Dubai is known for its luxury shopping, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. This gorgeous city has so much to offer, from unparalleled architecture to one-of-a-kind attractions.
But if you’re just about to move here, this may lead you to wonder what price tag comes with a comfortable life in Dubai. In this article, we will be breaking down the most common living expenses in Dubai to help you plan and budget for your new life here.
- Housing
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Healthcare & Insurance
- Schools
- Transport
- Leisure
- Average Cost of Living for Families, Singles and Couples
- Key Takeaways
Housing
Whether you are renting or buying, housing in Dubai will likely be your largest expense, but it is one over which you have a lot of control. That is because housing prices vary significantly in Dubai depending on the community you choose by up to 400%.
For example, the yearly rent for a studio apartment is around AED 85,000 in Downtown Dubai but could be on average AED 55,000 in a more affordable community like Jumeirah Village Circle. Conclusively, explore different areas and find one that matches your budget.
Note that you should bear in mind the location of your work and the proximity of essential amenities. Opting for a Dubai rent apartment close to your workplace or necessary services can help you avoid offsetting the savings you make from lower rent prices by spending more on transport.
Here’s a look at the average rent and property prices you can expect in Dubai:
| Type | Avg Annual Rent (AED / USD) | Avg. Sales Price (AED / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | AED 45,000 – 70,000 (≈ USD 12,270 – 19,090) | AED 709,000 (≈ USD 193,175) |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | AED 70,000 – 110,000 (≈ USD 19,090 – 29,950) | AED 1,000,000 – 1,600,000 (≈ USD 272,300 – 436,000) |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | AED 115,000 – 170,000 (≈ USD 31,300 – 46,300) | AED 2,300,000 – 2,800,000 (≈ USD 626,000 – 763,000) |
| 4-Bedroom Villa | AED 320,000 – 450,000 (≈ USD 87,200 – 122,600) | AED 4,040,000 – 6,000,000 (≈ USD 1,101,600 – 1,635,000) |
Explore areas to buy property in Dubai
Explore All Available Properties for Rent in Dubai
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Villa
Listed 1 month ago
550,000 AED/year
Prime Location | Beautifully Landscaped | Single Row
Sidra Villas II, Sidra Villas, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
4
3
3,455 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
460,000 AED/year
Burj Khalifa Fountain | Chiller Free | Furnished
Burj Lake Hotel - The Address DownTown, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,870 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
60,000 AED/year
Furnished | Largest Studio Layout | 12 Cheques
Tower 1, Terhab Hotels & Towers, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai
studio
1
456 sqft
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Villa
Listed 3 days ago
4,000,000 AED/year
Peaceful Lake View | Fully furnished | Vacant
Entertainment Foyer, Oasis Clusters, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai
5
5
12,133 sqft
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Villa
Listed 3 days ago
300,000 AED/year
Community Expert | Single Row | Vacant Now
Lila, Arabian Ranches 2, Dubai
3
4
4,359 sqft
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Villa
Listed 3 days ago
335,000 AED/year
Lush Landscaped Garden | District 5 | Vacant
Regional, Jumeirah Park, Dubai
3
4
7,318 sqft
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Townhouse
Listed 3 days ago
240,000 AED/year
EXCLUSIVE | TH2 | Ready to Occupy
Marbella Village, Victory Heights, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
4
4
2,800 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
130,000 AED/year
CANAL VIEW / PREMIUM LOCATION / WELL MAINTAINED
Canal Bay, Business Bay, Dubai
2
3
1,327 sqft
-
Townhouse
Listed 3 days ago
179,900 AED/year
Available | Genuine Listing | Best Price
Mudon Al Ranim 1, Mudon, Dubai
3
4
1,808 sqft
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Villa
Listed 3 days ago
393,000 AED/year
Open House this weekend! 10am-12pm by appointment
Caya, Arabian Ranches 3, Dubai
4
4
4,098 sqft
Utilities
Utilities, including basic utilities, as well as essentials like a phone plan, can add up, so it is important to budget for them. Their cost will depend on several factors like your usage or the size of your accommodation.
