by Al Khail Real Estate Broker 
Dubai is a high-income and active city that draws people from all over the globe to reside because of the abundance of chances, world-class lifestyle, and safe environment. Although Dubai is a popular destination to live for singles, couples, and even families, you need to verify the cost of living in this city before making your final choice.
Thus, the good news is that as an immigrant, you may live a luxurious or friendly-budget existence in Dubai. Now, let’s dive deeper and investigate the cost of living in Dubai and a comprehensive list of costs in this metropolis.
What are the categories of the monthly cost of living in Dubai?
Before I want to go through the figures and calculate the cost of living in Dubai, you need to know about the many sorts of items you should generally pay for them, if you want to relocate to Dubai, such as:
- Housing
- Groceries
- Utilities
- Transportation and fuel
- Health care
- Schooling
- Entertainment
- House help
The neighborhood in which you decide to buy your dream home in Dubai or rent a flat will significantly impact your monthly costs, regardless of how much weight you give to factors such as personal preference and the way you choose to live your life. For instance, if you want to live in older neighborhoods, you will find that the prices of homes and other living costs are more reasonable. However, you should expect to pay a higher price as you get closer to the city’s main streets, such as Sheikh Zayed or the areas along the beachfront.
How much is the cost of living in Dubai for a single person?
You have just finished reading about the various costs that you must be able to meet in order to settle down in Dubai. And now, I’d like to delve deeper and talk about the specific amounts each individual pays for each product.
Housing Expenses in Dubai
If you are interested in the cost of living in Dubai, one of the primary components to consider is the cost of housing. The real estate market in Dubai is well-known for the wide variety of available accommodations, from which you can select one based on the amount of money you have available.
For instance, you can choose the home of your dreams from among the spacious villas for sale in Dubai, which are among the most expensive options, or from among the small apartments for sale in Dubai, which are more affordable and require less of a financial investment. Also, be wary of the neighborhood you decide to buy a property in if you want it to be among the best developments in Dubai available at your price point.
Different districts, different costs of living
Suppose you want to live in a neighborhood like Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Jumeira, or Barsha. In that case, you should be prepared to pay a higher amount of money for purchasing or renting a property there. This is because the cost of living there is higher.
In addition, it is important to mention the suburban communities of Dubai, such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Reem, and Mirdif, because they offer affordable housing options. Also, there are so many affordable residential areas near metro stations in Dubai.
List of expenses in Dubai for properties
You can also settle down in one of Dubai’s more established neighborhoods, such as Al Nahda or Deira. The following charts provide additional information regarding the most recent and up-to-date pricing for renting and purchasing property in this city:
| Type of property | For sale/ For rent | Area | Price |
| Apartment | For sale | Business Bay | AED 1.3M |
| Apartment | For sale | Dubai Marina | AED 2.1M |
| Apartment | For sale | Al Furjan | AED 660K |
| Villa | For sale | Jabal Ali First | AED 3M |
| Villa | For sale | Villanova | AED 1.7M |
| Villa | For sale | Wadi Al Safa 7 | AED 614.6K |
| Villa | For rent | Damac hills 2 | Dhs40,000 |
| Villa | For rent | Dubai South | Dhs47,000 |
| 1-bed apartment | For rent | Dubai international city | AED 29,500/year |
| 1-bedroom apartment | For rent | Dubai Silicon Oasis | AED 32,000/year |
The Cost of Groceries in Dubai
There is an abundance of supermarket chains in Dubai, where you can purchase anything you require from well-known companies worldwide. The cost of food is the second significant factor that goes into determining your total monthly expenditures in Dubai.
For instance, if you wish to purchase imported pieces of meat and travel to a luxury store like Waitrose or Spinneys, the total cost of your food shopping would be higher. But, if you shop at the best Pakistani supermarkets in Dubai, you can save money on your grocery bill.
