Discover the real cost of living in Dubai. From rent and utilities to groceries and healthcare, this guide breaks down monthly expenses for you.
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Dubai brings together luxury, comfort, and a lifestyle that is both exciting and practical. Its modern infrastructure, multicultural community, and year-round sunshine make it one of the most popular cities for expats, digital nomads, and professionals. With so many people planning a move, one question always comes up early in the process: what is the cost of living in Dubai?
On average, a family of four spends about 14,753 AED per month without rent. A single person spends about 4,176 AED per month without rent. Your actual spending depends on your lifestyle, location, and housing choices. This guide breaks everything down so you can understand Dubai life cost with clarity.
Dubai has a reputation for luxury, yet it offers options for every budget. Whether you live in a bustling waterfront community or a quieter suburban neighborhood, you can shape your budget to fit your lifestyle.
Single person: about 4,176 AED
Family of four: about 14,753 AED
Below is a quick overview of the Dubai cost of living per month across major expense categories.
Category | Average Monthly Range |
Groceries | 1,000 to 1,500 AED |
Utilities | 600 to 1,200 AED |
Transport | 350 to 800 AED |
Leisure | 400 to 1,500 AED |
Healthcare | 200 to 1,000 AED |
Education (per child) | 1,000 to 4,000 AED |
Note: Prices shift based on lifestyle and location. Premium neighborhoods have higher everyday spending.
Housing is the largest part of the cost of living in Dubai, and the amount you pay can vary by more than 400 percent depending on the community you choose. Premium areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay sit at the higher end. More affordable neighborhoods include Deira, JVC, and Bur Dubai.
Property Type | Monthly Rent (AED) | Annual Rent (AED) | Average Purchase Price (AED) |
Studio | 3,500 to 6,000 | 42,000 to 72,000 | 500,000 to 800,000 |
1 Bedroom | 5,000 to 9,000 | 60,000 to 108,000 | 900,000 to 1,300,000 |
2 Bedroom | 7,000 to 13,000 | 84,000 to 156,000 | 1.4M to 2.2M |
3 Bedroom | 10,000 to 18,000 | 120,000 to 216,000 | 2.3M to 3.5M |
Note: Waterfront communities have the highest average rent in Dubai. Suburban areas offer more space for lower prices.
Utility costs vary with the season. Air conditioning pushes bills higher during summer months, while winter bills stay low.
Average Utility Costs
Utility Type | Monthly Cost (AED) |
Electricity and Water | 822.82 |
Internet (WiFi) | 360.91 |
Mobile Plan | 228.72 |
Note: Larger homes and heavy AC use increase bills. Internet pricing stays stable across the year. If you need help with your AC, you can view AC Cleaning, Repair & Maintenance service.
Groceries make up a predictable part of life expenses in Dubai. You can shop at popular local and international supermarkets such as Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys. Imported products cost more than local ones.
Item | Price in AED |
Water (1.5 L) | 2.58 |
Milk (1 L) | 6.5 |
Eggs (12) | 10.92 |
Rice (1 kg) | 7.52 |
Chicken (1 kg) | 23.54 |
Beef (1 kg) | 40.61 |
Apples (1 kg) | 8.82 |
Bananas (1 kg) | 6.58 |
Tomatoes (1 kg) | 6.78 |
Potatoes (1 kg) | 3.89 |
Note: A typical grocery bill for a single person is about 1,000 AED per month. Families often spend between 1,800 and 2,800 AED.
Healthcare is high quality in Dubai. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Many employers provide coverage, but individuals and families can also buy private insurance.
Designed for residents earning below a certain salary level.
Costs 550 to 600 AED per year for basic coverage.
Coverage Type | Cost for Individual (AED/year) | Cost for Family (AED/year) |
Basic EBP | 550 to 600 | 2,000 to 3,000 |
Comprehensive | 2,000 to 5,000 | 10,000 to 20,000 |
Premium | 6,000 to 15,000 | 25,000 to 50,000 |
Note: Regular medical visits are affordable. Specialist care depends on the insurance plan you choose. You also have options such as doctor on call services.
Dubai offers a wide choice of schools with different international curricula. Public schools follow the UAE curriculum. Many expats choose private schools offering British, American, Indian, or IB programs.
Curriculum | Annual Fees (AED) |
British | 30,000 to 70,000 |
American | 28,000 to 65,000 |
Indian | 6,000 to 20,000 |
IB | 50,000 to 100,000 |
Note: Additional costs include books, uniforms, transportation, and extracurricular activities.
Dubai has a modern public transport network that includes the metro, tram, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps. Many residents combine metro use with occasional taxi trips.
Transport Type | Cost (AED) |
Metro Single Trip | 6 |
Metro Monthly Pass | 330 |
Taxi Start Fare | 12 |
Taxi per km | 2.5 |
Gasoline (1 gallon) | 10.72 |
Note: Petrol costs stay lower than many international cities. Public transport offers reliable and budget-friendly options.
Dubai has endless options for leisure. Whether you love outdoor activities, relaxing cafes, gyms, or city attractions, you can tailor your spending to your lifestyle.
Activity | Cost (AED) |
Gym Membership | 312 |
Cinema Ticket | 55 |
Dinner for Two | 300 |
Coffee | 18 |
Brunch (per person) | 150 to 300 |
Beach Club Day Pass | 100 to 350 |
Note: Dining out ranges widely. Simple cafes are affordable, while premium restaurants reflect Dubai’s luxury scene.
Below is a breakdown of average living expenses in Dubai for different household types. Housing choices influence the final total.
Expense Type | Single (AED) | Couple (AED) | Family of Four (AED) |
Rent | 5,000 | 7,000 | 10,000 |
Utilities | 600 | 800 | 1,200 |
Groceries | 1,000 | 1,800 | 2,800 |
Transport | 350 | 500 | 800 |
Leisure | 400 | 700 | 1,200 |
Healthcare | 300 | 600 | 1,000 |
Education | N/A | N/A | 3,000 to 8,000 |
Total | 7,650 | 11,400 | 19,000 to 25,000 |
Note: Families with school-aged children spend significantly more because private education is the largest recurring cost after housing.
Understanding the living expenses in Dubai helps you plan confidently for your move. Here are the most important conclusions from this guide:
- The minimum monthly cost for a single person is about 6,000 AED.
- The minimum monthly cost for a family is about 17,000 AED, depending on schooling.
- Excluding rent, singles spend 4,000 to 12,000 AED per month.
- Families spend 8,000 to 20,000 AED per month depending on lifestyle.
- Dubai’s cost of living is flexible. You can live comfortably on a modest budget or enjoy a premium lifestyle.
- Modern infrastructure, international communities, and tax-free income make Dubai an attractive choice for professionals.
When you settle into your new home, Justlife is here to make your days smoother. From Home Cleaning to Nurse Care at Home and even Salon at Home services, our team handles the tasks that take up your time. Book a service today and enjoy a stress-free start in Dubai.
Let us take care of the everyday chores so you can focus on living your best life in this incredible city.
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