Is Dubai Expensive? 2025 Cost Breakdown and Budget Tips

Dubai often feels like a playground for the ultra‑rich, but the everyday cost depends on the choices you make. Let’s cut through the hype and look at the real numbers you’ll face whether you’re staying a week or a year.

Where Your Money Goes

Accommodation: A one‑bedroom apartment in a central area such as Marina or Downtown can run from 8,000 to 12,000 AED a month. Move a few stops away—say, Al Barsha or Deira—and you’ll find studios for 4,000‑6,000 AED. Short‑term rentals on Airbnb usually add a 10‑15% service fee on top of the nightly rate.

Food: Eating at a mid‑range restaurant costs about 80‑150 AED per person. Street food and local cafés drop that to 20‑35 AED. If you cook at home, groceries for a single adult average 800‑1,200 AED per month, with fresh produce and imported items driving the price up.

Transport: The Dubai Metro is cheap—around 4‑8 AED per ride, with a daily pass for 20 AED. Taxis start at 12 AED and add 2 AED per kilometre. A monthly car lease (including insurance) sits near 2,500 AED, plus fuel at roughly 3 AED per litre.

Entertainment & Activities: A night out at a popular club can cost 200‑400 AED for entry and drinks. Theme parks and desert safaris range from 150‑300 AED. If you stick to free beaches, public parks, and mall window‑shopping, you can keep this line thin.

How to Keep Costs Down

Choose a neighbourhood with good Metro access to avoid daily taxi spend. Many expats share apartments; splitting rent and utilities can halve your housing bill.

Shop at local supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu instead of high‑end stores. Buying in bulk and cooking simple meals saves around 30% compared to eating out daily.

Take advantage of free community events. Dubai regularly hosts beach clean‑ups, art walks and cultural festivals that cost nothing but offer a taste of local life.

Use discount apps for dining and activities. Restaurants often run “happy hour” deals, and many attractions offer online booking discounts if you plan ahead.

Finally, watch your utility usage. Air‑conditioning is a major expense; set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans when possible.

Bottom line: Dubai can be pricey, but smart choices keep it manageable. By pinpointing where you spend and applying these simple hacks, you’ll enjoy the city without draining your wallet.