List of expenses in Dubai for groceries
In addition, you may look for package deals and discounts and purchase local items that are in season. The following list provides the pricing of many common grocery goods that can be purchased in Dubai.
- 1 liter of Milk, AED 5.80
- Loaf of white bread, AED 4.83
- 1 kg white rice, AED 6.87
- 12 Eggs, AED 10.65
- 200 gr Chees, AED 8.40
- 1 kg chicken breast, AED 27.72
- 1 kg apples, AED 8.33
- 1 kg bananas, AED 6.76
- 1 kg oranges, AED 6.42
- 1 kg tomatoes, AED 6.37
- 1 kg potatoes, AED 3.76
- 1 kg onion, AED 3.15
- A head of lettuce, AED 6.67
- 370 gr jam, AED 13.35
How are the average utility bills in Dubai?
Are you interested in finding out how much it costs to live in Dubai? In Dubai, a portion of your monthly costs is devoted to the payment of several utilities. These include the cost of your phone and the payments for your electricity and water, which are referred to as DEWA.
The Price of Water and Electricity in Dubai
The cost of DEWA shifts seasonally because of seasonal differences in the amount of air conditioning used, which is often more in the summer. In addition, you may expect to pay greater fees if you are interested in purchasing a beautiful home in Dubai, such as the Paradise Hills property, which comes complete with a private swimming pool and garden.
TV and Internet service fees in Dubai
Etisalat and Du, two firms located in the United Arab Emirates, both offer TV and internet bundles in Dubai, the prices of which vary depending on whatever bundle you choose.
A standard subscription costs AED 389 per month and includes free calls to UAE landlines as well as free internet download speeds of up to 250 Mbps, more than 200 TV channels, and other premium features. Nevertheless, if you choose premium packages, which include download speeds of up to 500 Mbps, internet channels, and premium sports, your monthly cost would be around AED 1000.
Mobile phone cost in Dubai
Obviously, cellphone plans in the UAE come in a variety of monthly tiers with prices ranging anywhere from AED 125 to AED 500 or even more for better data packages and a greater allotment of calling minutes. The chart on the utility cost will be discussed further below.
The Price of Transportation in Dubai
Dubai residents need to use public transportation or drive their own cars to go about the city because the temperatures are so high. While the fuel price in the UAE is generally lower than in other nations, this might vary depending on the volume of traffic in the area and the distance driven.
There is also the expense of auto maintenance and insurance, both of which are dictated by the sort of vehicle you drive. Individuals looking to save costs may do so by using Dubai’s public transportation system, which consists of buses, cabs, and subways.
List of prices for transportation in Dubai
It costs 350 dirhams per month for people to use public transportation without having to carry a card, which gives them access to all parts of the city. But, if you want to use this mode of transportation to go to a variety of locations, you will waste a significant amount of time. As a result, we advise that you find a place to live near your place of employment to cut down on the time and money spent commuting. The following items provide more information on the prices of transportation in Dubai:
- If you want to drive your own automobile, you need to purchase at least 92 cents worth of petrol per liter in order to do so. AED
- It will cost around AED 350 to use the public transportation system for a month without a card.
- In addition, the cost of using a cab should range between three and three and a half dollars. AED for each kilometer.
The Expense of Healthcare in Dubai
While having health insurance is mandatory in the UAE for all citizens, this is one of the most important expenses you need to consider if you want to live in Dubai. If the firm you work for in the UAE is also acting as your sponsor in the country, the company must offer you medical coverage.
In most cases, the employer will also think about providing medical coverage for your family. You must make this purchase from one of Dubai’s one thousand health insurance businesses if your employer does not provide health insurance coverage for your family or you are in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a visa that allows you to make investments.
Top features of healthcare expense in Dubai
A standard health insurance policy costs approximately 600 AED; however, this number can vary greatly depending on the covered benefits. In Dubai, the annual cost of a comprehensive health plan for a single person is approximately 5,500 AED.