Here’s a look at the average amount you can expect to pay on utilities, including electricity bills, home internet, and more in Dubai
| Utility | Monthly Cost (AED / USD) |
|---|---|
| Home Internet Plan | AED 300 – 500 (≈ USD 82 – 136) |
| Basic Phone Plan | AED 25 – 50 (≈ USD 6.80 – 13.60) |
| Basic Utilities for 85 m² Apartment (Cooling, Heating, Electricity, Garbage, Water) | AED 500 – 1,200 (≈ USD 136 – 327) |
Overall, fresh produce and meat tend to be relatively affordable in Dubai relative to other major cities around the world. However, imported products, as expected, tend to be more expensive. In addition, hypermarkets and supermarkets like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Lulu are located abundantly across Dubai, and they often have reasonable offers and discounts.
Here’s a look at the prices of some common grocery items:
| Grocery Item | Price (AED / USD) |
|---|---|
| Water (1.5 L bottle) | AED 3.50 (≈ USD 0.95) |
| Coca-Cola (330 ml can) | AED 4.65 (≈ USD 1.27) |
| Milk (1 L) | AED 8.40 (≈ USD 2.29) |
| Loaf of Bread (500 g) | AED 5.50 (≈ USD 1.50) |
| White Rice (1 kg) | AED 10 (≈ USD 2.72) |
| Eggs (6 pieces) | AED 7.50 (≈ USD 2.04) |
| Cheese (1 kg) | AED 68 (≈ USD 18.53) |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | AED 55 (≈ USD 14.98) |
| Beef (1 kg) | AED 57 (≈ USD 15.53) |
| Apples (1 kg) | AED 8.50 (≈ USD 2.32) |
| Bananas (1 kg) | AED 6.75 (≈ USD 1.84) |
| Oranges (1 kg) | AED 3.85 (≈ USD 1.05) |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | AED 7.00 (≈ USD 1.91) |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | AED 4.00 (≈ USD 1.09) |
| Onions (1 kg) | AED 2.50 (≈ USD 0.68) |
Healthcare & Insurance
It is obligatory for all residents in the UAE to have health insurance. If a company is sponsoring you in Dubai, they must provide you with health insurance; in many cases, this insurance extends to your family.
However, if you are on an investor visa or, for any other reason, are not offered health insurance, then you must purchase a health insurance plan from one of the many providers in Dubai.
Besides, in case your income is less than AED 4,000 per month, you can get the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), which offers the same coverage as the UAE public healthcare.
Additionally, for those who have any domestic worker employees, you must provide them with healthcare insurance.
If you decide to purchase health insurance, here’s a look at the average annual prices of different health insurance plans.
Here’s all you need to know about healthcare in UAE as an expat.
Annual Health Insurance Cost (AED):
| Plan Type | Individual (AED / USD) | Family of Four (AED / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Health Insurance | AED 600 – 800 (≈ USD 164 – 218) | AED 17,000 (≈ USD 4,633) |
| Comprehensive Health Plan | AED 5,000 – 6,000 (≈ USD 1,362 – 1,635) | AED 33,000 – 35,000 (≈ USD 8,992 – 9,540) |
| Premium Health Plan | AED 10,000 – 15,000 (≈ USD 2,724 – 4,086) | AED 60,000 – 70,000 (≈ USD 16,350 – 19,073) |
| Essential Benefits Plan | AED 550 – 600 (≈ USD 150 – 164) | — |
If you’re moving to Dubai as a family, school fees are likely a significant concern. We’ll lay out your options and average school fees to help you budget accordingly.
Public Schools
In Dubai, you’ll have the option to choose between public and private schools. Since 2001, expats in Dubai have been allowed to attend public schools. While public schools are free for Emiratis; however, expats are charged fees.
In addition, before deciding if public schools are the right choice for your child, note that public schools teach exclusively in Arabic. These schools implement the Emirati national curriculum and teach English as a second language.
