of motor due to the cost of fuel, tax and insurance. My friend has a cayanne and it costs her 130 pounds a wk to fill. The majority have to shop in places like Asda, tescos, aldi etc and are now very cautious about what they are spending in the supermarket. BTW if you are feeling a bit down go to Asda as that is where i found most miserable people in doing their shopping. There are places in dubai that you can take your kids to without costing the earth, there a beautiful clean parks here like there are in the UK but depending where you live in the UK going to a kids park can be awful, kids hanging out drinking alcohol or taking drugs worst case, graffiti. I feel much more safer walking alone at night and during the day, driving without having to lock my doors and hide my handbag here. It is personal choice about what will be best suited for the needs of your family. I have to say though everytime I watch sky news I think we made a good choice to live here, of course things change but that is life Every country has it's issues
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 17:04
is there a pop corn emotion on this site ?? LOL !! sadly no... but there is a pretty purple pen :D Do you ever contribute anything of use Sue62? I’ve used this site for 5 years, and with my 3 usernames I’m still way off your 4363 posts that you have racked up in your 15 months. Do you actually have a life or is the height of your entertainment to constantly sit on EW all day every day. [color=#CC00FF'>As for using LOL in every post........ let me be the first to tell you YOURE NOT FUNNY !!!! [/color'> She's actually a quite reasonable poster. Lots of sane advice and levelheaded.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:48
Have one on me :) [url=http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php'>[img'>http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/popcorn.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:46
is there a pop corn emotion on this site ?? LOL !! sadly no... but there is a pretty purple pen :D Do you ever contribute anything of use Sue62? I’ve used this site for 5 years, and with my 3 usernames I’m still way off your 4363 posts that you have racked up in your 15 months. Do you actually have a life or is the height of your entertainment to constantly sit on EW all day every day. [color=#CC00FF'>As for using LOL in every post........ let me be the first to tell you YOURE NOT FUNNY !!!! [/color'>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:38
is there a pop corn emotion on this site ?? LOL !! sadly no... but there is a pretty purple pen :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:33
is there a pop corn emotion on this site ??
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:26
Your very lucky ... are you in the countryside or a city ? I've been involved in one serious crash and viewed countless .. hundreds of smashes ... I spent my working life up and down The UK's Motorways .. [color=#CC00FF'>Im on the M 25 every day I have only ever seen one crash (thankfully)[/color'> The UK is the Fifth highest country with the most vehicle smashes 0ver 207,000 with 3,221 people killed and 5.4% involved alchohol [color=#CC00CC'>The UKs roads are one of the safest in the world. [/color'> http://www.aneki.com/safest_roads.html [color=#9999CC'>I added the worlds most dangerous roads too [/color'> http://www.aneki.com/dangerous_roads.html The UK has the 2nd Highest reported crime rate 6,523,706 next to America ... [color=#CC00CC'>Reported being the key word here, not every country reports all their crimes. [/color'> [color=#CC00CC'>Can you link up where you are getting your stats from [/color'> The UK is the fourth Highest teenage pregnancy rates in the developed world .. maybe more money ought to be spent on se& education .... [color=#CC00CC'>Again link please[/color'> IMO bouncing a cheque is an illegal offence ... it used to be in the UK .. paying with a cheque knowing that there is not enough money in your account is fraud ... [color=#CC00CC'>Not everyone that has served time for bouncing a check has done it intentionally.[/color'> Under Sharia law - Your husbands assets will be frozen .. thats why you should have your own account or seek advise in putting it offshore ... [color=#CC00CC'>Dont need to I live in the UK[/color'> you can say what you want - as long as its not derogatory or se%ual in its context in Public .. its about having morals in a country that still abides by laws and takes them quite strongly .. [color=#CC00CC'>Really[/color'> If your husband is your sponsor then he has to by law give you permission to do certain things .. like have an alchohol license or drive ...He's taking responsibility for your actions ... I don't see that as a bad thing ... [color=#CC00CC'>I do, but maybe thats because I dont need a man to take responsibility for my actions, thank you. [/color'> edited by bbcb on 07/10/2011 <em>edited by tally-ho on 07/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:15
DH's employer has stated in writing that they will pay all costs related to maternity so let's hope they honour that. And I wish I could afford to live in the Greens, Springs etc. but with a package of AED25,000 monthly we couldn't pay more than AED100,000 on rent per year so unfortunately those areas are not on the menu :( You can get a property in the springs for that amount but to be honest living in Mirdiff will be cheaper and you'll get a bigger place .. take into account .. your DH's take home in dubai will be 300,000AED a year approx 51k sterling with NO TAX payable .... in The UK your DH is likely to have to pay income tax ... anything over 7k a year so upto 7k is tax free then its taxable on many levels based on his income , benefits etc etc ... http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/basics.htm#5 Personal Allowance Almost everybody gets the basic Personal Allowance, but if you're 65 or over and your income is below certain levels the rate increases.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:04
