Thinking about packing your bags for Dubai? Before you book a flight, you need a realistic picture of the money you’ll spend. Dubai looks pricey, but the actual cost depends on where you live, how you travel, and the lifestyle you choose. Below you’ll find a straight‑forward breakdown that lets you compare options and avoid nasty surprises.
Rent is the single biggest expense. A one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre can run AED 8,000‑10,000 ($2,200‑$2,700) a month, while the same size in a suburb like Deira or Al Nahda drops to AED 4,500‑6,000 ($1,200‑$1,600). Sharing a flat with roommates halves the cost and gives you a chance to meet other expats. If you can stretch your budget, a studio on the Palm or Dubai Marina will cost AED 9,000‑12,000 ($2,500‑$3,300). Don’t forget the security deposit—usually one month’s rent.
Groceries for a single person average AED 800‑1,200 ($220‑$330) per month if you shop at supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu. Eating out is cheaper than you think: a lunch at a mid‑range restaurant is around AED 30‑50 ($8‑$14), while street‑food meals cost under AED 15 ($4). Public transport is efficient and cheap; a monthly Nol card for buses, metro and trams costs AED 350‑450 ($95‑$125). If you prefer a car, budget AED 1,500‑2,500 ($410‑$680) for fuel, insurance and parking each month.
Utilities—electricity, water, internet—add roughly AED 500‑800 ($135‑$220) depending on usage and apartment size. Mobile plans start at AED 50 ($14) for talk and data. When you put everything together, a modest lifestyle in Dubai can be comfortably managed on around AED 6,000‑8,000 ($1,600‑$2,200) a month.
For those who want a more upscale life—fine dining, exotic neighborhoods, private school fees—the numbers rise sharply. International schools charge AED 30,000‑80,000 ($8,200‑$21,800) per year per child, and a decent gym membership can be AED 300‑500 ($80‑$135) monthly.
The work visa fee ranges from AED 2,000‑3,000 ($540‑$815) and includes medical tests and Emirates ID processing. Health insurance is mandatory for most residents; a basic plan costs AED 300‑500 ($80‑$135) per month, while comprehensive coverage can exceed AED 1,000 ($270). Don’t forget occasional expenses like banking fees, clothing for the hot climate, and occasional weekend trips to the desert or Abu Dhabi.
Putting the pieces together, here’s a quick snapshot:
That totals roughly AED 7,600‑12,000 ($2,080‑$3,270) a month for a comfortable but sensible lifestyle. If you’re aiming for a luxury experience—prime‑location apartment, fine dining, private driver—budget AED 20,000‑30,000 ($5,400‑$8,200) monthly.
Bottom line: Dubai isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all price tag. By choosing where to live, how to move around, and what everyday comforts you need, you can fit the city into a budget that works for you. Do the math, plan ahead, and you’ll enjoy the best of Dubai without worrying about the bill.
What it really costs to live in Dubai in 2025: real rents, monthly budgets for singles, couples, families, plus hidden fees and money-saving tips.