Singapore vs United Arab Emirates (Dubai): Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026
Singapore is ahead on the overall index (8.1/10 vs 7.6/10 for United Arab Emirates (Dubai)). That headline score still hides trade-offs in specific areas.
On cost of living, United Arab Emirates (Dubai) scores higher than Singapore.
Key scores at a glance
Singapore wins 12 of 16 categories we track; United Arab Emirates (Dubai) wins 4.
- Safety — Singapore 9.5/10 · United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 9.2/10
- Healthcare — Singapore 9.1/10 · United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 8.5/10
- Cost of living — Singapore 4.5/10 · United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 5.5/10
See the full breakdown below.
Country guides: Singapore · United Arab Emirates (Dubai)