Problem is, a lot of the replies to this will be based on personal experience which clearly varies widely.. I have only ever had one car accident which was in the UK and we have only ever been burgled once - also in the UK..twice if you count having my buggy taken from outside my gate whilst i popped back inside to fetch the baby !! Oh and i had my handbag taken off the trolley in Sainsburys' car park whilst i got my toddler's drink from the front of the car (he, horrifyingly, was sitting in the trolley seat while it was removed from the hook between his legs).. But i will say the bank were very good about refunding the 500 odd £ the thief relieved me of by handing my cashpoint card over the counter...possibly in Dubai that wouldn't have happened...but then niether would the theft in the first place lol Anyway...wildly OT so apologies to the OP - personally i would make hundreds of lists, google bare facts and decide what's best for YOUR family and situation... or you could just toss a coin.. good luck anyway :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:58
Thanks tally-ho, bbcb and Nimonemo. Very helpful.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:56
Reposting the question again, because I have a sibling on work contract there: Do expats in the UK, as the OP is, get benefits/help if they lose their job? Are they not on work visas which will be revoked once they lose their job? Not being disagreeable, just asking. Not Everyone has assistance if you lose you job but there are certain criteria to gain help ... http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/RedundancyAndLeavingYourJob/index.htm
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:53
Reposting the question again, because I have a sibling on work contract there: Do expats in the UK, as the OP is, get benefits/help if they lose their job? Are they not on work visas which will be revoked once they lose their job? Not being disagreeable, just asking. If they’re from Europe they would get benefits
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:52
If you have an European passport you get exactly the same benefits as a British person
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:52
Your very lucky ... are you in the countryside or a city ? I've been involved in one serious crash and viewed countless .. hundreds of smashes ... I spent my working life up and down The UK's Motorways .. The UK is the Fifth highest country with the most vehicle smashes 0ver 207,000 with 3,221 people killed and 5.4% involved alchohol The UK has the 2nd Highest reported crime rate 6,523,706 next to America ... The UK is the fourth Highest teenage pregnancy rates in the developed world .. maybe more money ought to be spent on se& education .... IMO bouncing a cheque is an illegal offence ... it used to be in the UK .. paying with a cheque knowing that there is not enough money in your account is fraud ... Under Sharia law - Your husbands assets will be frozen .. thats why you should have your own account or seek advise in putting it offshore ... you can say what you want - as long as its not derogatory or se%ual in its context in Public .. its about having morals in a country that still abides by laws and takes them quite strongly .. If your husband is your sponsor then he has to by law give you permission to do certain things .. like have an alchohol license or drive ...He's taking responsibility for your actions ... I don't see that as a bad thing ... edited by bbcb on 07/10/2011 <em>edited by bbcb on 07/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:47
Reposting the question again, because I have a sibling on work contract there: Do expats in the UK, as the OP is, get benefits/help if they lose their job? Are they not on work visas which will be revoked once they lose their job? Not being disagreeable, just asking.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:29
I guess it is a personal choice. I lived in the UK for 5 years and I had enough, I don´t think I will choose to come back there, honestly. It is a wonderful country to go on holidays, and I go every year for at least a month to visit my family and friends, but after a month I usually have enough. Too grey, too many people of the doll, taxes are too high and social services for middle class inexistent. I am going to deliver a baby in the American Hospital; I´ll have a room for myself and my husband will say with me. NHS works fine, but forget about these treats (which are quality of life!) Dubai is not great either but you choose in what you spend your money (instead of paying so much taxes). Once I deliver my baby we will be in a similar salary to the OP. AED 25,000 is enough to live here if you are wise. Having said that I wouldn´t have ever come to Dubai if they wouldn´t have offer us a much better package to the one we had back home. Unfortunately the UK is also suffering the crisis and I don´t think it is the place to be!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 14:55
I can’t believe what some people have posted about life in the UK. The UK is one of the most desirable countries to live, in the world. The educations, health care, freedoms are just 3 of the benefits that make people of every nationality want to move here. I don’t know who you know Blinkthink but the people I know and see out and about are not miserable and depressed, but as the saying goes birds of a feather flock together !! The TAX we pay in the UK goes to help EVERYONE it goes on roads, schools, universities (which happen to be the best in the world) hospitals, lighting the streets, police, prisons waterways, the Army The list is, almost literally, endless. Where do your hidden taxes go towards helping you? It costs me £100 to fill up my Range Rover (I dont know what car would cost to £150 to fill up if a RR is £100) in the UK. I fill it up every two weeks as I don’t need my car here in the UK as much as I needed my car in Dubai. I can walk almost anywhere. My DEWA bill for a month was 14,000 dhs In the UK at the height of winter my highest electricity bill was £1,000 for 3 months usage Food is MUCH cheaper here and so much more choice. I can do my weeks food shopping at M&S for the same amount of money I spent in Spinneys 2 years ago. I don’t spend as much on