Dubai vs Makati
Cost of living comparison for expats and families · 2026
🇦🇪 UAE
Dubai
$3,184/mo solo
🇵🇭 Philippines
Makati
$1,645/mo solo
How we calculate tax rates: Estimated effective rates assume a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, single filer, all long-term capital gains. US figures include federal LTCG + NIIT + state tax (so Boston shows MA, Miami shows FL, etc.). Your real rate depends on income mix and filing status — run the tax calculator for your numbers.
Dubai
vs
Makati
Cost of Living
$2,300
Housing (1BR)
$1,050
$400/mo
Food
$275/mo
$237/mo
Utilities
$120/mo
$93/mo
Transport
$50/mo
$154/mo
Healthcare
$150/mo
$3,184/mo
Total
$1,645/mo
Taxes (International Investors)
effective at $200K/yr · single
0.0%
Capital Gains
15.0%
0.0%
Dividends
10.0%
0.0%
Crypto
15.0%
None
Wealth Tax
None
Quality of Life
84/100
Safety
62/100
250 Mbps
Internet
85 Mbps
Visa
60 days
Tourist Visa
30 days
Yes
DN Visa
No
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Cost of Living
Makati is the more affordable option at $1,645/month for a single person, compared to $3,184/month in Dubai — a savings of $1,539/month, or roughly 48%. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai averages $2,300/month vs $1,050/month in Makati. For couples needing a 2-bedroom, expect $3,600 in Dubai and $2,100 in Makati. Families with kids typically see costs scale by 2–2.5× vs single-person baseline.
Tax for Investors
UAE's tax system is territorial (foreign income typically tax-free). At a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, UAE works out to roughly 0.0% effective on long-term gains. Philippines is worldwide (all income taxed regardless of source); Philippines comes in at 15.0%. UAE offers the 10-year residency for investors (10 years). For FIRE retirees living off portfolio income, territorial systems typically produce the cleanest outcome — see our territorial tax countries guide for the full list.
Climate & Lifestyle
Dubai has a tropical (avg 28°C year-round) climate; Makati is tropical (avg 28°C year-round). Annual temperatures are broadly similar. Dubai scores higher on safety (84/100) vs 62/100 for the other city. Dubai has faster internet at 250 Mbps vs 85 Mbps. Dubai has a medium established expat community. Makati has a large established expat community.
Visa & Residency
For Dubai: digital-nomad visa available; investor visa ($545K minimum). For Makati: investor visa ($75K minimum). Full visa pathways, income thresholds, and residency timelines are covered in the Retire in UAE and Retire in Philippines guides.
FIRE Number
At the standard 4% safe withdrawal rate, the portfolio needed to retire in Dubai is $955,200; Makati needs $493,500. Geographic arbitrage is the single biggest lever in FIRE planning — relocating between these two cities changes your required portfolio by $461,700. Run your own scenarios in the "What your portfolio buys" section below.
What your portfolio buys in each city
At the 4% safe withdrawal rate, see exactly what Dubai vs Makati costs at common FIRE milestones. Real math, honest verdicts — no marketing spin.
Go deeper
City guide
Living in Dubai
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
City guide
Living in Makati
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
Tax guide
Retire in UAE
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
Tax guide
Retire in Philippines
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
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