In comparison, the cost of a comprehensive program for a family is approximately 17,000 to 18,000 AED and could increase to AED70,000. In this context, I feel obligated to mention that if you have hired someone to assist you with errands around the house, you should make sure to provide them with medical insurance.
The Price of Education in Dubai
When deciding whether or not to relocate to Dubai as a family with children, the expense of educational opportunities should be one of the primary considerations on your list.
As a parent, you can select schools for your children from a variety of options, the most common of which are the British, American, Indian, and International Baccalaureate curricula. The cost of education in Dubai is relatively high, particularly when it comes to finding top Indian schools in Dubai for one’s offspring.
School expenses in Dubai
You should expect to pay approximately Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 per year if you select the ideal school for your children, such as a British, American, or IB school; however, this amount will change depending on the level of education that your child is currently pursuing.
In this context, I feel obligated to mention that the fees charged by Indian schools in Dubai are, on average, more reasonable. GEMS Modern School, whose tuition ranges from AED 2800 to AED 5200, is the most sought-after Indian school in Dubai. Also, if you are from India, we suggest you know what is life for Indians in Dubai like.
List of expenses for education in Dubai
It is important to keep in mind, however, that the monthly expense for your children’s education does not consist only of the cost of their school tuition; you will also need to include additional costs, such as those for uniforms, school transportation, notebooks, test fees, school excursions, and more.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that the majority of Dubai’s secondary schools, even those that are more economical, provide the whole secondary school curriculum. The following chart provides you with further details on the costs of attending the best British schools in Dubai.
| School | Average Fees 2022 | Pre-primary/ FS1 Fees | KG1/FS2 Fees | G12/Y13 Fees |
| Dwight School Dubai | 109500 | 85000 | 89000 | 130000 |
| North London Collegiate School Dubai | 107500 | 83000 | 87000 | 130000 |
| Swiss International Scientific School | 94420 | 62484 | 69774 | 124968 |
| GEMS World Academy | 91034 | 65747 | 65747 | 114128 |
| Brighton College Dubai | 84250 | 64000 | 80000 | |
| Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai | 82000 | 75000 | 80000 |
Cost of Entertainment in Dubai
After you have established yourself in Dubai, you will quickly become aware of the abundance of chances for both work and play that are accessible in this city. We are confident that you will never have to endure a taxing weekend in this city as long as there are amenities in Dubai such as high-end eating establishments, IMAX theatres, extreme sports, and renowned tourist destinations from all over the globe.
Suppose you are preparing to move to Dubai and are also making preparations for the expense of living in Dubai. In that case, consider how much money you will need to spend on weekend amusement.
List of entertainment costs in Dubai
Residents of Dubai have grown increasingly open to ordering food online, which is also considered the cost of living in Dubai, due to the proliferation of programs in Dubai that facilitate online meal ordering, such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo. You may learn more about the prices of various forms of entertainment in Dubai by reading the following:
- Movie ticket for one, 45 AED
- Gym Membership, 125 AED – 500 AED per month.
- Meal for one person at an affordable restaurant, 20 AED – 75 AED.
- Meal for one at a fine-dining restaurant, 136-273 AED.
The cost of housekeeping in Dubai
Most people who live in Dubai appreciate one of the benefits of living there: the availability of elegant but reasonably priced homework-help services for their children. If you want to employ a house assistant, you will need to sponsor him and renew his residence visa every year, adding to the already high expense of living in Dubai.
The sponsorship of a maid in Dubai requires an annual payment of AED 5,500, in addition to a refundable deposit of AED 2,000 paid to GDRFA and a monthly wage ranging from around AED 1,500 to AED 3,500. These privileges may be determined depending on his work, the years of experience he has accumulated, and several other factors.
The additional cost of housekeeping in Dubai
You will be required to pay additional fees for the maid’s residency if she does not already reside in your city. In Dubai, maid service firms may assist you in hiring a maid full-time; however, you will have to pay a one-time fee to use their services.
