What you need to know about the cost of living in Dubai

• Types of Expenses in Dubai 
• Total Cost for Singles 
• Total Cost for Couples 
• Total Cost for a Family of 4
• FAQs

Dubai is a vibrant metropolis that attracts people from across the globe thanks to its multitude of opportunities, world-class lifestyle and secure environment. It’s a popular place for single professionals, couples and families to live. But before deciding to move to Dubai, you must know the cost of living in the city. Fortunately, Dubai is a place where residents can live an affordable or lavish lifestyle, whichever they choose! Today, we look at the basic cost of living in Dubai, including housing, utilities, groceries, schools and more!

Find out how much Dubai life costs for a couple, a single person or a family of four with our handy guide.

TYPES OF EXPENSES IN DUBAI

Whether you want to rent a villa in Dubai or an apartment, you must consider the expenses of living in Dubai first. We have categorised the average Dubai cost of living per month into eight sections to answer the question: How much does it cost to live in Dubai?

• Housing
• Groceries
• Utilities
• Transportation and Fuel
• Healthcare
• Schooling
• Entertainment
• House Help

Out of all the entries listed above, housing, groceries and utilities are direct living expenses in Dubai per month that make up a good chunk of your Dubai life cost. Your secondary expenses include transport, schooling, entertainment and healthcare.

Before we proceed to analyse each category of Dubai expenses, it is vital to remember that these costs can change considerably depending on your preferences and lifestyle choices.

HOUSING

When calculating the average Dubai living cost per month, housing is one of the most important expenses to consider. The Dubai property market is known for its sheer variety. From grand villas to cosy studio flats, everything caters to various budgets.

The area you choose to live in will greatly impact how much of your income goes towards rent and, of course, your cost of living in Dubai per month. While established neighbourhoods such as Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah and Al Barsha have higher rental costs, suburban communities like Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, DAMAC Hills 2 and Mirdif can help you save on rent. Dubai’s older districts, such as Al Nahda and Deira, are known for their affordable housing options.

GROCERIES

Another essential aspect to consider for the budget of living in Dubai is groceries. Many Dubai supermarkets stock food items from around the world. Your lifestyle and food preferences can significantly impact your monthly grocery bills.

You can expect a high grocery bill if you prefer to shop at premium retailers such as Waitrose and Spinneys or purchase imported food or expensive meat cuts. For example, a 1 kg Australian Angus Ribeye Steak costs around AED 200, which may be higher or lower depending on where you shop.

It is, however, possible to keep your grocery bill on the lower side by shopping at affordable supermarkets such as Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket or Union Cooperative. Purchasing local and in-season produce and watching out for bundle offers and discounts can decrease the grocery quotient of your Dubai daily expenses.

GROCERY ITEMS	COST
GROCERY ITEMS Milk (1 litre)	COST AED 5.65
GROCERY ITEMS Loaf of White Bread	COST AED 5.45
GROCERY ITEMS White Rice (1 kg)	COST AED 8
GROCERY ITEMS Eggs (30, Regular)	COST AED 20.95
GROCERY ITEMS Local Cheese (1 kg)	COST AED 37.50
GROCERY ITEMS Chicken Fillets(1 kg)	COST AED 26.95
GROCERY ITEMS Beef Round (1 kg)	COST AED 37.74
GROCERY ITEMS Apples (1 kg)	COST AED 9.95
GROCERY ITEMS Bananas (1 kg)	COST AED 5.35
GROCERY ITEMS Oranges (1 kg)	COST AED 6.95
GROCERY ITEMS Tomatoes (1 kg)	COST AED 5.07
GROCERY ITEMS Potatoes (1 kg)	COST AED 4.02
GROCERY ITEMS Onion (1 kg)	COST AED 3.53
GROCERY ITEMS Water Bottle (1.5 litre)	COST AED 2.22

UTILITIES

Your Dubai life cost will include utilities comprising your electricity and water connection (provided by DEWA), TV and internet package and mobile plans.

Your average monthly DEWA bill will likely differ during the summer and winter, as the A/C usage will typically be higher in summer. Additionally, if you rent a villa with a private pool and garden, you can expect your bills to increase further.

For TV and Dubai internet plans for home, residents can choose from various options provided by Etisalat and du. A basic package includes 250 Mbps, unlimited data and cable/ADSL and costs around AED 389 per month (excluding VAT).

Meanwhile, premium packages with 500 Mbps or more download speed and premium sports and entertainment channels will cost at least AED 450 (excluding VAT) per month. Etisalat and du also run limited-time offers for internet and TV packages at discounted prices. So, make sure you keep an eye out for that.

Postpaid mobile plans in Dubai have prices starting from AED 125 per month but can go up to AED 1,000 for better data packages and more calling minutes. Of course, there is always the option to use prepaid mobile plans that allow you greater financial flexibility.

