Dubai’s cost of living can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and personal choices. Housing typically accounts for the highest expense, with rents ranging from around AED 36,000 per year for a studio apartment in areas like Dubai Silicon Oasis to over AED 200,000 in popular areas like Downtown and Palm Jumeirah.
Utilities average around AED 500–3000 monthly, depending on usage and the season. Groceries can be affordable, especially if you stick to local products and buy from Lulu, Carrefour Hyper Market etc., but eating out frequently, especially at upscale restaurants, can be costly. Schooling for expats, who usually enroll children in private schools, can range from AED 20,000 to AED 110,000 per year per child. Healthcare is generally private and paid by insurance, which is often included in work packages.
But I have done my best to provide an approximate figure to help plan your move to Dubai.
Family Expenses
3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent: AED 150,000 (AED 12500 Monthly)
Utilities: AED 2000
Home Internet: AED 400
Grocery: AED 3000 (Family of 5)
Maid/Nanny: AED 2500
Car: AED 2000
Car Maintenance: AED 400 (Dealer Servicing is very expensive)
Car Insurance: AED 300
Petrol/Fuel: AED 1000
Mobile sim/data line: AED 250 per person
Dining: AED 2000 (depends on the lifestyle)
Salik: AED 200
Parking: AED 200
Medical: (if not paid by employer)
Travel: Varies
Cinema/Entertainment: AED 500
School Fees: AED 6000 Per Child
Total: AED 35,000 (Rough Figure)
Single/Couple:
1 Bedroom Rent: AED 75,000 (AED 6250 Monthly)
Utilities: AED 800
Home Internet: AED 400
Grocery: AED 1000
Car: AED 2000
Car Maintenance: AED 400 (Dealer Servicing is very expensive)
Car Insurance: AED 300
Petrol/Fuel: AED 1000
Mobile sim/data line: AED 250 per person
Dining: AED 2000 (depends on the lifestyle)
Salik: AED 200
Parking: AED 200
Medical:
Travel: Varies
Cinema/Entertainment: AED 300
Total Monthly: AED 15,000
And keep in mind the initial expenses and deposits when you get a rental proeprty: Usually around AED 30,000 is good to keep in mind for one time expenses. If you are single, I highly suggest living in a furnished all utilities paid studio to save on costs.
Overall, Dubai offers a range of living standards from budget-friendly to luxury. For those planning to move, budgeting ahead and understanding these categories can help manage finances smoothly. All the best for your move to Dubai and the UAE. I am Azfar, your trusted licensed realtor in Dubai.