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

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 10:11
Oops, sorry yes, you are right, Maaam... I read a young family of 4 to mean 4 children! The situation is suddenly much brighter! :D
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 09:59
Yes I still think there will only be 2 LO's. The young family of 3 soon to be 4 means all of them, I think.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 09:57
Sorry I read the OP that there was a toddler with another on the way...didn't realise there will be 4 children. Even so, a 3 bed apt will be much cheaper than a villa for both rent/maintenance/dewa etc... :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 09:52
A 2 bed apartment with FOUR children? using the metro with FOUR children? :\:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 09:39
OP, you are basing some of your calculations on your rent of 8k per month - that's quite a lot for a small family trying to live on a budget. Really cut that back - there are LOTS of affordable apartments - ok you don't have your garden but if you pick somewhere that has great outdoor space/pools etc, you won't feel like you are missing out. You'll be able to get a large 2 bed apartment easily in lots of locations for 70k (check somewhere like Executive Towers, lovely podium level with grass/walkways for kids/bikes etc, plus two huge pools), there you go you've already saved nearly 30k per year. Also your dewa bills in a villa would be much higher...stick to an apartment for the first year til you get a feel for how much you are able to save. It would also be an idea to pick an apartment close to a metro station, maybe you wouldn't need a 2nd car for the first year til you get sorted. Also agree with previous poster on eating out etc, a group of us regularly go places like Karama to eat, we have a slap up breakfast - the things on the menu are 6 AED each, we can eat as much as we like and the bill is still 20-30 AED each. There are LOTS of affordable and free things to do in Dubai (parks, beaches etc) but many people don't know they exist or don't want to venture into the territories where they are! Not comparing costs of Dubai to costs of UK as not sure - but just pointing out that if you havevcheaper rent, live life according to the cut of your cloth, yes you can live quite cheaply here. . <em>edited by Maaam on 07/10/2011</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 09:29
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
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 09:20
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.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 08:32
Look at www.rightmove.co.uk for info about rents in various parts. Much more than 1200 a month for anything with about 3/4 bedrooms. I am not advocating Dubai for you btw although there are pros for you - school paid, medical etc That is good.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 08:24
Working in London and commuting in? Your husband would be out of the house for about [b'>14 hours [/b'>a day. Rents are expensive in the SE of England , obviously varies according to area and type but still generally expensive. A commuter rail ticket may cost about [b'>3,500 Pounds[/b'> a year and that is if you are in a town on the direct rail line. You will likely need a [b'>car[/b'> to get to the station in the first place so price of a car plus [b'>insurance plus road tax [/b'>plus [b'>very high cost of petrol[/b'> there plus may be a[b'> parking charge[/b'> at the station or he will try to park in the area around it like masses of others. You will have a very long day with 4 children and no car ( in bad weather for most of the year) unless you are getting up at 6 am with all the children to run him into the station....are you beginning to get the picture of London area commuter life? Something to think about..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 08:11
You've had some fabulous advice already but I just wanted to weigh in too. If it was my family in your situation, I would definitely got to the UK. Even if family aren't around the corner, it sounds as if they are much nearer and would be able to come over if needed. I think it's also an important point that you say the UK move would be best for your DH career wise. The rules and regulations of the NHS are complicated so your best bet would be to ring them and explain your circumstances and see what they say. Best of luck with your decision - it will all work out in the end so try not to get too anxious.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 06:34
Selam -I would check that you def dont qualify for NHS in UK. I might be wrong but I thought that anyone in the country could get access to it -Is your home country in Europe? That could help . Have a look at www.dh.gov.uk website and even call them .It would be a shame if you made your decision based on not getting health care in UK and then discovered that you could .
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 02:10
Mrs Laughan I'm already living in the GCC so no problem importing the car. I feel a bit depressed now as I have been very anxious about how we could all survive on the Dubai salary. I was hoping that GBP 60k per year (before tax) in the UK would go a bit further than AED25k per month in Dubai (including housing) - it just sounds more respectable! - but most of you seem to be saying, it will work out more or less the same and we will struggle to live comfortably whichever option we go for - eek (still hoping someone will contradict everyone else!) Careerwise the UK job would be much better for DH and closer culturally and geographically to home which is in Europe. We never intended to stay in the gulf as long as we have but with another baby on the way and toddler to consider I feel hesitant to make such a huge change right now and Dubai just seems less threatening, more similar to what we are used to at the moment. The medical insurance in Dubai would cover the whole family. To be honest I am more concerned about moving to the UK just before giving birth because as a non resident I don't think I qualify for treatment on the NHS...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 00:20
selma - you won't be able to bring your car over - they drive on the "other" side of the road in Dubai......
