Dubai, a city of admiration, is known for its upraised skylines, luxury, and secure environment. Attracting different talents and tourists from around the world, Dubai has positioned itself as one of the most competitive yet affordable than other major metropolises of the world.
The city offers a boastful lifestyle, an array of opportunities, and world-class architecture, building an admiring lifestyle for individuals, couples, and families.
Ready to move to Dubai? Wait!
You need to know something before moving here.
Yes! You need to know the cost of living in Dubai, the vibrant city offers to its seamless immigrants. So, keep up with this article to enhance your chances of moving to the city of skyscrapers. Dubai is one of the most common options amongst immigrants, investors, and tourists, characterized by its moderate lifestyle.
Average Monthly Expenses in Dubai
This article provides a comprehensive overview of average monthly expenses in Dubai and will further break down the cost of living in dubai for single person, couples and families. Offering a standardized lifestyle, Dubai's monthly cost for a single person is estimated at around AED 3,700.
Additionally, it provides suitable investing options with acquiring a 2—or 10-year residency permit, thus emerging as the center of attention. The cost of living in Dubai confines a broad spectrum of expenses, including accommodation, transportation, food, healthcare, education, and entertainment.
It is essential for individuals and families considering a move to Dubai to thoroughly research and plan for these financial implications to ensure a smooth transition and comfortable lifestyle in this dynamic city.
Average Monthly Cost of Residence
Dubai offers a multitude of property options for low-budgeted individuals and high-profile buyers. Jumeirah Lakes Tower (JLT), the most facilitated and budgeted neighborhood, is a popular place for rentals.
The average rent in JLT is around AED 6,2010.2 per month. Other community centers with similar rental prices include Dubai Old Town, Dubai Marina, and JBR community.
Families' rental prices for 3-bedroom apartments in the same districts could vary between AED 10,354.80 and AED 15,243.75.
However, an increase in rent prices is expected in 2025 with the continuous influx of expatriates and investors. This increase is probably because of the additional amenities provided during the residency, such as parking, remittance fees, and Salik tolls.
Considering the housing expense of studio apartments in Dubai, the budget can slide between AED 85,000 in expensive communities and AED 40,000 in less-expensive districts like Jumeirah Village Circle.
The cost of housing in Dubai also depends on the property type and whether the apartment or studio is furnished or not. But remember your working location while finding a residency in Dubai.
The cost of living in Dubai can get out of hold due to the augmented use of transport services.
Rental Housing Costs in Dubai
1. Residential Options
Dubai has no shortage of residential options, including apartments, condos, and villas. Renting prices depend on location in a given city, with neighborhood close to business centers or offices usually being more expensive.
2. Rental Price Increase
Apartment rents grew by 22% and villa rents by 13%, compared to 2021. Despite these increases, tenant renewals surged by 14% during the second quarter of 2024, suggesting demand is strong, and there is still interest in Dubai's rental sector.
3. Expected Monthly Rent Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: AED 8,174.61 (USD 2,225.59)
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre: AED 5,089.07 (USD 1,385.53)
- 3-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: AED 15,266.63 (USD 4,156.45)
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre: AED 10,013.85 (USD 2,726.34)
Monthly Cost of Travel and Transport
Dubai transport service options are as vast as the city itself, breaking the transport system into public buses, metros, and private taxis. In addition, the transport-providing companies are another immensely spread system across Dubai, providing both employment and services.
However, the use of rides can magnify your budget largely. A single bus ride costs between AED 4-8, while you can get a monthly metro pass at AED 350.
Nonetheless, the distance and frequency of your transportation can vary relatively. However, Nol Card can save some of your money and covers all city districts at minimal expense.
1. Car Ownership in Dubai
a) Car Prices
- You can spend as little as AED 74,900 (USD 20,392) for one of the best-selling new cars in Dubai, the 2024 Toyota Corolla.
- Car Financing (20% Down Payment, 60 Monthly Payments): AED 14,076 (USD 3,832) per year, excluding down payment
- Depreciation lowers the price by 20-40% for used cars. Example: A base-price 2020 Toyota Corolla (4 years old) generally runs a little above AED 40,000.
b) Fuel Costs
Gas prices in Dubai are relatively cheaper than the global average:
- Special 95: AED 2.63 per litre (USD 0.72)
- Super 98: AED 2.74 per litre (USD 0.75)
- Global average: AED 4.55 per litre (USD 1.24).