Private schools
There are several international curriculums offered at private schools in Dubai, including IB, American, British and Indian. Note that private schools are often more expensive for expats than public schools; however, they offer international curricula. This helps students transfer easily between schools in different countries in case of relocating.
While fees for private schools can be quite costly, the emirate of Dubai has implemented a cap on the yearly increase of school fees to make a good education more accessible for families.
Additionally, bear in mind that you’ll need to factor in the added cost of the uniform, school supplies, school transportation, and school trips.
The table below shows the annual school fees for an expat student in grade 6 at different types of schools in Dubai to give you an idea:
| School Type | Annual Fees (AED / USD) |
|---|---|
| Public School (for Expats) | AED 6,000 – 19,000 (≈ USD 1,635 – 5,176) |
| Indian Schools | AED 12,000 – 35,000 (≈ USD 3,270 – 9,540) |
| American Schools | AED 20,000 – 98,000 (≈ USD 5,450 – 26,710) |
| British Schools | AED 22,000 – 95,000 (≈ USD 5,995 – 25,890) |
| Premium International Schools | AED 100,000+ (≈ USD 27,250+) |
Click here to discover the perfect school for your kids!
Transport
There are several public transport options available in Dubai, including the metro and busses. A monthly pass for the metro in Dubai costs around AED 350 (~ 96 USD), and a single ride on the bus costs between AED 4 and 8 (~ 1-2 USD).
In addition, taxis and rideshares like Uber and Careem are also readily available, but they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.
Alternatively, you might be interested in buying a car in Dubai.
The table below shows the average price of some common modes of transport in Dubai:
| Mode of Transport | Price (AED / USD) |
|---|---|
| Metro Card (Monthly Pass) | AED 300 (≈ USD 82) |
| Bus Ride (Single Trip) | AED 4 – 8 (≈ USD 1.09 – 2.18) |
| Monthly Transport (Single Person) | AED 350 – 800 (≈ USD 96 – 218) |
| Family Transport (with Car) | AED 2,000 – 3,800 (≈ USD 545 – 1,036) |
Leisure
Some popular leisure activities include visiting the many malls and shopping centres around Dubai, going to the beach, visiting theme parks, and going out to eat. Dubai has a plethora of diverse attractions with a wide range of prices. This means that whatever your budget, you can still find fun and affordable things to do across the city.
Check the table below for an idea of what some common leisure activities cost in Dubai:
| Activity | Cost (AED / USD) |
|---|---|
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | AED 400 – 600 (≈ USD 109 – 164) |
| Cinema Ticket | AED 50 – 60 (≈ USD 13.60 – 16.35) |
| Average Restaurant Meal (Per Person) | AED 120 – 180 (≈ USD 33 – 49) |
| Family Day Out (Beach / Park / Entertainment) | AED 300 – 500 (≈ USD 82 – 136) |
What is the Average Cost of Living in Dubai for Families, Singles, and Couples?
The table below sums up the different expenses mentioned above to estimate the average monthly costs you can expect in this city.
