The Cost of Living Index is 54.2, indicating moderate costs compared to NYC. Groceries (44.9) and restaurants (56.9) are also moderately priced.

The property price to income ratio is 7.48 years, suggesting an affordable housing market. The Rent Index is 34.9, indicating relatively lower rental costs.

With a Purchasing Power Index of 137.8, residents in the UAE have excellent buying power compared to NYC.

The UAE has no personal income tax. A 5% VAT applies to most goods and services. Corporate tax is 9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000, with a 0% rate for qualifying free zone businesses. Large multinational enterprises face a 15% corporate tax from 2025.

The UAE is a leading global business hub, ranked third worldwide for starting a startup in 2024. It offers a pro-business environment with streamlined licensing, 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, and a thriving startup ecosystem, especially in FinTech. Regulatory reforms and removal from the FATF grey list in February 2024 enhance its attractiveness.

Expats are not eligible for a national pension scheme but receive an end-of-service gratuity. Mandatory health insurance is required for expats, often provided by employers. A mandatory unemployment insurance scheme (ILOE), introduced in 2023, provides a cash sum for up to three months if involuntarily unemployed. Voluntary pension plans are also emerging for expats.

Deposits are protected up to AED 100,000 (approximately USD 27,248) per depositor per bank under the UAE Deposit Guarantee Scheme. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) provides strong regulatory oversight, and the banking sector is stable, well-capitalized, and liquid. Historically, the UAE government has intervened to protect depositors beyond the formal scheme.