Cost of Living in Dubai - A Complete Breakdown (2025)
Dubai is a modern, luxurious city that attracts expats from all over the world. While it offers tax free income and a high standard of living, it’s essential to understand the actual cost of living in Dubai to manage your budget effectively.
Whether you’re moving to Dubai for work or planning to relocate with family, this 2025 cost guide covers:
- Housing & rent
- Utilities & internet
- Groceries & food
- Transport
- Healthcare
- Education
- Lifestyle & entertainment
- Tips to save money as an expat
🏠 1. Housing & Rent in Dubai
Rent is usually the biggest monthly expense in Dubai. Prices vary based on area, property size, and amenities.
🔑 Average Monthly Rent in 2025:
Property Type | Area | Rent / Month (AED) |
Studio Apartment | International City, Al Nahda | AED 2,500 – 4,000 |
1 – Bedroom Apartment | Bur Dubai, JLT, Silicon Oasis | AED 4,500 – 7,500 |
2 – Bedroom Apartment | Dubai Marina, Downtown | AED 7,000 – 13,000 |
Villa (3 – 4 Bedrooms) | Mirdif, Arabian Ranches | AED 12,000 – 25,000 |
📝 Note: Many landlords now accept monthly payments, though some still prefer 1 – 4 cheques annually.
💡 2. Utilities & Internet
💧 Electricity, Water & Cooling (DEWA + Empower)
- Studio: AED 300 – 450 / month
- 1 – 2 Bedroom: AED 400 – 700 / month
- Villas: AED 800 – 1,500 / month
🌐 Internet & TV
- Du or Etisalat: AED 300 – 400 / month
- Speed: 250 – 500 Mbps (fiber optic)
🛒 3. Groceries & Food
Groceries depend on lifestyle and shopping habits. Local supermarkets (Carrefour, Lulu, Union Coop) are cheaper than premium stores (Spinneys, Waitrose).
🧺 Average Monthly Grocery Bill:
- Single: AED 800 – 1,200
- Couple: AED 1,200 – 1,800
- Family (4): AED 2,500 – 3,500
🍴 Dining Out:
Meal Type | Cost per Person (AED) |
Budget restaurant | AED 15 – 35 |
Mid-range (2 people) | AED 100 – 200 |
Coffee (Starbucks) | AED 18 – 25 |
McDonald’s meal | AED 25 – 30 |
🚗 4. Transportation
Dubai has excellent public transport, but many expats prefer to drive.
🚌 Public Transport:
Item | Cost (AED) |
Metro or Bus (Nol Card) | AED 3 – 7.5 per trip |
Monthly Pass (Metro) | AED 270 – 300 |
Taxi (5 km) | AED 15 – 25 |
🚙 Driving Costs:
Item | Monthly Estimate (AED) |
Car Installment (new) | AED 1,200 – 2,000 |
Petrol (Super 98) | AED 2.95 / litre (as of Apr 2025) |
Fuel (avg. monthly) | AED 250 – 500 |
Salik (toll) | AED 100 – 200 |
Car Insurance | AED 3,000 – 5,000 / year |
🏥 5. Healthcare
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai and usually provided by employers.
Type | Cost per Year (AED) |
Basic Plan | AED 1,500 – 2,500 |
Comprehensive Plan | AED 4,000 – 10,000+ |
Doctor Visit (private) | AED 200 – 400 |
Dentist Cleaning | AED 250 – 500 |
💡 Always confirm your employer’s insurance coverage or buy one if self employed.
🎓 6. Education (for Expats)
Dubai has many private international schools, offering British, American, IB, and Indian curriculums.
Level | Annual Fees (AED) |
Kindergarten / Nursery | AED 10,000 – 30,000 |
Primary (Grade 1–5) | AED 20,000 – 45,000 |
Secondary (Grade 6–12) | AED 30,000 – 90,000 |
University (per year) | AED 40,000 – 100,000+ |
🎓 Some schools offer sibling discounts, payment in instalments, or scholarships.
🏖 7. Lifestyle, Fitness & Entertainment
Activity | Monthly Cost (AED) |
Gym Membership | AED 150 – 400 |
Netflix / Streaming | AED 30 – 60 |
Cinema Ticket | AED 35 – 50 |
Beach Clubs / Brunches | AED 150 – 400 / event |
Mobile Plan (du / Etisalat) | AED 100 – 250 |
📊 Total Estimated Monthly Cost in Dubai (2025)
Lifestyle Category | Single (AED) | Couple (AED) | Family of 4 (AED) |
Rent | 3,000 – 7,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 | 9,000 – 20,000 |
Utilities & Internet | 500 – 800 | 600 – 900 | 1,000 – 1,500 |
Groceries & Food | 1,200 – 1,500 | 1,800 – 2,500 | 3,500 – 4,500 |
Transport | 500 – 800 | 800 – 1,200 | 1,200 – 1,800 |
Healthcare | 200 – 400 | 400 – 800 | 1,000 – 2,000 |
Lifestyle | 500 – 1,000 | 1,000 – 1,500 | 1,500 – 2,500 |
Total | 6,000 – 11,000 | 9,000 – 17,000 | 17,000 – 32,000 |
⚠️ Note: All costs are approximate and can vary. Always check the latest prices.
💡 Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Dubai
- 🏠 Live in affordable areas like International City, Muhaisnah, or Al Nahda
- 🛒 Shop at Union Coop or Carrefour for groceries
- 🚇 Use Metro or Nol Card for public transport
- 🏋️ Join community gyms or free beach workouts
- 💻 Use comparison websites for insurance & school reviews
- 👨👩👧 Share housing to split costs if you’re single
Dubai offers a premium lifestyle but it’s very possible to live comfortably and save by budgeting wisely. Whether you’re a bachelor, couple, or family, the cost of living can vary dramatically depending on your choices.
Always plan in advance and review your budget every few months to stay on top of your finances.