Living Expenses in Dubai – What You Really Pay for in 2025

Thinking about moving to Dubai or just curious how much life costs there? You’ll get the numbers you need, no fluff. Below we break down the biggest bills, show how a 50,000 AED salary stacks up, and give quick hacks to keep more money in your pocket.

Housing and Utilities

Rent eats up the biggest slice of any budget. A one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre runs about 7,500 AED a month, while the same size in a suburban area drops to roughly 4,500 AED. If you’re okay sharing, a room in a shared flat can be as low as 2,200 AED.

Utilities aren’t free either. Electricity, water and cooling usually total 500‑800 AED depending on the season. Air‑conditioning is a must in summer, so expect the higher end of that range from June to September.

When you’re hunting for a place, look for buildings that include water in the rent. That can shave off 150‑200 AED each month without you even noticing.

Everyday Costs and Saving Tips

Food can be cheap or pricey. A basic grocery shop for one person costs around 1,200 AED weekly if you stick to local markets. Eating out at a mid‑range restaurant is about 120 AED per meal, but street food or food‑court stalls can be 30‑50 AED and still taste great.

Transport is straightforward. A monthly Nol card for public buses, metro and tram is 350 AED. If you prefer driving, petrol is about 2.70 AED per litre, and parking in central districts can add 500‑800 AED a month.

Entertainment and personal care add another 1,000‑1,500 AED. Gym memberships start at 250 AED, cinema tickets run about 45 AED, and a night out at a club can be 200 AED per person.

Now the hacks: buy groceries in bulk at Carrefour or Lulu, use the metro for daily commutes, and take advantage of happy‑hour deals for food and drinks. If you have a flexible job, consider a part‑time freelance gig that can boost your income by 1,000‑2,000 AED a month.

Putting these numbers together, a single professional earning 50,000 AED after tax will have roughly 10,000‑12,000 AED left for savings or travel if they stick to the moderate budget outlined above. Couples can split rent and utilities, which brings disposable income up significantly.

Bottom line: Dubai isn’t cheap, but with the right choices you can live comfortably and still save. Keep track of where every dirham goes, compare options, and you’ll find a sweet spot that fits your lifestyle.