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₹72,000 salary in Gurgaon vs 8,000 AED in Dubai: Indian employee’s career dilemma sparks discussion

An Indian employee asked Reddit whether to move to Dubai for 8,000 AED or stay in Gurgaon earning 72,000, sparking discussion on costs and savings.

Updated on: Jan 21, 2026, 18:18:35 IST
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An Indian professional seeking career advice has sparked a discussion on Reddit after asking whether it would make sense to move to Dubai for a salary of 8,000 AED (around 198,000) per month or continue working in Gurgaon with a take-home pay of 72,000.

The post has sparked a discussion online. (Representational image/Gemini AI generated)
The post has sparked a discussion online. (Representational image/Gemini AI generated)

The query was shared in a post titled “Need Advice: 8000 AED per month in Dubai or 72000 in hand in Gurgaon”, where the user admitted that the Dubai role was “not that great” but wondered if the higher nominal salary justified relocating abroad.

“I recently got offered 8K Dirham for a role in Dubai. The role in itself is not that great, but do you think since at least in nominal terms I am getting offered pretty good money, so maybe worth moving,” the user wrote, seeking guidance from the Reddit community. “Should I move to Dubai or stay here in Gurgaon,” he asked.

Social media reactions

Several users cautioned that 8,000 AED may not be sufficient for a comfortable life in Dubai, especially when factoring in rising living costs.

“8k in Dubai is not going to cut it for savings. Rents, foods, gas, electricity, wifi, transportation will eataway your earnings. If you are a bachelor you may be able to be frugal by opting for shared space. If you want to bring wife n kids now, dont even think about taking this offer. If you opt for a studio flat, you may need a car for work which adds on to the cost. Not saying its impossible but come prepared to cut corners,” one user wrote.

“8K isn't enough for a good life in Dubai. Rent for a studio is now ~3k even in cheaper areas that are further away. That means you'll need to drive to work, which is at least another 1-1.5k depending on the car you drive. So half your salary is gone before you even start feeding yourself, buying stuff for your house, entertainment and hopefully some savings. 10k gives you a slightly better cushion,” commented another.

“8k honestly isn't too much but if you're young with no expenses u can make it work. Get in first then u can job switch and figure it out but first few years are gonna be tough,” wrote a third user.

Some users, however, felt the move could still make sense depending on personal circumstances.

“Dubai over Gurgaon. Like others said, 8K AED isn't much but still enough to live in Dubai in a double, shared apartment. Hold on to it for a year and so on, that 8K will grow pretty steadily,” said one user.

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

  • Bhavya Sukheja
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Bhavya Sukheja

    Bhavya Sukheja is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 6 years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in covering stories that reflect everyday human experiences, with a focus on viral videos, social media trends, and human-interest features that inform readers while sparking meaningful conversations. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings. Known for her strong news sense, Bhavya has a keen ability to spot emerging trends and craft angles that transform viral moments into impactful narratives. Her coverage spans pop culture, entertainment, global affairs, and the internet’s most talked-about topics, helping readers better understand the context behind what is trending online. Before joining Hindustan Times, Bhavya worked with Republic World and NDTV, where she developed her skills in real-time reporting and digital storytelling. Working in fast-paced newsrooms helped her build an editorial approach that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and audience engagement. Bhavya is driven by a curiosity about how people communicate and connect in the digital age. She is particularly interested in stories that highlight cultural shifts, shared emotions, and the evolving nature of online conversations. When she is not tracking trends or producing stories, Bhavya enjoys unplugging and spending time with her cat.Read More

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