Dubai Cost in USD – What You Pay for Everyday Life

Thinking about a trip or a move to Dubai? The first question most people ask is, “How much does everything cost in USD?” Below you’ll get straight‑forward numbers for housing, food, transport, and fun, plus a quick tip on converting AED to dollars.

Housing & Transport Costs

Rent is the biggest expense. A studio in a mid‑range area (Al Barsha, Jumeirah Lake Towers) runs about 5,000 AED a month. That’s roughly 1,350 USD. If you want a one‑bedroom with a view of the Palm, expect 9,000‑12,000 AED (≈2,400‑3,200 USD). Shared apartments slash the price – a room in a three‑person flat can be 3,000 AED (≈800 USD).

Buying a car isn’t a must, but many expats do it. A compact new model starts around 70,000 AED (≈19,000 USD). If you’re only staying a few months, use the Metro or ride‑hailing apps. A monthly Metro pass costs 300 AED (≈80 USD), while a typical Uber ride in the city averages 30‑50 AED (≈8‑14 USD).

Don’t forget parking. Most malls charge 5‑10 AED per hour (≈1.5‑2.7 USD). If you’re in a residential tower, a parking spot can add 500‑800 AED to your rent each month (≈135‑215 USD).

Food, Entertainment & Miscellaneous

Eating out varies a lot. A fast‑food combo (burger, fries, drink) is about 25 AED (≈7 USD). Mid‑range restaurants charge 80‑150 AED per person (≈22‑40 USD) for a three‑course meal. Fancy places on the Palm or Downtown can reach 300 AED (≈82 USD) per person.

If you cook at home, groceries are fairly priced. A kilogram of chicken breasts is 15 AED (≈4 USD), rice 5 AED (≈1.4 USD), and fresh fruit around 10‑15 AED per kilogram (≈2.7‑4 USD). A weekly grocery run for one person typically totals 250‑350 AED (≈68‑95 USD).

Entertainment adds up quickly. A movie ticket costs 35‑45 AED (≈9‑12 USD). Access to a beach club or gym ranges from 200‑500 AED per month (≈55‑135 USD). For nightlife, a cocktail at a rooftop bar is about 50‑70 AED (≈14‑19 USD).

Other everyday costs: mobile data plans start at 50 AED (≈13 USD) for 10 GB, and a basic internet package is 300 AED per month (≈80 USD). Health insurance for an individual typically starts at 1,200 AED annually (≈325 USD).

Quick conversion tip – 1 AED = 0.27 USD (or multiply AED by 0.27). Keep this handy when you see prices in local listings.

Bottom line: if you’re single and staying in a modest apartment, budgeting 3,000‑4,500 AED (≈800‑1,200 USD) per month covers rent, food, transport, and basic fun. Families or those craving luxury need 7,000 AED and up (≈1,900 USD). Adjust the numbers to your personal style, but these figures give a realistic picture of what you’ll spend in Dubai when you think in dollars.