Dubai Prices Guide 2025 – What You’ll Actually Spend

Thinking about Dubai? Before you book a flight, you’ll want to know the true cost of life there. From a tiny studio to a fancy dinner, these numbers show what you’ll really pay in 2025.

Everyday Costs: Food, Transport, and Bills

Groceries aren’t as cheap as the market might suggest. A kilogram of rice runs about 8 AED, while fresh chicken breasts sit around 20 AED per kilogram. If you eat out, a basic meal at a local café costs roughly 30 AED, but a three‑course dinner at a mid‑range restaurant jumps to 150‑200 AED per person.

Public transport is affordable and reliable. A single metro ride costs between 3 and 7 AED depending on distance. The monthly Nol card, which covers metro, bus, and tram, is about 300 AED if you travel daily. Taxis start at 12 AED and add around 2 AED per kilometer, so a 15‑kilometer trip will set you back close to 40 AED.

Utilities are another factor. Expect to pay about 400‑600 AED a month for electricity, water, and cooling in a one‑bedroom apartment. Internet packages start at 200 AED for decent speeds.

Housing: Rent and Accommodation Options

Rent is the biggest budget item. A studio in a less central area like Al Barsha costs between 4,000 and 6,000 AED a month. A one‑bedroom in a popular spot like Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai pushes you to 8,000‑12,000 AED. If you’re looking for a luxury villa, prices can easily top 25,000 AED per month.

Short‑term stays, such as Airbnb, vary widely. A week in a modest apartment might be 2,500 AED, while a high‑end beachfront condo can reach 10,000 AED for the same period.

When budgeting, remember the extra costs: building fees (often called DLD fees) range from 5‑10 % of the annual rent, and many complexes charge a security deposit equal to one month’s rent.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses

Nightlife isn’t cheap. A drink at a trendy bar costs about 30‑50 AED, while a bottle of premium liquor can be 250 AED or more. Movie tickets sit around 35 AED, and a gym membership averages 250‑500 AED per month.

If you’re curious about the upscale escort scene—something the Palm Escorts site covers—prices start at roughly 2,000 AED for a short meeting and can climb to 10,000 AED or higher for extended, exclusive companionship. These figures reflect the high‑end market that caters to visitors and locals who value privacy and luxury.

Putting It All Together

For a single person living modestly, a realistic monthly budget looks like this: rent 5,000 AED, food 1,200 AED, transport 300 AED, utilities 500 AED, and leisure 800 AED. That totals around 7,800 AED, roughly $2,130 USD.

If you prefer a more lavish lifestyle—central apartment, frequent dining out, and occasional upscale entertainment—your monthly spend can easily exceed 15,000 AED.

Knowing these numbers helps you avoid surprises and plan a trip or a move that matches your wallet. Use this guide as a baseline, adjust for your personal habits, and enjoy Dubai without the guesswork.