Amman ranks among most expensive Arab cities in 2025 Cost of Living Index

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have topped the list of the most expensive Arab cities in terms of living costs, according to Numbeo’s 2025 Cost of Living Index.

Dubai scored 58.0 points, followed by Abu Dhabi with 52.6 points in a ranking that compares 100 cities worldwide against New York.

Doha ranked third in the Arab world with a score of 47.8, followed by Kuwait (47.6 points), Riyadh (42.0 points), and Manama (42.0 points). Muscat came next with 40.2 points, while both Amman and Beirut recorded 39.6 points.

In North Africa, Casablanca led Moroccan cities with a score of 31.4, followed by Tunis (31.2 points) and Algiers (29.9 points). Cairo ranked lower at 27.0 points, making it one of the more affordable cities in the region.

Khartoum (20.6 points) was among the least expensive cities, while Damascus ranked last as the cheapest Arab city with a cost of living index of 19.6.

The index factors in various criteria, including food prices, transportation, housing, healthcare, entertainment, and local purchasing power.