UTILITY	COST
UTILITY Basic Utilities for 900 sq.ft apartment (Electricity, Water, Cooling & Garbage)	COST AED 648 per month
UTILITY Basic Internet and TV package	COST AED 389 per month
UTILITY Premium Internet and TV package	COST AED 454+ per month
UTILITY Basic Mobile Postpaid Plan	COST AED 125 per month
UTILITY Premium Mobile Postpaid Plan	COST AED 500+ per month

TRANSPORTATION

The cost of living in Dubai will also include your commuting costs. Whether you use public transport or your car to get around, the monthly expenditure will depend on the duration and frequency of your commute.

Petrol prices in the UAE are comparatively lower than in other parts of the world. However, your car model and how far you drive will impact your fuel costs. It would be best if you also considered the costs of car insurance and servicing, which will depend on your car type.

For those who want to save money and use public transport, Dubai is connected by a network of public buses, taxis, ferries and the Dubai Metro. You can use the Dubai RTA nol card that covers all the city zones to pay for your bus, metro, ferry and even taxi fares. Again, your overall transportation cost will depend on the frequency and distance of your commutes and your chosen mode of transportation. Remember, taxis are more expensive.

You can also opt for the monthly Nol pass that costs AED 350 and enables residents to get around quickly. Another way to control your commute time and cost is to live closer to the workplace.

TRANSPORT SERVICE/PRODUCT	COST
TRANSPORT SERVICE/PRODUCT Petrol (1 litre)	COST AED 2.82
TRANSPORT SERVICE/PRODUCT Nol Card (Monthly Pass, All Zones)	COST AED 350 per month
TRANSPORT SERVICE/PRODUCT Taxi Fare for 1km	COST AED 1.82

HEALTHCARE

Health or medical insurance is mandatory for all residents in the UAE and will factor into your cost of living in Dubai. If you are being sponsored by the company you work for, they must provide health insurance for you. Sometimes, the companies offer health insurance for your family as well.

If the company does not offer health insurance for your family or you are on an investor visa, you must purchase it from one of the medical insurance companies in Dubai.

Medical insurance premiums will vary depending on the coverage, with Essential Benefits Plans starting from AED 600 per year. In contrast, an individual’s comprehensive medical coverage can cost around AED 5,500 annually.

A comprehensive plan can cost around AED 15,000 – AED 25,000 for a family of four. However, if you add worldwide coverage and other premium benefits, the cost of medical insurance in Dubai for a family of four can even go as high as AED 70,000 or more.

If you employ a housemaid, you must provide them with medical insurance, typically under the Essential Benefits Plan.

SCHOOLING

If you have children, you need to consider school fees when calculating your cost of living in Dubai with family.

Schools in Dubai offer different curricula, with the British, American, Indian and IB being the most popular. School fees can take up a big portion of your annual budget, especially when you enrol your kids in one of the top schools in Dubai.

British, American and IB schools typically have higher fees and the best schools can cost between AED 4,500 – AED 11,500 per month, depending on your child’s grade.

Meanwhile, the tuition fee of Indian schools in Dubai is more affordable, with top schools such as GEMS Modern Academy costing AED 30,272 – AED 72,180 per year. Remember that your annual and monthly expenses in Dubai with school-going kids will also include the cost of uniforms, school transport, notebooks, exam fees, school trips and more.

You can always enrol your kids in one of the cheapest schools in Dubai that offer quality education.

To better understand the average school fees in Dubai, look at the table below. Fees may vary depending on grades, curriculum and additional expenses.

SCHOOL	CURRICULUM	FEE RANGE	TUITION FEES PER MONTH
SCHOOL GEMS Wellington International School	CURRICULUM British	FEE RANGE Expensive	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 6,007
SCHOOL The Winchester School	CURRICULUM British	FEE RANGE Affordable	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 1,774
SCHOOL GEMS Modern Academy	CURRICULUM Indian	FEE RANGE Expensive	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 4,031
SCHOOL The Millennium School	CURRICULUM Indian	FEE RANGE Affordable	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 1,863
SCHOOL GEMS Dubai American Academy	CURRICULUM American	FEE RANGE Expensive	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 7,320
SCHOOL Mirdif American School	CURRICULUM American	FEE RANGE Affordable	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 2,642
SCHOOL GEMS World Academy	CURRICULUM International Baccalaureate	FEE RANGE Expensive	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 7,973
SCHOOL Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills	CURRICULUM International Baccalaureate	FEE RANGE Mid-Range	TUITION FEES PER MONTH AED 5,085

ENTERTAINMENT

Residents in Dubai will find an abundance of attractions and activities in the city to try, from fine-dining restaurants and IMAX cinemas to extreme sports and famous tourist attractions! And there is never a dull weekend in Dubai.

