Thinking about moving to Dubai or staying a few months? The big question is how much cash you’ll need. In 2025 the city is still pricey, but knowing where the money goes makes it manageable. Below you’ll find the real numbers for housing, food, transport and a few tricks to stretch your dirhams.
Rent eats up the biggest chunk of any budget. A studio in a cheap area like Deira costs about 3,500 AED (≈ $950) per month, while a one‑bedroom in Dubai Marina averages 7,000 AED (≈ $1,900). If you’re okay with sharing, a room in a shared apartment can drop to 2,200 AED (≈ $600). The Is $2,000 Enough to Live in Dubai in 2025? post breaks these figures down and suggests looking at neighborhoods such as Al Nahda or International City for lower rent.
Don’t forget the extra fees: security deposit (usually one month’s rent), agency commission (5 % of annual rent) and a small utility fee if it’s not included. Adding these, a modest one‑bedroom in a mid‑range area runs close to 8,500 AED a month.
Food is the next big line item. Cooking at home saves a lot – a weekly grocery bill for two people is about 350 AED. Eating out varies: a meal at a cheap restaurant costs 30 AED, while a mid‑range three‑course dinner for two is around 250 AED. The How Much Money to Take to Dubai for 7 Days (2025 Budget Guide) shows a realistic daily spend of 250‑300 AED if you mix home‑cooked meals with occasional dining out.
Transport is surprisingly affordable. A Nol card for the metro and bus costs 290 AED per month for unlimited rides. Taxis start at 12 AED and add 2 AED per kilometer, so a short ride is usually under 30 AED.
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) average 600 AED per month for a one‑bedroom. If you’re on a tighter budget, keep the AC at 24 °C and use a Wi‑Fi plan with a data cap.
Here are three quick ways to keep costs down:
Putting it all together, a single person can live comfortably on about 9,000 AED (≈ $2,450) per month if they choose a modest apartment, cook most meals, and use public transport. Couples or families will need roughly 15,000‑18,000 AED, depending on lifestyle.
Remember, Dubai’s cost of living is flexible. Choose your area, watch your dining habits, and use the metro to keep the budget in check. With these numbers you can plan ahead, avoid surprises, and enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
$5,000/month in Dubai (≈AED 18.4k) can work for a single or frugal couple outside prime areas. See rent ranges, real budgets, savings, and what benefits to negotiate.