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Thinking of moving to Dubai? That’s a great decision. It is no surprise why so many people around the world dream of becoming residents of Dubai. With tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and a luxurious lifestyle, the city attracts thousands of new residents every year.
Whether you are a business owner ready to launch, a student pursuing world-class education, or a professional seeking career growth, Dubai has something for everyone. But before you pack your bags, you should be actually aware of the cost and expenses of living in the city.
In this article, we will explore the cost of living in Dubai in depth. We will focus on costs such as renting, education, utilities, healthcare services, transportation costs, etc, one by one.
The UAE has been ranked the 7th best destination to live and work, offering great opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families alike. When we talk about the cost of living in Dubai, we refer to basic expenses such as accommodation, food, healthcare, education, and essential leisure activities that keep life going.
Cost of living for a single person might be around AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 per month (excluding rent). At the same time, Dubai living cost for family can range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per month (excluding rent, for family of 4).
So, is Dubai expensive for living? Remember, Dubai does not have to cost a dune and a star, just manage your spending wisely! Let us explore the essential elements of live in Dubai cost, in detail.
The first, and perhaps the biggest, bite out of your budget is likely to be the accommodation. If you are someone new to Dubai, it would be better to rent a place. Dubai offers a variety of rental options, ranging from studios to spacious villas.
Some of the popular areas for renting, especially for families, include Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Marina, DEIRA, and Downtown Dubai.
However, with the real estate market growing significantly, rental prices have also seen a sharp rise in recent years. You can expect around 30% of your living expenses in Dubai to go toward housing alone.
Here is the monthly rent you can expect to pay in Dubai (based on Numbeo data):
| Apartment type | Rent cost per month |
| 1 bedroom apartment in City Center | AED 8,174 |
| 1 bedrooms apartment outside of Center | AED 5,089 |
| 3 bedrooms apartment in City Center | AED 15,266 |
| 3 bedrooms apartment outside of Center | AED 10,013 |
Apartment rentals in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) range from AED 50,000 to AED 850,000.
The average annual price for rent of 1-bhk in Dubai Marina is just AED 90,000. Whereas, apartment rents in Downtown Dubai typically cost form AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000.
Please note that housing costs highly depends on the type, location and size of the property being rented. There are many affordable options to choose from such as studio apartments, with average rates of AED 650 per day to AED 10,000 per month.
Utilities in Dubai consist of electricity, water, and internet connections, and form significant part of your cost of living in Dubai. These essentials are managed by DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) and your bill depends on your property and how much you use.
For example, if you are living in a large villa with a pool, the necessary air conditioning and water bills will be significantly higher compared to a small apartment. Similarly, during the summer months, air conditioning costs will be more compared to the cooler months.
But if you keep an eye on your usage, you can manage your DEWA bills effectively. The DEWA app even sends alerts if there is an unusual increase in consumption, helping you stay in control.
The average monthly DEWA bill (based on Numbeo data):
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (AED) |
| Basic services like heating, electricity, water, garbage, cooling for 85 sq. meters apartment | 820* |
| Mobile plan (calls plus 10 GB+ data) | 228* |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) | 360* |
Dubai is a fast-paced city, and if you are moving here, chances are your career or business will keep you busy. That is why having reliable help for cleaning is a must for many residents. You can either hire full-time domestic help or use a cleaning service provider.
If you go for domestic help, salaries typically range from AED 1,600 to AED 4,200 per month.
Here are the starting prices for cleaning services based on property size, according to ecoclean:
| Property Type | Starting Price (AED) |
| Studio Apartment | 499 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 599 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 999 |
| Villa | 799 – 2,450 |
Food makes up one of the biggest parts of your living costs in Dubai. How much you spend largely depends on your lifestyle, whether you prefer cooking at home or dining out.
