If you’re planning a trip or thinking about moving to Dubai, the first thing on your mind is probably money. How much does a night in a hotel cost? What’s the price of a meal at a local restaurant? Numbeo, the world’s biggest database of city statistics, gives you up‑to‑date numbers for every major expense. Below we break down the most useful figures and add some real‑world tips so you can budget without guessing.
Rent is the biggest line item for anyone staying longer than a few days. According to Numbeo (2025), a one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre averages around AED 6,800 per month, while the same size outside the centre drops to about AED 4,200. If you’re only here for a short stay, a mid‑range hotel room typically runs AED 500‑700 per night. Shared apartments or serviced‑apartments can shave off 30‑40% of that cost – a good option for solo travelers or digital nomads.
Eating out is cheaper than many think. A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs AED 30‑45, and a three‑course dinner for two at a mid‑range place lands near AED 250. Groceries are also reasonable: a litre of milk is about AED 5, a kilogram of rice AED 6, and a dozen eggs AED 10. Public transport is efficient; a monthly Nol card for unlimited metro, tram, and bus rides is roughly AED 300. If you prefer taxis, the flag‑fall starts at AED 12 and adds AED 2 per kilometre.
Other everyday costs include utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) which average AED 500‑700 per month for a standard apartment. Internet is about AED 200 per month for a 100 Mbps connection. These numbers help you build a realistic monthly budget, whether you’re a tourist, a student, or an expat.
Now that you have the raw figures, here are a few quick tricks to keep spending in check:
Remember, Numbeo updates its data continuously, so checking the site a week before your trip gives you the freshest numbers. Pair those stats with the tips above, and you’ll avoid surprise bills while enjoying everything Dubai has to offer.
Bottom line: Dubai can fit a range of budgets. Whether you’re splurging on a luxury stay or stretching a few dollars on a cozy apartment, Numbeo provides the baseline you need. Use it, add these practical hacks, and you’ll navigate the city’s costs like a local.
Is Dubai safe in 2025? See crime rate data, homicide stats, safety indices, common risks, and how Dubai compares globally-with practical, real-world advice.