Daily Expenses Dubai – How Much Do You Really Spend Each Day?

Living or traveling in Dubai can feel pricey, but the numbers aren’t always as wild as they seem. Let’s break down the everyday costs you’ll face, from coffee to transport, and give you a simple budgeting plan you can use tomorrow.

Food & Drink – The Real Price of Eating Out

A quick breakfast at a local café costs around 20‑30 AED for a coffee and a pastry. If you prefer a Western brunch, expect 45‑70 AED per person. Lunch at a mid‑range restaurant sits at 50‑80 AED, while dinner at a nice spot can range from 100‑200 AED. Want to save? Supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu let you grab a ready‑made meal for 15‑25 AED, and street‑food stalls serve shawarma for about 12 AED.

Transport – Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank

The Dubai Metro is a budget‑friendly choice: a single trip costs 4‑8 AED depending on distance. A monthly Nol card for unlimited rides is roughly 350 AED, perfect if you commute daily. Taxis start at 12 AED and add 2‑3 AED per kilometer; a 10‑km ride will be about 35‑40 AED. Ride‑hailing apps often have promo codes that shave off 10‑15%.

If you’re staying longer, renting a scooter or a bike for 30‑50 AED a day gives you flexibility without the traffic hassle.

Accommodation – From Luxury to Budget Choices

Short‑term hotel rooms in popular areas start at 250 AED per night for a basic double‑room. Budget hotels or hostels can be found for 100‑150 AED. For monthly stays, serviced apartments or Airbnb listings average 4,000‑6,000 AED, which translates to roughly 130‑200 AED per day. Sharing a flat with roommates can bring that daily cost down to under 100 AED.

Other Everyday Costs

Utilities (electricity, water, internet) for a one‑bedroom apartment run about 500‑800 AED a month, so roughly 20‑30 AED per day. Gym memberships cost 150‑300 AED monthly, while a cinema ticket is 35‑45 AED. If you enjoy weekend outings, a desert safari package starts at 250 AED per person.

Don’t forget small extras: a 5‑AED tip in restaurants, 2‑AED for a public restroom, and occasional parking fees of 5‑10 AED.

Putting It All Together – Sample Daily Budget

Here’s a quick snapshot for a mid‑range traveler:

• Breakfast: 25 AED
• Lunch: 65 AED
• Dinner: 150 AED
• Transport (Metro + occasional taxi): 30 AED
• Extras (tips, bathroom, small snacks): 15 AED

Total: ~285 AED per day. If you cut back on dinner and use more public transport, you can drop below 200 AED.

For expats earning a salary, a 50,000 AED monthly income gives you about 1,600 AED per day before taxes and savings. After deducting rent (around 5,000 AED) and utilities, you still have roughly 1,000 AED daily disposable cash, which comfortably covers the budget above.

Remember, Dubai’s prices shift with seasons and location. Keep an eye on promos, especially for dining and transport, and you’ll stretch every dirham further.

Now that you know the numbers, you can plan your stay with confidence—whether you’re a short‑term tourist, a business traveler, or an expat settling in for the long haul.