You may schedule your current maid to work at a cleaning firm for a few hours if you wish to utilize them part-time. These part-time maids range from AED 30 to AED 45 per hour, contributing to Dubai’s already high cost of living. More over, it is better to know how to get a job in Dubai.
What is the total cost of living in Dubai for your family?
We have so far gained an understanding of the various costs associated with living in Dubai. Now, let’s look at how much it costs to live in Dubai collectively for a single individual, a couple, and a family of four.
The entire cost of living in Dubai for a single person
The following figure illustrates that the monthly cost of living in Dubai for a single individual, considering the information shown before, ranges from three thousand to five thousand Emirati dirhams (AED).
| Type of Expense | Cost Per Month |
| Housing | Renting a studio AED 2.583(Al Nahada), AED 4.166(Dubai Marina) |
| Groceries | AED 480 |
| Utilities | AED 750- AED 1 k |
| total | AED 3k- AED 5 k |
Total Monthly Cost of Living for a Couple in Dubai
Depending on your lifestyle choices, the monthly cost of living in Dubai can range anywhere from 4,000 to 9,000 AED for a couple who wants to immigrate there and make it their permanent home.
You should be aware of this fact if you and your partner have the goal of spending the rest of your lives in Dubai. The steps that go into determining this total are outlined in the following list.
| Type of Expense | Cost Per Month |
| Housing | 1BHK Apt: AED 3.166( Al Nahada) 1BHK Apt: AED 6.250( Dubai Marina) |
| Groceries | AED 960 |
| Utilities | AED 1k- AED 1.4K |
| total | AED 4.5K-AED 9K |
Type of Expense; Cost Per Month
- Housing 1BHK Apt: AED 3.166( Al Nahada)
- 1BHK Apt: AED 6.250( Dubai Marina)
- Groceries AED 960
- Utilities AED 1k- AED 1.4K
- total AED 4.5K-AED 9K
| Type of Expense | Cost Per Month |
| Housing | 3BHK Villa: AED 8.750 ( Mirdif) 3BHK Villa: AED 11.666 ( Arabian Ranches) |
| Groceries | AED 1920 |
| Utilities | AED 2K- AED 3.5K |
| total | AED 12K-AED 18K |
Lastly, we must first add these expenses to the Dubai residency visa. First, learn how to get a residency Dubai visa; the charges may vary depending on the kind of visa you receive. You may learn about the numerous sorts of visas available in Dubai by reading about how to get a Dubai work Visa and permit and the various visas that fall under that category, such as freelance visas.
Conclusion on the cost of living in Dubai
We have already explored the cost of living in Dubai for singles, newlyweds, and a family of four. Still, it is important to remember that your actual monthly spending in Dubai may vary greatly depending on your unique personality and living situation.
In addition, AlKhail Real Estate provides rough advice for persons relocating to Dubai from many regions of the globe, such as India and Pakistan. There is information available about moving to Dubai from Pakistan. In conclusion, our seasoned real estate agents are always ready to assist you in buying a house in Dubai. You can communicate with them online at any time, at no cost, and via the website.
FAQs about the cost of living in Dubai
It is time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is the cost of living in Doha higher or lower than in Dubai?
According to the most current information that has been available, the cost of living in Doha is about 5% more than it is in Dubai.
How much money is required every month to live comfortably in Dubai?
You need to budget around Dh4,000 per month in order to have a decent life in Dubai.
What is the going rate for rent in Dubai these days?
In Dubai, the cost of renting a flat is around $12,794 (AED46,994) per month, while the cost of renting a villa or townhouse is approximately $35,900 (AED110,000) per month (AED 131,882).
Where in Dubai are some of the better neighborhoods to purchase a flat?
Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and other parts of Dubai are some of the most desirable places to invest in property in the emirate of Dubai.
