Cost of Living in Dubai
A comprehensive breakdown of everyday expenses to help you budget for life in Dubai.
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Dubai Monthly Budget Examples
Budget Living
- Rent (studio, shared)2,500 - 3,500
- Utilities500 - 800
- Groceries800 - 1,200
- Transportation500 - 800
- Phone/Internet300 - 500
- Entertainment500 - 800
- Miscellaneous500 - 800
- Total5,600 - 8,400 AED
Mid-Range Living
- Rent (1BR apartment)4,000 - 6,000
- Utilities800 - 1,200
- Groceries1,200 - 2,000
- Transportation1,000 - 1,500
- Phone/Internet500 - 800
- Entertainment1,000 - 2,000
- Miscellaneous1,000 - 1,500
- Total9,500 - 15,000 AED
Luxury Living
- Rent (2BR premium)10,000 - 15,000
- Utilities1,500 - 2,500
- Groceries2,500 - 4,000
- Transportation2,500 - 4,000
- Phone/Internet800 - 1,200
- Entertainment3,000 - 6,000
- Miscellaneous2,000 - 4,000
- Total22,300 - 36,700 AED
Housing Costs
| Accommodation Type | Budget Area (AED/year) | Mid-Range Area (AED/year) | Premium Area (AED/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 25,000 - 35,000 | 35,000 - 50,000 | 50,000 - 80,000 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | 35,000 - 45,000 | 45,000 - 70,000 | 70,000 - 120,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | 45,000 - 65,000 | 65,000 - 90,000 | 90,000 - 160,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | 60,000 - 90,000 | 90,000 - 130,000 | 130,000 - 200,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Villa | 80,000 - 120,000 | 120,000 - 180,000 | 180,000 - 300,000+ |
Note: Rental prices are annual and typically paid in 1-4 cheques. Budget areas include Al Qusais, Discovery Gardens; Mid-range areas include JLT, The Greens; Premium areas include Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah.
Utilities & Bills
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas (if applicable) | 50 - 150 | For cooking; many apartments use electric stoves |
| Mobile Phone | 100 - 500 | Postpaid plans; prepaid options available |
| Internet & TV | 350 - 1,000 | Providers: Etisalat, du |
| Electricity & Water (DEWA) | 500 - 1,500 | Higher in summer months due to AC usage |
| AC Charges | 300 - 1,000 | In some buildings, charged separately from DEWA |
| Housing Fee | 5% of annual rent | Divided into monthly payments on DEWA bill |
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Groceries & Food
Supermarket Prices (AED)
- Bread (white loaf)5 - 7
- Milk (1 liter)6 - 8
- Eggs (dozen)12 - 18
- Tomatoes (1kg)5 - 10
- Rice (1kg)10 - 20
- Apples (1kg)8 - 15
- Chicken (1kg)20 - 35
- Imported cheese (200g)20 - 40
Dining Out (per person)
- Fast food meal25 - 40
- Coffee (specialty)18 - 30
- Soft drink5 - 12
- Casual restaurant60 - 120
- Mid-range restaurant150 - 250
- Local beer (restaurant)45 - 65
- Glass of wine (restaurant)50 - 90
- Fine dining300 - 1,000+
Transportation
Public Transport
- Metro one-way trip4 - 8.50
- Bus one-way trip4 - 8
- Metro day pass20
- Taxi starting fare12 (day) / 14 (night)
- Taxi per kilometer1.82 - 2.30
- Uber/Careem (average 10km)40 - 60
Car Ownership
- Fuel (per liter)2.50 - 3.50
- Salik toll gate (per pass)4
- Parking (monthly)300 - 800
- Car registration (annual)500 - 1,000
- Car insurance (annual)1,500 - 5,000+
- Car rental (monthly)1,500 - 4,000+
Education & Childcare
| Type | Annual Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery/Preschool | 25,000 - 60,000 | Full-time, varies by location and facilities |
| Primary School (Private) | 35,000 - 70,000 | Additional fees for registration, uniforms, etc. |
| Secondary School (Private) | 45,000 - 100,000 | Premium schools can exceed 100,000 AED |
| International Baccalaureate | 70,000 - 120,000 | Top-tier international schools |
| Babysitting | 50 - 100 per hour | Agency rates; private arrangements may vary |
| Nanny (full-time, live-in) | 3,000 - 5,000 monthly | Plus visa, insurance, and other benefits |
Healthcare
Medical Costs (without insurance)
- GP consultation300 - 700
- Dental check-up300 - 500
- Specialist consultation500 - 1,000
- Emergency room visit500 - 1,000+
- Prescription medicationVaries widely
Health Insurance
- Basic plan (annual)3,000 - 5,000
- Comprehensive plan (annual)8,000 - 15,000
- Premium plan (annual)15,000 - 30,000+
- Family plan (annual)15,000 - 50,000+
Note: Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Many employers provide health insurance as part of employment packages.
