Thinking about a trip or a move to Dubai? You’ll quickly realize the city looks glitzy, but the prices can feel just as flashy. Below you’ll get the numbers that matter most – from a night out to a month’s rent – and a few hacks to keep your wallet happy.
Accommodation. A one‑bedroom apartment in a prime area like Downtown or Marina still runs about AED 8,000‑12,000 a month. If you shift to Deira or Al Nahda, you can find decent places for AED 4,500‑6,500. Short‑term hotel rooms start at AED 300 per night in mid‑range hotels, while luxury resorts charge AED 1,200‑2,500.
Food. A meal at a standard restaurant costs AED 40‑70. Street‑food stalls and food courts bring the price down to AED 15‑25 per plate. Groceries are similar to other global cities: a litre of milk is about AED 4, a kilogram of chicken around AED 15, and a loaf of bread AED 3.5.
Transport. The Metro is cheap – AED 3‑8 per ride depending on distance. Taxis start at AED 12 and add about AED 2 per kilometre. If you rent a car, expect AED 120‑200 per day for a compact model, plus fuel (around AED 3 per litre).
Entertainment. A ticket to a major theme park or museum sits at AED 150‑250. Nightclubs charge a cover of AED 50‑100, and bottles of premium alcohol can cost upwards of AED 500.
Utilities & Internet. Expect AED 400‑600 for electricity, water and cooling for a standard apartment. High‑speed internet runs about AED 250‑350 a month.
First, time your visit. Prices dip 10‑15% during the summer months when tourism slows down. You’ll also find better hotel deals and lower flight fares.
Second, use local apps like Careem or Dubai Metro’s Nol card – they’re cheaper than hailing a taxi every time.
Third, shop at supermarkets such as Carrefour or Lulu. They often have bulk discounts that make groceries far cheaper than buying from convenience stores.
Fourth, eat where the locals eat. Al Seef, Karama and Al Satwa have amazing restaurants that serve authentic meals for under AED 30.
Finally, consider sharing a place. Many expats rent rooms in shared apartments for AED 2,500‑3,500, which cuts both rent and utility costs.
Bottom line: Dubai can fit a modest budget if you plan wisely. Knowing the price ranges and where to look for deals lets you enjoy the city’s sparkle without breaking the bank.
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