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 20:08
Apologies if this has already been said, I haven't read all the responses... It does also depend where you're from. For EG&gt; Is health insurance included for the whole family in Dubai? That is something important. If you're going to be giving birth here you'd need maternity cover or you'd be looking at at least 10k for the birth. Health is expensive here without insurance. Also, if you were moving to the UK would you be moving home? and if so would you be near to family (or at least closer to family than if you were here). That is something to consider especially when the packages are almost on a par. If I were you I'd sit down and make a list of Pro's and Con's of each place for you specifically and then weigh it up from there.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 17:32
The Uk position is offering 60,000, the Dubai position, 53000 in GBP. I honestly think it depends what you want from the future. Do you like living in the Middle East? Where are you from? Do you want your children to be educated here, or in the UK? I think if you choose here, I would advise you to live in an apartment. Don't choose places that are fashionable. Dh and I live in a 2 bedder in international City- we are close to Mirdif and DSO. It costs us 26500 per year in dirhams. Sure, it's not fancy but it is 1100 sq foot and our dewa (elec and water) costs us 700 dirhams for two months. If you live in cheaper areas your dewa will be a lot less. As for going out, it's about being savvy. Groupon and cobone run meal deals all the time for you and he to go out. EG we just got one from The Gramercy Bar in DIFC- 200 dirhams worth of menu items for 95 dhs. Valid for 2 people. Do you need childcare? Here that and cleaning services are much, much cheaper than the UK. What does he do? Will he have more job oppys here if he doesn't like his current position. I think living well here is a lot cheaper than a lot of the forums say- it just depends how you do it. We spend 350 dirhams a week on food for the two of us and eat very well- that said we shop at carrefour and the fresh food markets not spinneys and waitrose. If you want any more info from me email me. edwina@cdb.me
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 17:26
I think you might be better off in Dubai, after tax your salary will be £3,451 per month (opposed to £4,399 in Dubai)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 17:24
The package you are being offered in Dubai is better if you compare the net number of the UK salary; after tax you'd be getting about 3250 pounds a month which would be about 18000 dirhams. People have mentioned child benefit however I don;t think you can get that if you pay 40% tax (which your husband would). LOTS of people won;t agree with me I know but I think the cost of living here is lower than than the UK and the quality of life is higher (commuting times being an important issue for me). Great advice on choosing somewhere that includes AC and someone mentioned the Greens which I think has a nice vibe and it makes a difference that schooling will be paid for. My salary here is more or less a direct conversion from my UK one and even after putting half of it aside we still have way more disposable income than we ever did (although I do get housing).
