Planning a trip or a move to Dubai? The first thing on anyone’s mind is the cost. In 2025 the city stays pricey, but knowing the exact numbers helps you avoid surprises. Below you’ll find the most common expenses – from a night in a hotel to a cup of coffee – all broken down into easy‑to‑read figures.
Hotels in Dubai still range widely. A basic 3‑star hotel in the city centre runs about 350‑450 AED per night. Mid‑range 4‑star options sit around 600‑850 AED, while the iconic 5‑star resorts on Palm Jumeirah can cost 1,200‑2,500 AED for a standard room. If you’re staying longer, look for weekly discounts – many hotels shave off 10‑15% when you book seven nights.
Short‑term rentals on platforms like Airbnb average 200‑300 AED per night** for a studio in a decent neighborhood. Outside the tourist hubs, you can find decent apartments for 1,200‑1,800 AED per month if you’re planning an extended stay.
Dining costs depend on where you go. A fast‑food meal (burger, fries, drink) costs about 30‑45 AED. Mid‑range restaurants charge 80‑150 AED** per main course, while a three‑course dinner at a fine‑dining spot can easily top 300 AED**.
If you love street food, shawarma or falafel wraps are usually 10‑15 AED** each. Grocery shopping for a week (basic staples, fresh produce, and some meat) runs roughly 300‑500 AED** per person.
The Dubai Metro is the cheapest way to move around – a single trip costs between 4‑8.5 AED** depending on distance. A day pass is 20 AED** and gives you unlimited rides.
Taxis start at 12 AED** and then charge about 2.5 AED per km**. For short trips, ride‑hailing apps often have promotional rates that bring the cost down to 30‑50 AED** for a 10‑km ride.
If you rent a car, expect to pay 120‑200 AED per day** for a compact model, plus fuel (about 2.5 AED per liter**).
Internet and mobile plans are competitive. A 30‑day unlimited data package starts at 120 AED**. Gym memberships in decent clubs range from 250‑500 AED per month**.
Entertainment options vary: a cinema ticket is about 35‑45 AED**, while a ticket to a major theme park (like IMG Worlds) costs roughly 210‑260 AED**.
Remember to factor in a small budget for tips – 10‑15% in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is customary.
By keeping these figures in mind, you can set a realistic budget for your Dubai adventure in 2025. Whether you’re staying in a luxury resort or a modest studio, the city offers options for every wallet – as long as you know the price tags ahead of time.
Dubai can be both cheap and expensive. Here’s a 2025 price guide with real costs, daily budgets, money-saving tips, and when prices spike-so you can plan wisely.
DetailsUncover if Dubai is expensive for US travelers. Detailed 2025 price breakdown, tips for saving, and what to expect for hotels, food, transport, and fun.
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