Cost of living in dubai: a comprehensive guide to approx expenses
- 1 Cost of living in dubai: a comprehensive guide to approx expenses
- 2 Dubai's cost of living
- 3 1. Transportation Expenses
- 4 2. Housing Costs:
- 5 3. Food and Dining
- 6 Food and Grocery Costs
- 7 Looking to Rent ?
- 8 Looking to Buy ?
- 9 4. Healthcare Expenses
- 10 Public vs. Private Healthcare
- 11 5. Education Costs
- 12 6. Lifestyle and Entertainment Costs
- 13 7. Miscellaneous Expense
- 14 Conclusion
Many view Dubai as a place where dreams can become reality, offering both luxurious lifestyle experiences and significant potential for advancement. More than just impressive architecture and a high standard of living, Dubai draws people who aim to establish themselves professionally and realize their ambitions.
Let’s explore the cost of living in Dubai. This includes understanding the expenses individuals, couples, and families typically face. We’ll also cover budgeting strategies and the necessary salary to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Dubai.
This blog is for those, who want to know the various costs of living in Dubai and are considering relocating to the UAE.
Dubai's cost of living
When planning a move to Dubai, deciding on your future home is a crucial first step. Whether you choose a studio, apartment, or villa, your overall cost of living as an expat in Dubai will encompass more than just rent. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Housing
- Groceries
- Utilities
- Transportation and Fuel
- Healthcare
- Schooling
- Entertainment
Your primary monthly costs will typically include housing, food, and utilities. Other expenses, such as transportation, education, leisure activities, and medical care, will also contribute to your monthly budget. It’s crucial to understand that your overall cost of living in Dubai is significantly influenced by your desired lifestyle and personal choices.
1. Transportation Expenses
Relocating means considering transportation expenses, but Dubai’s extensive public transit system makes getting around easy without a personal vehicle. The city boasts a well-developed metro network spanning over 74.6 km, and residents can choose from various options like buses and the metro.
Transportation Costs:
This table lists the prices of transportation in Dubai.
|
Item
|
Average Cost (AED)
|
|---|---|
|
Petrol (1 litre)
|
2.82
|
|
One-way Ticket
|
4 - 8
|
|
Nol Card (Monthly Pass, All Zones)
|
350/month
|
|
Minimum Taxi fare
|
12
|
|
Taxi (per km)
|
3
|
2. Housing Costs:
When it comes to expenses in Dubai, housing is generally the most costly.
Additionally, The cost of your home is heavily dependent on your choice, with rental prices fluctuating by as much as 400% depending on location, apartment size, and amenities. Dubai, however, is known for its extensive real estate market. The city offers a vast selection of communities, each with a range of housing options from budget-friendly studios to large apartments, luxurious villas and penthouses, and impressive mansions.
Beyond the rent, you’ll also be responsible for utility bills and related expenses.
Housing and Accommodation
Average Rent Prices in Dubai:
|
Apartment
|
Location
|
Average Monthly Cost (AED)
|
|---|---|---|
|
1-bedroom apartment
|
Central location
|
7,927
|
|
1-bedroom apartment
|
Outside of the center
|
4,858
|
|
3-bedroom apartment
|
Central location
|
14,937
|
|
3-bedroom apartment
|
Outside of the center
|
10,435
|
Average costs for electricity, water, and internet:
|
Items
|
Average Cost (AED)
|
|---|---|
|
Basic Utilities for 900 sq. ft apartment (Electricity, Water, Cooling & Garbage)
|
650 - 750
|
|
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan
|
204.1
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More)
|
365.53
|
3. Food and Dining
People who regularly order food for delivery should plan their spending to account for both restaurant dining and delivery expenses. The following outlines typical meal costs depending on the type of restaurant chosen.
|
Meal
|
Cost in AED
|
|---|---|
|
Meal for One (Affordable Restaurant)
|
40
|
|
Meal for Two (Mid-range Restaurant, Three Courses)
|
200
|
|
Meal for Two (Fine-Dining Restaurant, Three Courses)
|
500 to 1,000
|
Food and Grocery Costs
If you prefer to prepare your own meals, you’ll find everything you need in Dubai. The city’s diverse population means a huge variety of food items are readily available. The cost of your grocery shopping will depend on your lifestyle and the products you choose.
