Compare countries · United Arab Emirates vs United States
United Arab Emirates vs United States
United Arab Emirates(Asia)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: United Arab Emirates leads on 7, United States on 4, 2 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
United Arab Emirates
55.2
Worse than 78% of countries
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 20% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
United Arab Emirates
39.6
Worse than 94% of countries
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 3% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
United Arab Emirates
1.97
Around the global middle
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
United Arab Emirates: more peaceful (1.97 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
United Arab Emirates
86.0
Better than 99% of countries
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
United Arab Emirates: higher perceived safety (86.0 vs 50.8).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
United Arab Emirates
0.937
Better than 92% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2024 / 2025
United Arab Emirates
$79,344
Better than 93% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
United States: 13% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
United Arab Emirates
83.1 yrs
Better than 91% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 4.2 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
United Arab Emirates
70.8
Better than 71% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
United Arab Emirates: better-rated healthcare (70.8 vs 67.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
United Arab Emirates
398 Mbps
Better than 99% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 29% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
United Arab Emirates
31/100
Worse than 87% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
United States: freer press (63 vs 31 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
United Arab Emirates
6.82
Better than 86% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
United Arab Emirates
487
Worse than 63% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 487).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
United Arab Emirates
43.4
Worse than 94% of countries
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
United States: more pleasant climate rating (75.8 vs 43.4).
Deciding between United Arab Emirates and United States for real?
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Find your match →Full United Arab Emirates profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.