Dubai Living Costs 2025: What You Really Pay For

If you’re thinking about moving to or visiting Dubai, the first question is always – how much does it cost? The short answer is: it depends on your lifestyle, but the numbers are surprisingly clear if you break them down. Below you’ll see realistic figures for rent, food, transport and a few hidden expenses that most guides gloss over.

Housing and Utilities

Rent is the biggest chunk of any budget. In 2025 a one‑bedroom apartment in a central area like Downtown or Marina runs about 8,000‑10,000 AED per month. Move a little farther out to Al Barsha or Jumeirah Village Circle and you’ll find similar units for 5,000‑7,000 AED. A three‑bedroom family flat in an upscale tower can push 15,000‑20,000 AED.

Don’t forget utilities. Electricity, water and air‑conditioning usually add 600‑1,200 AED a month, depending on how often you chill at home. If you share a flat, split the bill and you’re in a sweet spot.

Everyday Expenses

Food is next on the list. Eating out at a mid‑range restaurant costs about 80‑150 AED per person. A cheap meal from a local shawarma stall is 15‑25 AED. If you cook at home, groceries for a single person average 800‑1,200 AED monthly – staples, fresh produce and a few splurges.

Transport can be cheap if you use the Metro and buses: a monthly pass is roughly 300 AED. Taxis start at 12 AED and add 2 AED per kilometre, so a daily commute of 10 km costs about 30‑40 AED. Car owners need to budget 1,200‑2,000 AED a year for registration plus fuel (around 2.5 AED per litre).

Entertainment and leisure vary. A cinema ticket is 40‑60 AED, a gym membership 200‑400 AED, and a night out at a club can be 150‑300 AED. If you love the beach, public spots are free, but private beach clubs charge 300‑600 AED per visit.

Healthcare is another hidden cost. Public hospitals offer subsidized rates, but most expats prefer private clinics that charge 300‑600 AED per visit. A basic health insurance plan starts at 1,500 AED annually.

Putting it all together, a single professional earning 15,000 AED a month can comfortably cover rent, utilities, food and a modest social life, with around 3,000‑4,000 AED left for savings or extra travel. A family of four needs roughly 30,000‑35,000 AED to keep the same lifestyle, mainly because housing and schooling drive the budget.

Tips to stretch your money: shop at local supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu, use the Metro, and look for shared accommodation apps. Buying a yearly internet plan (around 300 AED) is cheaper than paying monthly. And always compare gym deals – many offer trial weeks that let you test the vibe before committing.

Bottom line: Dubai isn’t cheap, but it’s predictable. Knowing the exact numbers helps you plan, avoid surprise bills and enjoy the city’s shine without constantly checking your bank balance.