Cost of Living in Dubai 2025 – What Your Money Can Buy

If you’re thinking about moving to or visiting Dubai, the first thing on your mind is probably the price tag. Dubai can feel like a playground for the rich, but everyday expenses are easier to manage when you know the numbers. This guide breaks down the biggest cost buckets – rent, food, transport, and entertainment – and shows you how different salaries stack up against them.

Typical Expenses: Rent, Food, and Transport

Rent is the biggest bite out of most budgets. In 2025 a one‑bedroom apartment in a central area like Marina or Downtown runs about 7,000‑9,000 AED per month. If you move a bit farther out, say Jumeirah Village Circle, you’ll find studios for 4,500‑6,000 AED. Sharing a flat cuts the cost dramatically – a room in a shared house can be as low as 3,000 AED.

Food costs depend on where you shop and eat. Grocery bills for a single person average 1,200‑1,500 AED a month if you buy most items from supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu. Eating out is pricier: a mid‑range restaurant meal costs around 80‑120 AED, while fast‑food chains sit at 30‑45 AED per person. Street food and local shawarma stalls can keep you under 20 AED per meal.

Transport in Dubai is fairly cheap thanks to an extensive public network. A monthly Nol card for unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides is about 300 AED. Taxis start at 12 AED and add around 2 AED per kilometer, so occasional rides won’t break the bank. If you prefer a car, fuel is around 0.30 AED per liter and parking fees vary by district.

Salary Benchmarks and How to Save

Now, how far does a salary stretch? In 2025 the median expatriate salary sits at roughly 20,000 AED per month. With that income, you can comfortably afford a decent apartment, enjoy regular meals out, and still save a bit each month. A 50,000 AED salary, as many ask about, puts you in a very comfortable bracket – you could rent a luxury villa, drive a high‑end car, and travel regularly.

But not every job hits those numbers. If you earn 10,000‑12,000 AED, you’ll need to be strategic: choose a shared accommodation, cook at home more often, and rely on public transport. Budget apps like YNAB or the local Money‑Minder help you track each expense and spot where you can cut back.

Saving in Dubai isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s also about leveraging tax‑free income. Many expatriates invest in property, gold, or offshore accounts to grow their wealth. Even a modest 5‑10% monthly save can build a solid emergency fund in a few years thanks to the high earning potential.

Overall, Dubai’s cost of living feels high, but it’s manageable with the right plan. Know your rent zone, shop smart on groceries, and choose transport that fits your lifestyle. Match your salary to these expenses, and you’ll enjoy the city’s luxury without constantly stressing about money.