Entertainment & Leisure
Activities
- Cinema ticket35 - 60
- Gym membership (monthly)250 - 500
- Premium gym/fitness club (monthly)500 - 1,200
- Beach club day pass100 - 500
- Burj Khalifa observation deck149 - 379
- Water park entry250 - 450
Shopping & Personal Care
- Men's haircut50 - 150
- Women's haircut150 - 400
- Manicure80 - 150
- Spa treatment300 - 800
- Jeans (branded)200 - 500
- Dress (mid-range)200 - 600
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Dubai an expensive city to live in?
Yes, but it depends on your lifestyle. Rent is usually the biggest expense. Groceries, dining out, and transport are generally affordable to moderate. The lack of personal income tax helps balance things out.
2. How much does rent cost in Dubai?
It varies by area and apartment size:
| Area | 1BR (AED/month) | 3BR (AED/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | 8,500–14,000 | 18,000–30,000 |
| Dubai Marina | 7,000–12,000 | 15,000–25,000 |
| JVC / The Greens | 5,500–8,500 | 11,000–16,000 |
| Mirdif / Al Qusais | 3,500–6,500 | 8,000–13,000 |
3. How much do utilities cost per month in Dubai?
Expect to pay between AED 300 and 800 per month for electricity and water. Internet plans range around AED 300 to 400, and mobile plans are between AED 100 and 250.
4. What's the average grocery bill in Dubai?
For a single person, monthly groceries usually cost between AED 800 and 1,200. Local supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu offer the best deals, but imported items can drive the bill higher.
5. How much does it cost to eat out in Dubai?
A casual meal can cost around AED 25 to 40. For two people at a mid-range restaurant, expect AED 150 to 300. Fine dining can easily hit AED 500 or more.
6. How expensive is transportation in Dubai?
Public transport is affordable. Metro trips cost between AED 3 and 7, or you can get a monthly pass starting at AED 270. Taxis start at AED 12, and typical rides cost AED 30 to 50. Fuel is cheap for drivers.
7. Is healthcare expensive in Dubai?
Public healthcare is mainly for nationals, so expats rely on private care, which can be costly without insurance. Basic health insurance plans range from AED 700 to 1,500 per year. Private doctor visits usually cost AED 250 to 500.
8. What is the average monthly budget for a single expat in Dubai?
| Category | Monthly Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 5,000–9,000 |
| Utilities | 400–900 |
| Groceries | 800–1,200 |
| Transport | 300–800 |
| Dining/Leisure | 800–2,000 |
| Total | 7,300–13,900 |
9. Are schools and education expensive in Dubai?
Yes. Primary school tuition starts at around AED 15,000 per year and can go above AED 100,000 for international schools. Uniforms and books add extra costs.
10. Is life in Dubai affordable for a family?
It depends on housing, schooling, and lifestyle choices. A modest budget for a family of four would range between AED 15,000 and 25,000 per month.