Interesting thread. This is Pprune at its best. What better use to it than to compare incomes/expenses/lifestyles from those in our trade around the world?
Generally speaking, the more attractive (for whatever reason) a place is, the more expensive it tends to be. It is no surprise that prices in DXB have skyrocketed (and will probably continue to do so). This is indicative of its powerful allure to many people.
While salaries may not have matched the real inflation (they seldom do), this is only a reflection of Dubai's maturity as a place of residence. It is obvious that the highest income/expense differentials tend to be in the least developed locales, if you're willing to put up with the discomfort. There's no free lunch.
(Most) pilots still enjoy their profession, and that is a (no small)reward in itself. The degree of satisfaction with your campany, aircraft, routes, roster etc should also be brought into the equation.
Just as a comparison: I'm based in PMI, which is nice, but not cheap. My (two people) expenses in 2004 were to the tune of
€ 78000 = U$ 94000 (discounting car and mortgage).
Happy ldgs.
Last edited by TE RANGI; 15th Jun 2005 at 17:59.