Dubai Budget for a Single Person – 2025 Cost Guide

Thinking about moving to Dubai on your own? You probably wonder if the city is affordable or just a playground for the ultra‑rich. The good news: with the right numbers and a few smart choices, a solo lifestyle can fit a realistic salary. Below is a straight‑forward breakdown of the main expenses you’ll face and how to stretch every dirham.

Key Monthly Expenses

Rent and utilities. A one‑bedroom apartment in a decent area like Al Barsha or Deira costs around 4,500 AED to 7,000 AED per month. If you share a two‑bedroom flat, your share drops to roughly 2,500 AED–3,500 AED. Expect an extra 300 AED‑500 AED for electricity, water, and internet combined.

Food. Eating out every night will blow your budget. A simple meal at a mid‑range restaurant is about 50 AED, while a decent fast‑food combo runs 25 AED. If you shop at local supermarkets and cook at home, a weekly grocery bill of 150 AED–200 AED suffices for a single person. That translates to roughly 600 AED–800 AED a month.

Transport. Public transport is cheap and reliable. A monthly Nol card for unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides costs 300 AED. If you prefer a car, fuel is about 2.5 AED per litre and parking can add 300 AED–500 AED monthly, depending on the area.

Visa and insurance. A standard employment visa runs about 1,500 AED for the first year, then around 500 AED annually for renewal. Health insurance provided by most employers covers basic treatment; otherwise a private plan starts at 250 AED per month.

Entertainment and misc. A night out at a lounge or club usually starts at 150 AED for drinks. Gym memberships average 250 AED per month. Set aside 300 AED–500 AED for miscellaneous activities, shopping, and occasional trips.

How Much Salary Do You Need?

Combine the figures above and a comfortable single‑person budget lands between 10,000 AED and 14,000 AED per month. That covers rent, utilities, food, transport, and a modest social life while still leaving room for savings.

Many readers ask whether a 50,000 AED annual salary (about 4,166 AED per month) is enough. In 2025 it falls short of average living costs, especially if you want a private apartment. You’ll need to either share accommodation, cook at home, or rely heavily on public transport to make it work.

For a more relaxed lifestyle—owning a nicer apartment in Marina, dining out regularly, and traveling across the UAE—a salary of 20,000 AED to 25,000 AED per month is safer. This level lets you save 10%–15% of income, which is essential for emergencies or future investments.

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

• Basic solo life: 10,000 AED / month
• Mid‑range comfort: 14,000 AED / month
• Higher‑end lifestyle: 20,000 AED / month+

To boost your budget, consider side gigs that are legal in the UAE—freelance writing, online tutoring, or part‑time consulting. Just make sure any extra work complies with your visa rules.

Finally, track your spending with a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app. Seeing where every dirham goes helps you cut waste and reach savings goals faster.

Living solo in Dubai is doable. Focus on affordable housing, cook most meals, use public transport, and keep a clear eye on your monthly numbers. With a realistic salary and disciplined spending, you’ll enjoy the city’s perks without constantly worrying about money.