Dubai Living Cost in 2025: What You Actually Pay For

Thinking about moving to or visiting Dubai? You probably wonder how far your money will go. The city looks pricey, but the numbers break down into clear categories you can manage. Below we walk through the biggest expenses – rent, food, transport, utilities and fun – and show how a typical 50,000 AED salary fits the picture.

Housing: Rent Is the Biggest Chunk

Rent takes up about 45‑55% of most budgets. A one‑bedroom apartment in a mid‑range area like Al Barsha costs roughly 6,000‑9,000 AED per month. If you want a place on the Palm or in Downtown, expect 12,000‑18,000 AED. Sharing a two‑bedroom flat with a roommate can cut the cost in half, landing you around 3,500‑5,000 AED each.

Everyday Essentials: Food, Transport and Utilities

Food costs depend on where you shop. Grocery stores such as Carrefour or Lulu let you spend about 1,200‑1,800 AED a month for a single person’s basics. Dining out is cheaper if you stick to local eateries – a meal costs 30‑50 AED – while a fancy restaurant can easily run 150 AED per plate.

Public transport is affordable: a Nol card with unlimited rides on the metro and buses is about 300 AED monthly. If you drive, fuel is cheap (around 2.5 AED per liter) but parking fees and insurance add up to roughly 800‑1,200 AED a month.

Utilities – electricity, water, internet – average 500‑800 AED monthly for a one‑bedroom unit. Air‑conditioning is the biggest draw on the electric bill, especially in summer.

Throw in a modest entertainment budget – movies, gyms, occasional weekend trips – and you’re looking at another 500‑700 AED.

Adding everything together, a single expat living comfortably in a mid‑range area needs about 12,000‑15,000 AED per month. A 50,000 AED salary leaves room for savings, travel, and a decent lifestyle after taxes.

Tips to stretch your dirham: shop at local markets, use the metro, share accommodation, and plan meals at home. With the right choices, Dubai’s cost of living becomes manageable, not overwhelming.