Dibrugarh serves as the economic powerhouse of Upper Assam. While exact city-level GDP figures are not readily available, the regional economy is anchored by three primary pillars: tea, oil and natural gas, and the service sector.
The city is the trading and logistical hub for the hundreds of tea estates in the district. It also serves as the commercial base for nearby petrochemical and energy industries located in satellite towns like Duliajan and Digboi.
In recent decades, Dibrugarh has developed a robust service economy. It is the premier medical hub for Upper Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh, drawing significant medical tourism. Retail, education, and hospitality are rapidly growing sectors. The cost of living is generally moderate compared to major Indian metropolitan areas, though real estate prices in the city center have been climbing steadily.