Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Sydney vs Dubai

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Sydney
$103,806
/ year
+31%
difference
Dubai
$79,339
/ year
Bottom line: Sydney wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Dubai
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$103,806✓ higher
$79,339
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$68,874✓ higher
$51,308
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$156,454✓ higher
$122,684
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$70,588✓ higher
$57,917
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$76,893✓ higher
$66,116
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.20×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$104,688
$188,300✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$237,810
$450,250✓ higher

What if you move from Sydney to Dubai?

Gross salary change
$24,467
31% decrease
Take-home change
$12,671
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$10,777
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Sydney$103,806
P10: $104,688Median: $103,806P90: $237,810
Dubai$79,339
P10: $188,300Median: $79,339P90: $450,250

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

Sydney vs MelbourneSydney vs BrisbaneSydney vs PerthSydney vs AdelaideDubai vs Abu DhabiAll Data Scientist salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Scientist earn more in Sydney or Dubai?

The median Data Scientist salary in Sydney is A$157,785/yr compared to AED 291,174/yr in Dubai. Sydney pays 31% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist salary worth more in Sydney or Dubai after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $76,893/yr in a median-cost city, vs $66,116/yr for Dubai. Sydney offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Scientist in Sydney vs Dubai?

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Sydney takes home approximately $70,588/yr, vs $57,917/yr in Dubai. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.