If you’re wondering ‘what is the cost of living in Dubai like,’ we recommend budgeting an amount for leisure activities on the weekends.

If you frequently rely on food delivery apps in Dubai, such as Noon, Talabat and Deliveroo, for your meals, it will add up to your average food cost.

ENTERTAINMENT	COST
ENTERTAINMENT Movie Ticket for One	COST AED 45
ENTERTAINMENT Gym Membership for One Month	COST AED 270 to AED 400
ENTERTAINMENT Meal for One (Affordable Restaurant)	COST AED 40
ENTERTAINMENT Meal for Two (Mid-range Restaurant, Three Courses)	COST AED 200
ENTERTAINMENT Meal for Two (Fine-Dining Restaurant, Three Courses)	COST AED 500 to AED 1,000

HOUSE HELP

One of the benefits of living in Dubai is having access to affordable house help, a luxury that many residents enjoy. Expats who choose to employ a housemaid will have to sponsor them and must renew their visa each year. Bear in mind that this will add to your living expenses in Dubai.

All domestic help sponsorships in Dubai must be processed through Tadbeer service centres. Private sponsorship via Tadbeer will cost you an initial AED 11,500 plus an AED 7,500 for annual renewal. Tadbeer sponsorship, on the other hand, will cost you AED 8,500 for a two-year contract with no renewal charges. These costs do not include the monthly salary of the domestic help, which may range from AED 1,500 to AED 5,000, depending on their job responsibilities.

Alternatively, expats can hire a full-time maid through maid service agencies in Dubai, including a one-time agency fee and the maid’s salary.

For those who want part-time house help, several cleaning companies allow you to book maid services for a couple of hours on a one-off or regular basis. These part-time maid services have hourly rates of AED 35 – AED 65, which adds to the average cost to live in Dubai.

You have to look extensively at all these contributors in the cost of living index Dubai.

SO WHAT’S THE AVERAGE COST FOR LIVING IN DUBAI?

Now that we know what each of the categories of Dubai expenses entails let’s look at the total cost of living in Dubai for a single person, couples and families.

DUBAI COST OF LIVING BREAKDOWN BY FAMILY SIZE

Here’s a look at expenses in Dubai based on family size.

LIVING EXPENSES IN DUBAI FOR A SINGLE PERSON

Living expenses in Dubai for a single person range from AED 3,900 to AED 7,500.

Now let’s talk about the cost of living in Dubai for a single person with rent. Studios are a popular choice for bachelors in Dubai. Prices for renting a studio in Dubai can vastly differ based on the area. The starting cost of studios for rent in Al Nahda is AED 2,500, while those who want to stay in an upscale location can find studio rentals in Dubai Marina for AED 4,000 per month, starting cost. 

TYPE OF EXPENSE	COST (PER MONTH)
TYPE OF EXPENSE Housing	COST (PER MONTH) Studios: AED 2,500 (Al Nahda), AED 4,000 (Dubai Marina)
TYPE OF EXPENSE Groceries	COST (PER MONTH) AED 600
TYPE OF EXPENSE Utilities	COST (PER MONTH) AED 800 to AED 1,200
TYPE OF EXPENSE Total	COST (PER MONTH) AED 3,900 to AED 7,700

The monthly utility bills in Dubai for a single person living in a studio will range between AED 800 – AED 1,200. This includes DEWA, mobile plans, internet and TV. For groceries, the monthly bills in Dubai can be as low as AED 550.

Expenses that can add up to the cost of living for 1 person in Dubai include transportation, which starts at AED 350 for a monthly public transportation pass. For singles who opt for a car, getting a Dubai driving licence will add to their total cost of living in Dubai. Fuel prices will also be added to monthly expenses in Dubai for a single person with a personal car.

AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSE IN DUBAI FOR A COUPLE

The minimum cost of living in Dubai for a newly married couple can be anywhere between AED 5,700 and AED 11,700, depending on their lifestyle.

TYPE OF EXPENSE	COST (PER MONTH)
TYPE OF EXPENSE Housing	COST (PER MONTH) 1 BHK Apt: AED 2,750 (Al Nahda), AED 9,000 (Dubai Marina)
TYPE OF EXPENSE Groceries	COST (PER MONTH) AED 1,200
TYPE OF EXPENSE Utilities	COST (PER MONTH) AED 1,000 to AED 1,500
TYPE OF EXPENSE Total	COST (PER MONTH) AED 5,700 to AED 11,700

For housing, a 1 BHK rental apartment in Dubai is the most cost-effective solution for a couple, depending on the neighbourhood. As seen above, 1-bedroom rental flats in Al Nahda start at AED 2,750 per month, while rents for 1-bed in Dubai Marina start at AED 9,000 monthly.