entertaining the children as most places are FREE or a fraction of the price they were in Dubai. As for safety I lived in the UK all my life and I’ve never had a problem, yes there are certain areas that I tend to avoid but its the same in every country. The best part about living in the UK is that I’ve never been involved in a car crash or near crash as the roads are one of the safest in the world , I’ve never been made to feel I can’t say what I want, I’ve never been made to feel like I need wasta just to survive daily life, I’ve never lived with the threat that if I bounce a check I will go to prison, I’ve never been made to feel that if something happens to my DH my money would be frozen, I can do what I want without my DH permission, I could go on and on. The point is that for some people life is about more than money its about quality of life and where you personally feel happiest. edited by tally-ho on 07/10/2011 <em>edited by tally-ho on 07/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 14:21
I suppose it TOTALLY depends on where you Live ... If I were to live in Sandbanks In Bournemouth or Inner city Birmingham or somewhere in the North East like Pennywell .......... Its all relevant .. I wouldnt want to live in Karama - but I cant afford to live on the Palm ... Our Chiller fees are included in our apartment here .. So potentially when it gets cooler in the winter my heating from the same system will be included too ... I would not walk along Brixton High Street alone at 7PM in the evening or be able to Leave my home Unlocked in the UK - I could not leave my engine Running at the school or at the store whilst I pop in or go to the cash machine .. I couldnt walk away from my handbag to have a picture taken at Trafalgar Square in London .. only to come back to my seat and find everything still there ..... And TOTALLY ... I paid 40% nearly 2000 a month ... 12000 aed in tax on My salary to the Government that paid out to teenagers who get pregnant for the sake of getting on the council housing list .. and I paid for mums and dads who were better off being paid by the government rather than working for a living ..thats not ridiculous .. its honesty .. the UK system is a mess .... I paid for my BUPA and my DENTAL and my own private pension ...dont get me started on the cost of Fuel in the UK .. My 4 x 4 thing here costs me 80 Dirham to fill up ... thats about 13pound sterling .... it would cost me 150 sterling to fill the same thing up in the uk .... 900 dirham ................. And we are so much better off here .. but then again its all relevant to where you live and how you live .. edited by bbcb on 07/10/2011 <em>edited by bbcb on 07/10/2011</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 14:13
I could not disagree more with what some have written on here regarding UK cost of living, it is far cheaper to reside in the UK than the UAE with far more choice and protection. Living out of the UK is only viable if the salary is far greater than the after tax salary in the UK considering the lower cost of living. The OP also mentioned this was a far better job for her DH than the one here a major factor one would think. As for some of the statements about paying tax to fund teen mums that is just ridiculous. it costs me over £50 to fill up my tiny car in the UK and just over £20 to fill my car here which is almost twice the size !! Income tax is a killer in the UK (40 % on 60k) not to mention National Insurance - around 9% i think. Rent for a modest flat big enough for a family of 4 would be in excess of £500 per month depending on location.. But we're all entitled to our opinions and if your experience of the UK is as you say, then of course you will find some other posts at odds with your own..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 13:18
I think living near London on 60,000 for a family of four will be extremely tight. Yes you will qualify for family allowance (keep you in nappies) but the family tax credit system is being overhauled at the moment and I know of a lot of families who were overpaid and now have to pay back. Yes schooling and healthcare are free at the point of delivery but you also have to take into consideration the location of your living accommodation as you could end up being in the catchment area of a terrible school (you don't have great choice on school as it's based on where you live and school closest with available space) Fuel for driving is incrediably expensive for even a ford fiesta per say, tax and car insurance are expensive Utility costs are extremely expensive in UK Gas for heating, water charges, council tax, electricity & insurances for your property as crime is high in UK Food shopping is v expensive now in the UK but the quality and choice is much better there It is cold & wet and now the dark evenings are approaching in UK, everyone is miserable, it is dirty, not safe to walk out at night. I think 25,000 dhs could be do-able but you would have to be very cute with your budget and every morning you would open your curtains and it is bright and sunny. Although chances of you getting a part-time job in uk may be higher but remember they are going into recession again and part-time jobs are very hard to come by now with so many unemployed in UK
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 12:58
Our cost of living in London was Huge .. We rented a place in Kent after we sold our Pub and the house to rent was 1500 sterling 9000AED approx.. no pool though in the UK ! our Electricity was 500-700 a month and 300 for water - STERLING 1000 min .. Council Tax was 1500 STERLING Food and drink 800 STERLING - 1000 STERLING we were paying 40% tax on our salaries ... that went towards idol , pregnant 14-22 year olds with no prospects and no vision in life ... we we paying around 4000-4500 STERLING a month to live in the UK ... 24000AED - we had BUPA and Dental cover and no KIDS ... COST US A FORTUNE ... so we left ... sold the furniture and turned up in Dubai .. no Jobs .. We have a V nice apartment ... totally new to us .. confined living by our normal standards ..and we have a lovely lifestyle ... give me Dubai anyday ..
