I think the numbers are about right, I didn't do the survival thing as an F/O just added the ex-pat bits to my UK life. When I first arrived, bought a second hand car for 95k, got a maid and went to work. 2 kids, a holiday/year (home not abroad) and went out to do Dubai. i.e Couple of times/month had a nice meal with friends in a swish restaurant, had family and friends over to stay, and a club membership. Over 3 years, I was a nett contributor to Dubai of over US$50,000.
I was debt free on arrival and this year finally hope to clear up the F/O debts. Don, my bottom line was that I had a maid and twice a month went to nicer restaurants than I would have frequented in the UK. Other than that my lifestyle was the same. Played with the kids, played golf etc. The staples of my life are more expensive here than they were in the UK and I didn't want to change them.
Had Dubai put into perspective the other day. Was out playing golf with a Kiwi passing thru to the UK to see his new outlaws. He said 'what is there to do in Dubai?' I said 'well obviously golf, the rugby 7s and the beach and grrreat hospitality and uh, uh, shopping!' Now I realise how much my actually limited life cost me..but..at least its sunny!
Ghost