Couples can expect to budget an amount of AED 1,000 – AED 1,500 for utilities. Similarly, the cost of essential grocery items for a month averages around AED 1,100 for a couple.

AVERAGE LIVING COST IN DUBAI PER MONTH FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR

When looking at the living cost in Dubai per month for a family of 4, the basic cost ranges between AED 14,800 – AED 23,300.

TYPE OF EXPENSE	COST (PER MONTH)
TYPE OF EXPENSE Housing	COST (PER MONTH) 3 BHK Villa: AED 8,350 (Mirdif), AED 15,833 (Arabian Ranches)
TYPE OF EXPENSE Groceries	COST (PER MONTH) AED 2,400
TYPE OF EXPENSE Utilities	COST (PER MONTH) AED 2,200 to AED 3,700
TYPE OF EXPENSE Total	COST (PER MONTH) AED 14,800 to AED 26,200

Villas are a popular choice for housing amongst families in Dubai. The 3 BHK villas for rent in Mirdif cost around AED 8,350 per month, whereas the ones in Arabian Ranches have an average minimum monthly rental costs of AED 15,833.

To cut down on housing fees in Dubai, families can opt for 2 and 3-bedroom apartments in the more affordable parts of the city. The starting monthly rent for 2 and 3-bed flats in Al Nahda are AED 3,833 per month and AED 5,833, respectively.

Families living in a 3-bedroom villa in Dubai can expect to pay around AED 2,200 – AED 3,700 for basic utilities. This figure will increase if you have a private garden, especially a private pool. For groceries, the monthly bill averages around AED 2,400 for a family of four. Shopping at premium retailers can bring up the monthly cost of groceries in Dubai to around AED 3,000 or more. 

As discussed earlier, school fees will add to a family’s living cost in Dubai per month. School fees in Dubai can average between AED 4,000 – AED 9,500 per month, depending on your child’s grade. 

FAQS about Dubai Living Cost Per Month

WHAT SALARY DO YOU NEED TO LIVE IN DUBAI?

This largely depends on your lifestyle, priorities and how you manage your Dubai life costs. A single person can comfortably live in Dubai with a salary of AED 9k to AED 13k. Tips for saving money in Dubai come in handy if you make conscious, pocket-friendly choices. If you are an expat, use a free calling app in the UAE to connect with family and friends back home.

The cost of living in Dubai for single person is less than family living cost in Dubai. So, you have to consider this factor.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO LIVE IN DUBAI?

Dubai may be a little more expensive than other cities in the region. However, many studies show it is cheaper than major economic hubs like New York and London. Depending on your circumstances, you can live a lavish life in Dubai and opt for a more modest lifestyle.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE RENT IN DUBAI?

The average rent for housing in Dubai dramatically varies from one area to another. You can find apartments for rent here for as low as AED 15k per annum and as expensive as AED 3M per year. How much you pay as rent largely depends on what area you choose to live in, the property type and the configuration (bed type).

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO INCLUDE IN MY DUBAI COST OF LIVING PER MONTH?

While the basic costs mentioned above are what nearly all residents in Dubai will face, it’s important to note that there will be additional expenses, depending on your lifestyle.

For example, the cost of living in Dubai for Indian families would be different from that of a British family based on the supermarkets they shop from, the schools their kids attend, the areas they live in, the size of their families and their general lifestyle preferences.

Many Dubai expat residents take at least two or three vacations each year to visit their home country or explore new destinations. Parents often choose to enrol their children in holiday camps during school breaks or an after-school activity throughout the year, which also adds to a family’s cost of living in Dubai.

That concludes MyBayut’s guide to the cost of living in Dubai for families, couples and single professionals. We hope this article helps you get an approximate idea of what life in Dubai is like.

The cost of living in Dubai for single person is lower than family living cost in Dubai. So, sometimes, people come to Dubai alone and then call their families after settling. Remember to factor in your family size when analysing the cost of living index Dubai. When calculating how much does it cost to live in Dubai, a significant factor can be house rent and schooling fees. That changes entirely if you are single.

MyBayut also has in-depth guides for people moving here from around the world. For those moving to Dubai from the UK, find the best areas for British expats to live in, the best schools and more!

If you’re moving to Dubai from India, read about the visa processes and all the Indian amenities and stores in Dubai. We also recommend reading up on our guide to life for Indians in Dubai to learn more about the lifestyle Indians lead here.

Naturally, the answer to the question ‘How much does it cost to live in Dubai’ depends on the lifestyle you want to follow. So, you have to plan a way to maximise your resources to live the life you want to live.

Stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on living in Dubai.