Cost of Living in Dubai – What You Need to Know for 2025
Thinking about moving to Dubai or just planning a long stay? You’ll hear a lot of numbers – $5,000 a month, $2,000, even $10,000. Let’s cut the noise and break down the real costs you’ll face day‑to‑day.
What a Typical Month Looks Like
Rent is the biggest chunk. A one‑bedroom in a non‑prime area (Deira or Al Nahda) runs about AED 5,000–6,000 ($1,350‑$1,600). In trendy spots like Dubai Marina or Downtown, expect AED 9,000–12,000 ($2,450‑$3,300).
Utilities (electricity, water, cooling) add roughly AED 500–800 ($140‑$220) per month, depending on the season. If you share a flat, split that and you’re in good shape.
Food can be cheap or pricey. Cooking at home with groceries from local markets costs about AED 800–1,000 ($220‑$270) for a single person. Eating out three times a week at mid‑range restaurants pushes you to AED 1,200–1,500 ($320‑$410).
Transport is simple. A Nol card for metro, bus, and tram rides costs around AED 300 ($80) a month if you travel regularly. Taxis are affordable for short trips but add up fast – budget AED 600–800 ($160‑$220) if you use them often.
Entertainment, gyms, and occasional nightlife add another AED 500–1,000 ($140‑$270) depending on how often you go out. Don’t forget health insurance – many expats pay AED 800–1,200 ($220‑$325) a month unless it’s covered by an employer.
All together, a modest single lifestyle sits between AED 10,000 and 13,000 ($2,700‑$3,500) per month. Couples can share rent and utilities, bringing the total down to about AED 15,000‑18,000 ($4,100‑$4,900) for a comfortable life.
Tips to Stretch Your Budget
1. **Choose the right neighbourhood** – living a few metro stops away from the beach or business district can save you up to 30% on rent.
2. **Shop at local markets** – Al Aweer Fresh Market and Carrefour offer fresh produce at lower prices than upscale malls.
3. **Use the metro** – it’s clean, cheap, and connects most tourist spots. A monthly pass is under AED 350 ($95).
4. **Cook more** – even a simple stir‑fry with chicken, rice, and veggies costs less than a single restaurant meal.
5. **Look for free activities** – beaches, public parks, and cultural festivals often have no entry fee.
By tweaking where you live, how you move, and where you shop, you can make a $2,000‑month budget work, especially if you avoid the flashier districts.Dubai’s cost of living feels high at first glance, but with the right choices you can enjoy a modern lifestyle without blowing your savings. Use these numbers as a starting point, adjust for your own preferences, and you’ll have a realistic budget before you even book a flight.