What is the Average Cost of Living in Dubai for Singles, Couples and Families?
Below we break down the average expenditures needed for couples, individuals and families.
1. Cost of Living in Dubai for Single Person
Let’s explore how the average living cost operates for a single person. The cost of living in Dubai for a single person can vary between AED 3,900 and AED 7,500.
The cost can differ depending on the location and type of property. If we consider the living expense of a single person in Dubai with rent, studios would be the most suitable property type for individuals.
Further, studio apartments in affordable communities cost around AED 2,500. However, if the individual is looking for a deluxe location, the rental price could start from AED 5,900, like in Dubai Marina.
Moreover, the utility bills for Bachelors can add AED 800 to AED 1200 to your budget, which includes internet, TV, DEWA, and mobile plans. Not to mention the groceries; however, by not intensifying your budget, this aspect of living expenses can be kept at the lowest possible AED 550.
2. Cost of Living in Dubai for a Couple
A new couple in a new town? Don’t worry! Let us aggregate your budget and help you create an affordable living expense in Dubai. Couples can determine their monthly payments in Dubai based on their needs and lifestyle choices.
The lowest monthly expense in Dubai can vary between AED 5,700- AED 11,700. In a high-end community like Dubai Marina, the monthly expense for a couple living in a 1-BHK apartment costs around AED 9,000.
In addition, affordable districts like Al Nahda can cost AED 3,500 per month to a couple. The average price of utility bills will add AED 1.5k whereas AED 1,200 can be cut-off for the groceries.
3. Cost of Living in Dubai for Family
Cost of living in Dubai for family can start at AED 14,800 and rise to AED 23,300. Families can rent or buy a property based on their social status; however, villas remain a preferred choice for families in Dubai.
High-profile communities like Arabian Ranches would increase your monthly rental price by AED 20,166. However, the rental prices could be minimized if you choose an affordable locality.
For instance, the monthly rental price for a 3 BHK villa would be around AED 10,250 in Mirdif.
Adding a reasonable option—2 and 3-bedroom apartments—makes a suitable choice to start living in. The rental prices of such property types can range between AED 2,800 and AED 4,166 monthly.
Further, adding AED 3,700 and AED 2,400 to your monthly living expenses for utilities and groceries can be increased and decreased as per your priorities.
Health or Medical Insurance
Cost of living in Dubai will be impacted by your need for health or medical insurance, which is required for all citizens. Your employer has a responsibility to provide your health insurance if you are being sponsored by them.
If you hire a housekeeper, you will have to provide them with health insurance, typically through the Essential Benefits Plan. Managing healthcare expenses in Dubai can be challenging because of the high living costs in Dubai.
Your family's health insurance could be provided by the companies. AED 600 is the starting annual premium for Essential Benefits Plans, while other medical insurance premiums vary based on the coverage. AED 5,500 is about the annual cost of an individual's complete medical coverage, in comparison.
Cost of Utilities
Dubai expenses per month of utilities can vary significantly. The cost of utilities, which include your water and electricity connections (provided by DEWA), television and internet packages, and mobile plans, will be included in your Dubai life expenses.
For about AED 389 per month, VAT included, residents can get 250 Mbps, unlimited data, and Cable/ADSL with a basic package.
Premium sports and entertainment channels and packages with download speeds of 500 Mbps or higher will set you back at least AED 450 (VAT excluded) per month.
Etisalat and Du also have time-limited promotions where customers can get TV and internet bundles at a reduced cost.
In Dubai, postpaid mobile plans start at AED 125 per month, but for greater data packages and more calling minutes, you can pay up to AED 1,000 per month.
Budgeting for Education Expenses
School fees can be a significant portion of your annual budget, especially if your children go to one of the top schools in Dubai.
The best schools can cost anywhere from AED 4,500 to AED 11,500 per month, depending on your child's grade. British, American, and IB schools have higher fees.
In contrast, Indian schools in Dubai have lower tuition; GEMS Modern Academy, for example, charges between AED 2,900 and AED 5,500 a month.
