Bologna vs Dubai: cost of living for digital nomads

Bologna, Italy and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.

The short version

  • Bologna is about 37% cheaper than Dubai for a month of nomad living ($1,970 vs $3,150).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $900 in Bologna against $1,750 in Dubai.
  • Dubai scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
  • Internet is faster in Dubai: 250 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
  • Bologna is temperate; Dubai is arid.

Bologna wins 5 of the measured lines; Dubai wins 3.

LineBolognaDubai
Monthly total (USD)$1,970$3,150
Rent$900$1,750
Food$480$650
Transport$40$90
Coworking$150$220
Safety (out of 10)8/109/10
Internet (Mbps)120250
Climatetemperatearid
City sizemidmetro
Settinginlandcoast
Nomad score (out of 10)7/108/10

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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Check the city pages for the dates each was last verified.