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:50
Many apartment rents include the AC running costs, all the Emaar buildings for instance, this can save you a fortune in utilities bills. There are 2 bed plus study in The Greens from 95k where AC running costs are inc however beware of Motor City and the Green Community because the rents might be lower BUT you will have to pay AC usage charges, and they are expensive!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:50
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 :( Try Discovery Gardens - rents there are lower, but it is still in a close proximity to DIP and near Ibn Batutta Mall. The apartments are huge - the only downside is that they do not have swimming pools in the area if I am not mistaken. ETA - when you budgeting for your accomodation bear in mind that you will have to pay agency fee (unless you will be lucky enough to rent directly from the owner) and maintenance fee - usuallly 5% of yearly rent/each. <em>edited by JoannaS on 06/10/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:44
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 :(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:41
One more thing, we don't have family in the UAE or UK. We have a couple of friends in each country and that is it, not much of a support network to consider. Unfortunately the job market in our home country isn't doing very well so going "home" is not really an option...! But from the UK DH's family at least will be only a short flight away... at the moment we see them only once or twice per year! We were planning to get a live in maid before the arrival of the new baby before this shock turn of events. In fact, we decided to have our kids close together while based in the GCC mainly because we would be able to afford help. Am very aware of the fact that probably won't be able to afford help on the Dubai package and definitely not in the UK... gosh am really terrified of having 2 under 2 now! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:36
Selma, you probably would like to look at areas like Greens, Springs, Dubai Marina, Discovery Gardens as these are near DIP. Mirdif is a bit of a trek and i reckon you will reconsider your acommodation options after visiting Dubai. Utility bills are high. There was 30% hike last December and on top of the bills, there is a oil surcharge and a housing fee paid on monthly basis, which is 5% of your annual rent divided by 12 months. Obviously bills are higher in Summer months. It is rent and utlilty bills which will consume most of your budget. If you are to deliver in Dubai, please check with your medical insurance provider that you have will be covered as soon as you enter the cover - some policies have restrictions in this area. edited by JoannaS on 06/10/2011 <em>edited by JoannaS on 06/10/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:32
What I do know that you get benefits in the UK if you work and pay taxes regardless of your nationality. <em>edited by Annabelle09 on 06/10/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:31
Kezzler, the UK package is before tax! After tax would have been wonderful though! And the Dubai package already includes housing allowance, so we will have to pay housing out of the AED25,000!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:30
I do not know about London since I have never lived there, but with a salary of 25000 in Dubai, it will be very tight for your family, and to be honest not worth it if you are British and have family there..You also have to consider that you will find it very difficult to get help or support with your children unless you are going to get a live-in maid, which will be a lot of extra cost for you..and babysitters are illegal unless you hire the ones from maid companies, who are not qualified and may not even speak good English..Also, like the other posters said, you have to make sure you have schooling allowance and good medical insurance as both can be really very expensive..good luck with your decision..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:28
Thanks ladies, schooling (for kids aged 4 +) and private medical will be covered by DH's employer so not really an issue, in any case I really hope to have moved on by the time my eldest goes to school! And we will have 2 cars - DH's company car and our own car which we will bring over so no need to budget for car rental. And with two babies at home we are unlikely to have much opportunity to venture out for a glass of wine or dinner date very regularly! It is rent and everything else that I am worried about, things like toddler entertainment which I know is expensive in Dubai, would hate to be stuck at home all the time! Am also worried about the massive DEWA bills I keep reading about? :( It is just terrifying to think of having LESS money with one extra child to budget for. I am not used to a tight budget and until I became a stay at home mum when our baby was born our combined household income was more than double the Dubai package on offer :( Would love to hear from ladies familiar with Dubai AND London cost of living who would be able to compare the two packages? Cornish Pixie, no we are not British so no benefits for us! :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:17
I'd check first of all if the GBP 60k/year is before or after tax. If before, the take home on that will be considerably less as he'll fall into the 40% tax bracket. However, education, healthcare etc is free in the UK, unlike Dubai. I would also say that rents between London and Dubai are very similar (depending on where you choose to live). Plus, if your hubby is getting housing allowance on top of the 25k dirhams here, that will help, I can't imagine him getting a housing allowance on top of his 60k salary in the UK, it's just not that kind of system there. Pro's and con's to both, but if it were me and the UK salary was before tax, I'd stick with Dubai. :-)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:16
I've lived in both places...I think the Dubai salary is do-able so long as education an extrea when it comes to schoolng. With regards to London...For rent (and I've just been looking at this as I'm looking to buy somewehre to let) I think you'd be looking at about 1200 per month in one of the suburbs (try Redbridge, Wanstead or somewhere in Kent) and your husbands commute would be at least an hour, maybe 90 mins so an important factor if you're having a baby. That pleasure is going to cost you about 150 per month, plus council tax of about 100 plus another 200 or so on bills. Best of luck
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 16:10
I would go back to London. 60K is very comfortable and I dont know because of that amount if you will be eligible for any family tax credits. Mirdiff to DIP is far .. will take approx 30 mins via emirates road if not longer. getting out of DIp at peak hour can get a bit hairy ! have a look at the other properties in DIP. look at Ewan residence which i think you can pick a 2 bed apartment for about 50K. Also another thing is the medical that they are offering, does that cover the new baby ?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 15:58
You will never be able to educate a child here on 25000 a month, let alone two, so if you come, plan to homeschool.
 
 

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