Cost of Living in Dubai 2025: What Your Money Actually Buys

Thinking about moving to Dubai or wondering if your salary will stretch? Let’s skip the myth‑busting and give you the raw numbers you need to plan a real budget.

Housing: Rent Takes Up Most of Your Paycheck

Rent is the biggest expense. A one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre averages 7,500 AED per month, while the same size in a suburb like Al Nahda drops to about 4,500 AED. If you’re willing to share, a two‑bedroom flat for two people can be split for roughly 3,500 AED each in a decent area.

Utilities (electricity, water, cooling) add another 500‑700 AED monthly, but you can keep costs down by using energy‑efficient appliances and turning off AC when you’re out.

Everyday Expenses: Food, Transport, Health

Groceries for a single person run around 1,200 AED a month if you shop at local supermarkets and buy some basics in bulk. Eating out is a mixed bag: a cheap meal at a street‑food stall costs 15‑20 AED, while a mid‑range restaurant dinner for two is about 150 AED.

Public transport is affordable—Nol cards cost 5 AED and a monthly pass is roughly 300 AED. If you drive, fuel is cheap at about 0.30 AED per litre, but parking fees in premium areas can add up to 600 AED per month.

Health insurance is mandatory for residents. A basic expatriate plan starts at 700 AED a month, covering most routine visits. You can avoid unexpected bills by using network clinics and checking coverage details before you go.

For families, school fees dominate the budget. International schools charge anywhere from 30,000 AED to 80,000 AED per year, so factoring that in early saves headaches later.

Leisure isn’t as pricey as you think. A gym membership averages 250 AED, while a night out at a lounge costs 100‑200 AED per person. Look for happy‑hour deals and free community events to keep entertainment cheap.

Now, does a 50,000 AED salary work? After rent (6,000 AED), utilities (600 AED), food (1,200 AED), transport (300 AED), insurance (700 AED), and a modest fun budget (500 AED), you’re left with about 31,200 AED. That’s enough for savings, occasional trips, or a better apartment if you cut back elsewhere.

Bottom line: Dubai can be expensive, but smart choices on housing, groceries, and transport keep you comfortable. Use this breakdown to map your own budget and decide if the lifestyle fits your pocket.