Here are the prices of some basic food items you might buy regularly in Dubai:
| Item | Quantity | Price (AED) |
| Milk (regular) | 1 litre | 7.00 |
| Fresh bread (loaf) | 1 loaf | 5.00 |
| White rice | 1 kg | 9.00 |
| Eggs | 12 eggs | 12.00 |
| Chicken fillet | 1 kg | 42.00 |
| Apples | 1 kg | 8.60 |
| Bananas | 1 kg | 6.90 |
| Tomatoes | 1 kg | 5.20 |
| Onions | 1 kg | 4.00 |
| Water | 1.5 litres | 2.44 |
As a single person, you must keep a budget of around AED 800 to AED 1,200 for monthly grocery shopping. Shopping at local supermarkets like Lulu or Carrefour can keep grocery costs manageable for you, especially if you buy local produce and essential items.
If you enjoy dining out occasionally, here are some typical restaurant prices to keep in mind:
The next important element of cost of living in Dubai is travel and transportation. You basically have two main options: private or public transport. If your budget allows, buying your own car is a popular choice. Here are a couple of examples of car prices in Dubai:
Keep in mind, fuel costs can add up to the living expenses in Dubai. Expect to spend around AED 700 per month, or more if you drive often or own a larger vehicle.
Public transport, which includes the metro, buses, and taxis, is a widely used and more affordable option. Here are some typical costs:
| Item | Price (AED) |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | 6.00 |
| Monthly public transport pass | 330.00 |
| Taxi starting fare | 12.00 |
| Taxi fare per km | 2.55 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 2.83 |
Alternatively, you can lease a car. Leasing costs in Dubai vary widely, ranging from AED 800 to AED 10,000 per month, depending on the car model, lease duration, and down payment.
Dubai’s health sector has seen significant growth in recent years, offering the latest technology and treatments. It has become a medical hub attracting people from around the world.
When you move to Dubai, one of the first things to arrange is health insurance. If you come on a job contract, your employer is typically responsible for providing basic coverage, which may also include your family. However, if that is not the case, you will need to purchase health insurance yourself.
According to Insurance Hub, here is an estimated annual Dubai health insurance price range:
| Category | Basic Plan (AED) | Mid-tier Plan (AED) | Premium Plan (AED) |
| Young single expat | 600 – 1,800 | 2,500 – 4,500 | 15,000+ |
| Couple | 3,500 – 5,000 | 8,000 – 12,000 | 30,000+ |
| Family of 4 | 8,000 – 12,000 | 18,000 – 25,000 | 35,000+ |
The more premium the policy you get, the more it will cover such as dental and optical care, maternity benefits, outpatient services, and prescribed medications. So based on your plan, family size, and budget, you can choose what suits you most.
For expats earning less than AED 4,000 or non-working residents, the Dubai government offers the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). This is the minimum health insurance required for all residents to be eligible and costs an affordable AED 320 to AED 650 per year.
Expat kids can attend public or private schools in the UAE, depending on their choice. Dubai’s education system is world-class, with many new school openings in recent years. As a parent, you get to choose from a wide range of options.
Here is a snapshot of typical education costs:
School uniforms can cost anywhere from AED 600 to AED 5,000, depending on what is included, such as shirts, pants, PE attire, jackets, blazers, shoes, accessories, etc. For lunch, you can either pack food from home or opt for meals offered by many schools.
Learning goes beyond the classroom in Dubai. Many parents enrol their kids in extracurricular activities, either through the school or independent providers. These activities help children explore their passions and develop new skills.
Popular after-school activities include:
Costs for these can vary widely, typically ranging from AED 100 to AED 2,000+ per month depending on the activity and provider.
| Activity | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Fitness club (monthly membership) | AED 312 |
| Tennis court rental (1 hour, weekend) | AED 186 |
| Cinema (1 seat) | AED 30 – 60 |
| Desert safari | AED 100 – AED 300 |
| Burj Khalifa ticket | Starting from AED 179 |
| Tandem skydiving | AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 |
| Waterpark ticket | AED 200+ |
| Zoo entry | AED 95 |
| Theme park entry | AED 180 |
Your lifestyle and personal choices play a big role in determining how much income you will need to live comfortably in Dubai. As a general guideline, a single person should aim for an annual income of around AED 120,000 to AED 180,000. For a family of four, the figure rises to approximately AED 300,000 to AED 500,000 per year.
