According to a study conducted by The Workyard Research, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah are at the top of the list of the most affordable cosmopolitan cities in the world. Interestingly, the first place is taken by Kuwait. And despite its high earnings salary-wise, New York ranks at the bottom of the list.

Abu Dhabi took second place among the most budget-friendly cities due to the high incomes and low living costs. The average monthly earnings in the emirate amount to AED 26,277 (USD 7,154), while the living costs stand at AED 873 (USD 104).

Riyadh ranks third, with monthly earnings coming to AED 23,000 (USD 6,245) on average and living costs AED 2,994 (USD 815). According to Workyard Research, both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh boast high wages and low bills.

Dubai and Sharjah took fourth and the fifth places, with residents earning an average of AED 26,145 (USD 7,118) and AED 19,206 (USD 5,229), respectively. Living expenses constitute AED 3,698 (USD 1,007) and AED 2,721 (USD 741), respectively.

The experts at the research company analysed data from 20 cities to find out where individuals earn high salaries, but don’t spend a lot on utilities, rent, and food, among other living expenses. The ranking presents cities that offer a high-earnings, low-cost lifestyle based on the information collected from government labour services.

Outside of the Middle East, Melbourne is a lucrative destination for earning money and living. The average monthly income and living costs amount to AED 26,196 (USD 7,132) and AED 4,117 (USD 1,121), respectively. Other cities that made the top 10 are Oslo, London, San Francisco and Zurich.