|
Meal
|
Cost in AED
|
|---|---|
|
Milk (regular, 1 liter)
|
7.14
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
|
5.76
|
|
Rice (white, 1kg)
|
9.82
|
|
Eggs (regular, 12)
|
12
|
|
Local Cheese (1kg)
|
33.93
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
|
31.42
|
|
Beef Round (1kg)
|
36.45
|
|
Apples (1kg)
|
8.69
|
|
Banana (1kg)
|
6.85
|
|
Oranges (1kg)
|
6.76
|
|
Tomato (1kg)
|
6.16
|
|
Potato (1kg)
|
4.19
|
|
Onion (1kg)
|
5.37
|
|
Lettuce (1 head)
|
6.13
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
|
2.23
|
Looking to Rent ?
|
PROPERTY FOR RENT IN DUBAI
|
APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN DUBAI
|
|---|---|
|
VILLAS FOR RENT IN DUBAI
|
TOWNHOUSES FOR RENT IN DUBAI
|
|
SHORT TERM RENTALS IN DUBAI
|
STUDIO APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN DUBAI
|
Looking to Buy ?
|
PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN DUBAI
|
APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN DUBAI
|
|---|---|
|
VILLAS FOR SALE IN DUBAI
|
TOWNHOUSES FOR SALE IN DUBAI
|
|
PENTHOUSES FOR SALE IN DUBAI
|
OFF PLAN PROPERTIES DUBAI
|
4. Healthcare Expenses
Mandatory health insurance is a requirement for all residents within the UAE. Therefore, it is important to include healthcare costs in any Dubai budget. For residents sponsored by a company, health insurance is typically provided by the sponsoring entity, and such coverage may occasionally encompass family members.
If your Dubai-based workplace doesn’t include health insurance for you and your family as a benefit, you have the option of obtaining your own coverage from one of the insurance companies operating in the emirate. The price of the policy will be determined by the type of coverage you choose.
|
Plan
|
Cost in AED per year
|
|---|---|
|
Essential benefits plan for an individual
|
Starting from 600
|
|
Comprehensive medical coverage for an individual
|
5,500
|
|
Comprehensive medical coverage for a family of four
|
15,000 – 25,000
|
|
Comprehensive medical coverage for a family of four with worldwide coverage and other premium benefits
|
70,000
|
Public vs. Private Healthcare
Public healthcare services in the UAE are exclusively available to Emirati citizens. The government oversees this system, and hospitals are categorized by their location and the population they serve, creating a tiered system of care.
A diverse selection of private hospitals provides comprehensive care for various medical conditions in the UAE’s flourishing healthcare landscape. These facilities serve all residents and align with the Emirates’ compulsory health insurance programs. The significant number of expatriates residing in the UAE contributes to the high demand for healthcare services.
5. Education Costs
Relocating to Dubai with your family means considering the cost of your children’s education. Dubai boasts a selection of world-class schools, and as with many other expenses, tuition fees vary depending on the chosen institution. A range of curricula are offered, with British, American, Indian, and International Baccalaureate (IB) being among the most common. The following table provides an overview of tuition costs at several prominent schools.
6. Lifestyle and Entertainment Costs
Dubai is renowned for many things, but its lifestyle and entertainment offerings truly stand out. The city boasts a vast array of attractions and activities, from sophisticated dining experiences and state-of-the-art cinemas to fitness facilities, exhilarating sports, and iconic landmarks. When planning your leisure time in Dubai, consider the following points for budgeting purposes.
|
Entertainment
|
Cost in AED
|
|---|---|
|
Movie Ticket for One
|
45
|
|
Gym Membership for One Month
|
270 to 400
|
7. Miscellaneous Expense
These are some of the most important costs to consider when moving to Dubai, but they are not the only ones. Your lifestyle will determine other potential expenses. You may decide to use a cleaning service or hire a maid, treat yourself at a salon or spa, or hire a personal trainer to help you reach your fitness goals.
How much you spend while living in Dubai depends on the level of indulgence and extra comforts you seek.
Conclusion
While Dubai isn’t known for its affordability, it presents numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. Understanding the potential expenses involved can ease your move and empower you to make well-informed choices about living in Dubai.