Keep in mind that if your children attend school in Dubai, monthly and annual expenses will also cover the cost of school supplies, uniforms, transportation, notebooks, exam fees, educational trips, and other expenses.
1. Education Costs in Dubai
a) Public Schools
While expat students are permitted to enroll in public schools in Dubai, they are required to pay tuition, as government education is free only for Emirati nationals. Tuition for expat students attending public schools is capped at AED 6,000 (USD 1,635) annually.
b) Independent and International Schools
There are 209 private schools in Dubai with 289,195 students. Private school fees range widely, depending on where you live and what kind of school you get into. Fees average from AED 12,723 to AED 64,903 (USD 3,464 - USD 17,671). Only one emirate—Dubai—enforces limits on annual tuition fee increases to guard against excessive annual hikes.
c) Higher Education
There are 65 colleges and universities in Dubai, 5 of which are public. Arabic is the language of instruction at public universities, and the majority of private universities operate in English.
- Undergraduate Degree Fees: AED 40,000 to AED 100,000 (USD 10,890 - USD 27,226) per year
- Graduate Degree Fees: AED 50,000 to AED 120,000 (USD 13,613 - USD 32,671) per year
- University Housing Fees: AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 (USD 1,361 - USD 4,084) per year.
Entertainment and Dining Costs in Dubai
A weekend in Dubai is never boring. Dubai residents have plenty of things to do and places to explore, ranging from fine dining restaurants and IMAX theatres to extreme sports and popular tourist destinations.
In Dubai, the cost of entertainment varies significantly, and as you all know, the average monthly expenses in Dubai are too high.
Dining out also varies in price: a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant comes to about AED 200, a meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant costs about AED 40, and a meal for two at a fine-dining restaurant can cost anywhere between AED 500 and AED 1,000.
Additional Living Expenses in Dubai
Apart from housing, renting, grocery, and utility expenses in Dubai, the wealthy city- Dubai, embraces an array of entertainment and leisure.
This includes a gymnasium, cinemas, tourist spots, and more. If you are a gym enthusiast, you can surely not resist a gym membership, costing you around AED 200- AED 500 per person.
Moreover, the prices of cinema tickets can add AED 50 to your living expenses. And if you are a dine-out lover, separate an estimated amount of AED 200 to AED 400 from your budget.
Estimated Salary to Survive in Dubai
The luxury lifestyle of Dubai is a perfect place for people with different talents and professions to settle in. However, making conscious decisions can help you develop a pocket-friendly budget, which is crucial to survive in Dubai.
You can enjoy a comfortable and secure lifestyle in Dubai with a salary estimated around AED 9,000 – AED 13,000. Additionally, one is required to properly manage the monthly expenses to save a substantial amount for progress in Dubai.
It is important to note that monthly living expenses can also differ based on nationalities. For instance, the monthly living expenses for European expats would be different from those of South Asian families.
This difference is mainly characterized by their schooling, shopping, and lifestyle choices.
Closing In
Conclusively, this blog estimates the monthly living expenses in Dubai. Further, it involves thoroughly researched figures to avoid any misinformation. The city is expensive compared to other UAE cities like Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, though it is cheaper than other global hubs like London and New York.
Choosing Dubai is a progressive move to upgrade one's lifestyle. However, one needs to have complete knowledge before moving to Dubai. The most flexible way to settle in Dubai is through acquiring the Dubai Golden Visa. In addition, proper budgeting and planning would be effective for a vibrant lifestyle in Dubai.
Most expatriates prefer to move here alone as the monthly living expenses in dubai for single person are pretty low compared to the family’s monthly payments. With the continuous hikes and shifts in the economic structures, the monthly living expenses in Dubai for couples can be estimated at around AED 16,960.
Contrarily, the monthly cost of living in Dubai for families completely differs as the budget involves high rental prices of houses and schooling fees of children. Furthermore, if you want to obtain a residency permit, an investment of around AED 750,000 is required, significantly changing your lifestyle.
Regulating expenses can help you make the most of your time in this world-class city. Whether you are already residing in Dubai or considering moving here, keeping track of monthly costs would be cost-effective and prevent financial stress.
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