If you’re flying to Dubai alone, the biggest question is usually "how much cash do I really need?" The good news is you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy the city. With a clear plan you can cover flights, food, transport, and a few nights out for under $2,000 a month, or even less if you’re on a tight budget.
First, sort out your currency. The UAE dirham (AED) is the official money, and most places accept cards. Keep a small amount of cash for markets and taxis where card readers might be slow. Avoid swapping dollars at airport kiosks – the rates are worse than city exchanges.
Breakfast at a local café runs about 15‑20 AED ($4‑$5). A decent lunch at a food court or small restaurant is 30‑45 AED ($8‑$12). Dinner in a mid‑range spot costs 60‑100 AED ($16‑$27). If you love coffee, a latte is roughly 15 AED ($4). Transport is cheap: a single Metro ride is 4‑7 AED, and a day pass is 20 AED ($5.5). Taxis start at 12 AED, then 2.2 AED per km.
Entertainment varies. A visit to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa costs about 149 AED ($40) if you book early. Beach access is free, but a sunbed rental adds 30‑50 AED. Nightclubs charge a cover of 40‑70 AED, plus drinks that start at 25 AED. Plan for a mix of free attractions (public beaches, souks, city parks) and a few paid experiences.
Stay in neighborhoods like Deira or Al Barsha instead of Downtown or Marina. A one‑bedroom apartment in these areas can be 4,000‑6,000 AED per month, while luxury spots charge 12,000+ AED. If you only need a room for a week, look for serviced apartments or budget hotels with kitchenettes – cooking your own meals saves up to 50% on food.
Use the Metro instead of taxis whenever possible, and grab a prepaid Nol card for discounts. For meals, hit the local markets, grab shawarma or falafel from street stalls, and shop at Carrefour for groceries. A weekly grocery run can keep your food budget under 300 AED.
Finally, track every expense with a simple notes app. When you see where the money goes, you can cut out the unnecessary items – like that extra latte every morning or a pricey brunch you don’t really need.
Bottom line: a solo traveler can comfortably live on $1,500‑$2,000 a month in Dubai if they choose budget lodging, use public transport, and eat like a local. Add a little extra for occasional splurges, and you’ll have a great time without worrying about cash.
Get the real breakdown of monthly expenses for a single person in Dubai—rent, food, transport, and more. Tips and facts to plan your budget smartly.