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 12:53
I can't edit my post my some reason so I'll just add that the start up costs are quite significant. I'm not sure if you will have cash for those up front or if they need to be factored into your budget. Eg housing deposit, agents comm, dewa deposit, empower deposit, home tv, landline Internet deposit etc. Thats true. Not to mention up front rent. Most properties are still looking for 1-4 cheques, although there are some out there who will take 6-12 but at higher rent.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 12:14
In your mind £60 K may not be large but to the majority of UK employees it is and more than enough to run a family of four off. As there are two young children there will be tax breaks as well. Cost of living is higher in Dubai, end of. Re job security, losing your job in the UK is far safer situation to be in than here, or are you to disagree with that as well? Just out of curiosity , do expats in the UK, as the OP is, get benefits/help if they lose their job? Are they not on work visas which will be revoked once they lose their job? Not being disagreeable, just asking.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 11:36
I can't edit my post my some reason so I'll just add that the start up costs are quite significant. I'm not sure if you will have cash for those up front or if they need to be factored into your budget. Eg housing deposit, agents comm, dewa deposit, empower deposit, home tv, landline Internet deposit etc.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 11:18
Here is my Dubai budget, so you can have an idea of current costs. Rent 10000 Dewa 600 Empower (ac) 600 Maid 2300 Vehicle finance 1270 Vehicle insurance 300 Vehicle maintenance 300 Petrol 500 Salik 300 Fines 80 Groceries 3800 Nursery 2100 Clothes 1500 Home decor / appliances / appliances maintenance 500 Entertainment 2000 Du tv landline Internet 700 Etisalat mobile 350 Mani / pedi 240 Hair salon 400 Dh & ds hair 120 Skincare 100 Carwash 120 Vehicle re-registration 32 Vehicle test 5 Maid food allowance 300 Yoga 400 We are a family of 4 with 2 small children. We live in an apartment in the Marina. I've left out certain costs that won't apply to you such as schooling, uniforms, field trips, books and stationary. I always calculate the annual cost and then calculate it back to monthly cost eg. Maid salary will include visa costs, vehicle re-registration & testing. I usually get my hair done every 6 to 8 weeks so if I budget 400 per month it's enough to cover how much I end up paying at the salon.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 10:58
If you move to the UK you will be a resident so will have access to NHS, social services, family tax credits, child allowances. The UK salary is huge, even after tax and the cost of living in the UK is half of Dubai. Job security and protection is also better if you are in the UK than Dubai. The UK position sounds far better than a company offering such a low salary here. Sorry but a salary of £60 k is not huge....but will be subject to high tax rate. I also would argue that the cost of living in Dubai is higher.... Personally I don't think so...and these days job security is about as good as anywhere else in the world ie non-existent lol In your mind £60 K may not be large but to the majority of UK employees it is and more than enough to run a family of four off. As there are two young children there will be tax breaks as well. Cost of living is higher in Dubai, end of. Re job security, losing your job in the UK is far safer situation to be in than here, or are you to disagree with that as well? i wouldn't use the word "safe" in that context !!! Obviously if you lose your job in Dubai you may find it difficult to find another one but you will anywhere... At least in Dubai we don't have to rely on "tax breaks" lolol
 
 

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