Here’s an estimate of the average cost of living in Dubai for singles, couples, and a family of four, excluding transport and leisure costs:
Average Monthly Costs (AED)
| Expense Type | Single (AED / USD) | Couple (AED / USD) | Family of Four (AED / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | AED 4,000 – 9,000 (≈ USD 1,090 – 2,450) | AED 6,000 – 12,000 (≈ USD 1,635 – 3,270) | AED 10,000 – 18,000 (≈ USD 2,724 – 4,905) |
| Utilities | AED 500 – 1,000 (≈ USD 136 – 273) | AED 700 – 1,500 (≈ USD 191 – 409) | AED 1,000 – 2,000 (≈ USD 273 – 545) |
| Groceries | AED 800 – 1,200 (≈ USD 218 – 327) | AED 1,500 – 2,500 (≈ USD 409 – 681) | AED 3,000 – 4,000 (≈ USD 818 – 1,090) |
| Leisure | AED 500 – 1,000 (≈ USD 136 – 273) | AED 800 – 1,500 (≈ USD 218 – 409) | AED 1,500 – 3,000 (≈ USD 409 – 818) |
| Transport | AED 300 – 800 (≈ USD 82 – 218) | AED 600 – 1,200 (≈ USD 164 – 327) | AED 1,500 – 3,000 (≈ USD 409 – 818) |
| Education | — | — | AED 2,000 – 5,000 (≈ USD 545 – 1,362) |
| Total (Excluding Rent) | AED 6,100 – 13,000 (≈ USD 1,660 – 3,543) | AED 9,000 – 18,000 (≈ USD 2,450 – 4,905) | AED 17,000 – 35,000 (≈ USD 4,633 – 9,540) |
Discover neighborhoods for singles in Dubai
Cost of Living in Dubai Vs India, UK, USA
Understanding the cost of living is essential when considering relocation. Below is a comparison of average monthly expenses for one person in Dubai, India, the UK, and the USA. The costs are converted to AED and cover key categories like rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and dining out.
Check out this guide if you’re moving to Dubai from India
| Category | Dubai (AED) | India (AED) | UK (AED) | USA (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment in city center) | 5505 | 917.5 | 5505 | 6606 |
| Utilities (monthly, 1 person) | 734 | 110.1 | 734 | 550.5 |
| Groceries (monthly, 1 person) | 1101 | 367 | 917.5 | 1101 |
| Transportation (monthly, 1 person) | 367 | 73.4 | 256.9 | 220.2 |
| Dining Out (monthly, 1 person) | 550.5 | 183.5 | 734 | 917.5 |
Hint: All these numbers are according to Numbeo.com analysis
Living in Dubai is generally more affordable compared to several major countries. The cost of living here is about 22% lower than in the United States. According to LivingCost.org, the United Arab Emirates ranks as the 19th most expensive country in the world. In contrast, the United States is ranked 7th, the United Kingdom holds the 12th position, and India is placed at 50th. These rankings indicate that while Dubai offers a comfortable lifestyle, it remains less costly than many Western nations.
What Is the Minimum Cost of Living in Dubai?
While the table above estimates the median cost of living, the minimum cost of living for a single person in Dubai would be around AED 6,000 per month to account for any unexpected expenses.
Key Takeaways
The cost of living in Dubai largely depends on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. Expect monthly expenses of AED 4,000–12,000 for singles and AED 8,000–20,000+ for families, excluding rent. With housing taking the biggest slice, plus utilities, food, transport, and schooling, smart decisions on location and spending can make enjoying life in Dubai comfortably within reach.
FAQs
Dubai is the most expensive city in the UAE, known for its high standard of living and luxury lifestyle. The average cost of living in Dubai varies based on lifestyle and family size. On average, a single person’s monthly expenses amount to approximately AED 12,356 excluding rent, while a family of four can expect to spend around AED 20,149 per month without rent.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai’s city center is approximately AED 6,400 per month. In more affordable areas, you can find one-bedroom apartments for around AED 4,040. Rental costs may vary based on the location, building amenities, and property size.
Yes. There’s a wide range of monthly short term rentals in Dubai, especially in renowned areas like Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai. Moreover, choosing to have a short-term stay allows you to experience the lifestyle and amenities of these vibrant communities firsthand. This flexibility is perfect for those who are exploring their options before making a long-term commitment to a specific area in Dubai.
A comfortable lifestyle in Dubai generally requires a monthly income ranging from AED 17,000 to AED 30,000. This budget typically covers rent for a decent apartment, utility bills, daily expenses, and health insurance for added security. However, the exact amount may vary based on personal preferences and spending habits.
This article should help give you an idea of the minimum salary needed to live in Dubai. However, exactly how much you need will depend on your lifestyle, family situation, and how you choose to spend your money. For example, if you’re looking to rent in Dubai per month, your budget will vary based on the location and type of property you choose.
If you’re about to move to the UAE, check out this detailed guide on how to get your residence visa and Emirates ID.