This income range typically covers basic cost of living in Dubai like rent, daily living expenses, and health insurance. You can certainly live on less, but that might mean adjusting your lifestyle accordingly. On the flip side, if you are aiming for a more premium lifestyle, a higher salary will open up more options and flexibility.
Hold on! Now that you know the costs of living in Dubai, remember, you cannot just pack your bags and move. There is one legal requirement you must take care of first: the UAE residence visa.
Issued by the immigration authorities, this visa is the legal permit that allows you to enter, live, and work in Dubai. Without it, you are not legally allowed to stay long-term or pursue your goals here.
You can obtain a residence visa through various routes, such as:
And of course, the visa comes with a cost, something you will want to include in your cost of living in Dubai. Now you must be probably thinking how to get it. Do not worry, we have covered it all in detail: UAE residence visa .
Let us look at some real-life examples that show how much it costs to live in Dubai, depending on your lifestyle and family size:
Profile: Rahul is 29 years old and just moved to Dubai.
Monthly Expenses:
Total living expenses in Dubai: AED 8,578/month
Suggested income: AED 10,000 – AED 12,000
Profile: Aisha and Omar are working professionals who moved to Dubai for better career growth.
Monthly Expenses:
Total living expenses in Dubai: AED 14,700/month
Suggested income: AED 25,000/month
Profile: Mr. Khan works in IT and Mrs. Khan is a part-time teacher.
Monthly Expenses:
Total living expenses in Dubai: AED 27,600/month
Suggested income: AED 35,000/month
Profile: Jenny is a 32-year-old freelance graphic designer.
Monthly Expenses:
Total living expenses in Dubai: AED 5,900/month
Suggested income: AED 8,000 to AED 10,000/month (AED 120,000/year)
Note: These expenses and income suggestions are estimates and may vary based on lifestyle and market conditions in Dubai.
Dubai is a lifestyle, a hub of opportunity, a place where dreams of various shapes and sizes take flight. If you want to secure a bright future for yourself and your family, Dubai can be a great decision. Do your proper research on cost of living in Dubai, plan your budget, have clear goals in mind and you’ll find it’s all worth it.
If you are planning to relocate to Dubai, you have come to the right place. Dubiz Business Setup offers a complete 360-degree relocation service, where we help you establish your business in Dubai and support your family’s transition as well.
From handling visas and immigration to ensuring a smooth Dubai business setup process, we take care of it all, so you can focus on starting your new chapter of life.
📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485
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📧 Email: info@dubiz.co
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and may change over time. Please verify details with official sources before making any decisions
A salary of AED 12,000 to AED 18,000 per month will allow you to live a comfortable life in Dubai. You can manage with even less or aim for more, depending on your lifestyle choices.
Yes. You do not have to pay any tax on your salary. That is why many expats prefer to move to Dubai and work here.
No. For education services, both in private and public sectors, expats are required to pay fees. Costs can be high or low depending on the school’s location, reputation, and curriculum. Public institutions can be cheaper than private ones.
Dubai is widely considered a good place to live thanks to its safety, modern infrastructure, rich culture, and promising economy.
If you are planning to stay in Dubai for a short time (say 1 to 2 years), renting will be a smarter choice. For long-term goals, you can consider buying property, which also offers added benefits like eligibility for the Golden Visa (if the minimum threshold investment is met).
Dubai is built for power and luxury, and the strong infrastructure supports a comfortable driving experience. Owning a car is considered a lifestyle luxury. If it fits your budget, you will enjoy driving in Dubai. If not, public transport/leasing is still a great option.
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