How costly is living in Dubai, the dream city?
Dubai is a world destination that holds pride in its luxurious lifestyle, modern architecture, and energetic culture. This Middle Eastern gem has turned out to be a real haven for expatriates and tourists. Before venturing into Dubai, it will be great to understand the average cost of living in Dubai.
Whether you are relocating alone, as a couple, or with family, it is good to know what is the average cost of living in Dubai to plan your finances accordingly.
The average cost of living in Dubai
How much is the cost of housing in Dubai?
Housing is generally the largest financial commitment for any person residing in Dubai. The average rent in Dubai for an apartment significantly differs based on location, size of the property, and its amenities.
Rental cost in Dubai
The average rental in Dubai cost depends on the neighborhood. There are upscale locations such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina that charge high rentals, while more economical communities like International City and Discovery Gardens are cheaper.
Annual rental cost examples:
- Studio apartment: AED 30,000–50,000
- One-bedroom apartment: AED 45,000–70,000
- Two-bedroom apartment: AED 80,000–100,000
- Four-bedroom villa: AED 200,000–265,000
If buying property is on your cards, the average apartment price in Dubai starts within Dubai for sale is AED 475,000 and can go as high as AED 5 million for villas in upscale areas.
Cost of utilities
Utilities range from water, electricity, cooling, and trash disposal. Being more dependent on property size, the monthly costs are variable:
- One-bedroom apartment: AED 300–500
- Two-bedroom apartment: AED 500–800
- Internet and TV packages: AED 350–600
Transportation cost: how to get around in Dubai economically?
Getting around Dubai has options for different budgets, using public transit against private vehicles.
Car Rental Monthly Rates
Many residents prefer renting cars for flexibility. Car rental monthly rates are as follows:
- Economy cars: AED 1,200–1,800
- Mid-size sedans: AED 1,800–2,500
- SUVs: AED 2,500–4,000
Pro Tip: Long-term car rentals often come with discounts of up to 15%. If you are a local who has an Esaad card, from Beno you can avail discounts up to 20%.
What are the public transportation costs in Dubai?
Public transport is an economical option for getting around the city:
- Metro fares: AED 4–8.50 per trip
- Bus fares: AED 3–5 per trip
- Taxi base fare: AED 12 (minimum charge)
A monthly metro pass costs AED 350, making it a budget-friendly choice for frequent travelers.
Daily cost of living Dubai: Essentials and More
Groceries and Dining
Your grocery and dining expenses depend on your lifestyle. Monthly expenses in Dubai for a single person:
- Groceries: AED 800–1,200 per month
- Dining out occasionally: AED 500–1,000 per month
- Casual meals and coffee: AED 300–500 per month
Shopping at hypermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu can save you money, while dining at high-end restaurants will increase costs.
Healthcare and Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai, and costs vary depending on the plan and coverage:
- Basic health insurance: AED 3,000–5,000 annually
- Doctor visit: AED 200–400
- Dental check-ups: AED 300–500
Employers typically cover health insurance, but expatriates on investor visas need to secure their own plans.
Cost of living by household type
Cost of living for a family of 4 in Dubai
Families face higher expenses, particularly for housing, education, and leisure:
- Rent (3-bedroom apartment): AED 8,000–12,000 monthly
- Utilities: AED 1,000–1,500 monthly
- Groceries: AED 2,500–3,500 monthly
- School fees (per child): AED 2,500–5,000 monthly
- Entertainment: AED 1,000–2,000 monthly
Cost of living in Dubai for couples
Couples often have lower expenses compared to families but higher than singles:
- Rent (1-2 bedroom apartment): AED 4,000–7,000 monthly
- Utilities: AED 500–800 monthly
- Groceries: AED 1,500–2,000 monthly
- Entertainment: AED 1,000–1,500 monthly
Living expenses in Dubai for a single person
For singles, the monthly expenses in Dubai for a single person range between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000:
- Rent (studio or one-bedroom): AED 2,500–4,500
- Utilities: AED 300–500
- Groceries: AED 800–1,200
- Transportation: AED 300–1,000
Lifestyle costs and additional expenses
Personal Care and Fitness
- Gym membership: AED 250–500 monthly
- Haircut: AED 50–150
- Basic clothing: AED 300–500 monthly
Communication
Mobile phone plans: AED 125–300 monthly
Home internet: AED 350–500 monthly
Entertainment and Leisure
- Cinema tickets: AED 45 per person
- Dining at mid-range restaurants: AED 100–200 per meal
- Family activities (parks, malls, etc.): AED 500–1,500 monthly
Tips to save money as a Dubai resident
- Affordable locations for housing: Select neighborhoods like Deira or Al Qusais to save on rent while staying close to amenities and being in the heart of Dubai.
- Use Public Transport: Use the Metro or buses for daily commutes to reduce transportation costs.
- Shop Smart: Take advantage of discounts at hypermarkets or shop at local markets.
- Entertainment Deals: Look for group-buying websites or apps offering discounted rates for dining, activities, and events. Use apps like Noon and Deliveroo to get the best offers on food and dining.
- Long-term car rentals: Choose car rental monthly as this can offer you flexible transportation at the best rate without having to schedule your plans to public transport's schedules.
Living in Dubai offers an exciting lifestyle filled with opportunities, but understanding and managing your expenses is vital for enjoying the city to its fullest. Whether you are a single professional, a couple, or a family, the cost of living in Dubai varies based on your lifestyle, housing preferences, and daily habits.
Choose the right and best location, and rent a car from firms like Beno for affordable transportation, with the right budgeting for daily expenses, you can live comfortably and economically in the most luxurious city in the world.
Proper financial planning ensures that you can enjoy the luxurious perks of Dubai without breaking the bank.
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