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Cost of Living in Dubai 2025: The Complete Expat Guide
Dubai, the land of opportunity, beckons thousands of expatriates every year. And while the glitz and glamour of this vibrant city entice many, you may wonder what it would take to move here. Well, look no further than this article, your comprehensive expatriate guide to the cost of living in Dubai 2025.
Here, we’ll break down the expenses you’ll face when living in this city. Whether you’re single, a couple, or a growing family of 4. Dubai living could be perfect for you.
What are the Expenses to Keep in Mind When Relocating to Dubai?
When you move to Dubai, there are essentially 3 categories to keep in mind when creating your budget:
- The Bare Necessities- The absolute musts that need to be taken on a routine basis. These are expenses that are sure to prop up, such as rent, utilities, groceries, etc.
- Travel and Transportation Costs- Dubai may seem like a small city, but in reality, most places are quite distant from one another. And so, you'll spend a lot of your time traveling. This can add up if you are not wise with how you travel.
- Leisure and Entertainment Costs- Dubai has an abundance of events throughout the year, ranging from free to premium. With so much to do, you will never get bored. However, apart from setting aside time, you will also need to set a budget to keep track of these expenses.
The Bare Necessities to Live in Dubai 2025
Cost of Housing in Dubai
Dubai has a variety of projects, from apartments and townhouses to luxurious sprawling villas and mansions. Rent in Dubai has steadily increased post-pandemic. Yet, the rents in this city remain competitive with other top metropolises, such as London, Hong Kong, and New York. Your monthly expenses will range from AED 800 (USD 218) to AED 160,000 (USD 43,500) depending on the location, lodging, and tenancy contract type.
Based on the number of cheques you pay throughout the year, you can negotiate your rental costs in Dubai. You will find that the lower the number of cheques you pay, the more leeway you may have to negotiate the annual rent. There are several methods of payment for rent in Dubai. These are:
- PDC (Pre-dated Cheques)
- Bank transfers
- Online payments
- Direct debt systems
- Cash payments
Using our table below, you will find the range for rent in Dubai. Based on popular neighborhoods, accommodation type, and the predominant communities in the area.
Rental Costs by Property Type and Area (2025)
Neighborhood | Bedspace | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | Villa 3-Bed | Villa 4-Bed | Townhouse 3- Bed | Predominant Communities |
Abu Hail | 1,050 | 28,000 | 55,000 | 70,000 | 110,000 | 170,000 | 110,000 | Indian, Pakistani, Arab |
Al Nahda | 1,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 | 50,000 | 85,000 | 200,000 | 110,000 | Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi |
Al Qusais | 1,100 | 35,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 | 110,000 | 140,000 | 100,000 | Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi |
Al Warqa'a
| 950 | 40,000 | 47,000 | 62,000 | 180,000 | 200,000 | 110,000 | Arab, Indian, Pakistani |
Arabian Ranches | - | - | - | - | 180,000 | 240,000 | 145,000 | Western, Arab |
Arjan | 1,300 | 40,000 | 58,000 | 80,000 | 130,000 | 170,000 | 115,000 | Mixed expatriate communities |
Bur Dubai | 1,250 | 35,000 | 50,000 | 70,000 | 150,000 | 180,000 | 130,000 | Indian, Pakistani, Filipino |
Business Bay | 1,900 | 55,000 | 70,000 | 89,000 | 400,000 | 500,000 | 450,000 | Arab, Western, Indian professionals |
Deira | 1,100 | 25,000 | 45,000 | 67,500 | 110,000 | 170,000 | 110,000 | Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino |
DIP (Dubai Investment Park) | 1,000 | 42,000 | 65,000 | 80,000 | 200,000 | 285,000 | 300,000 | Indian, Filipino, Pakistani |
Discovery Gardens | 1,500 | 44,000 | 60,000 | 90,000 | 375,000 | 440,000 | 190,000 | Indian, Filipino, Arab |
DSO (Dubai Silicon Oasis) | 1,100 | 38,000 | 52,000 | 70,000 | 240,000 | 250,000 | 150,000 | Indian professionals, Filipino, Arab |
Dubai Marina | 2,150 | 55,000 | 67,000 | 100,000 | 160,000 | 370,000 | 170,000 | Western expatriates, Russian, Arab |
Dubai Sports City | 1,100 | 38,000 | 55,000 | 70,000 | 295,000 | 350,000 | 285,000 | Indian, Filipino, Western, Arab |
Dubailand | 1,200 | 42,000 | 55,000 | 75,000 | 150,000 | 190,000 | 150,000 | Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Arab |
Furjan | 1,200 | 42,000 | 62,000 | 80,000 | 190,000 | 200,000 | 195,000 | Indian professionals, Arab, Western |
International City | 1,000 | 27,000 | 40,000 | 60,000 | 110,000 | 300,000 | 100,000 | Chinese, Indian, Pakistani |
Jumeirah Park | - | - | - | 120,000 | 190,000 | 250,000 | 175,000 | Western, Arab, Mixed |
JVC | 1,500 | 45,000 | 61,000 | 82,500 | 140,000 | 190,000 | 160,000 | Mixed expatriate communities |
Karama | 1,250 | 35,000 | 50,000 | 67,500 | 115,000 | 150,000 | 105,000 | Indian, Pakistani, Filipino |
Mankhool | 1,300 | 38,000 | 55,000 | 72,000 | - | - | - | Indian, Filipino, Arab |
Mirdif | 1,200 | 34,000 | 49,000 | 68,000 | 130,000 | 175,000 | 120,000 | Arab, Indian professionals, Western |
Motor City | 1,300 | 38,000 | 56,000 | 76,000 | 150,000 | 195,000 | 140,000 | Western, Arab, Indian professionals |
Qiyadah | 950 | 26,000 | 40,000 | 55,000 | 100,000 | 135,000 | 90,000 | Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi |
Tecom | 1,600 | 48,000 | 70,000 | 90,000 | - | - | - | Western, Arab, Indian professionals |
The Springs | - | - | - | 95,000 | 160,000 | 200,000 | 145,000 | Western, Arab, Indian professionals |
Townsquare | 1,350 | 39,000 | 58,000 | 78,000 | 155,000 | 200,000 | 145,000 | Western, Arab, Indian professionals |
Additional Housing Costs (2025 rates)
- Security deposit: Typically, the security deposit amounts to 5% of the annual rent. This amount is fully refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided there is no damage to the property. You will find the specific terms outlined in your tenancy contract.
- Agent commission: Your agent will also be paid 2-5% of your annual rent.
- EJARI (tenancy contract registration): You will need to pay AED 220 (USD 60) to register your tenancy contract with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) of Dubai.
- Maintenance fees: These fees vary and are often covered by the landlord.
Cost of Utilities in Dubai
Once you take care of your rental costs, you will also need to take care of other monthly expenses like your utilities. These include electricity, water, gas, and other modern-day necessities such as internet, TV, and phone plans.
Monthly Utility Expenses in Dubai for 2025
- DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority): Your monthly electricity and water costs for an apartment in Dubai range from AED 300-800 (USD 82-218). This is dependent on the season, with summer being more due to increased air conditioning, you will find that.
- Gas (for cooking): Gas line connections are usually set up in most properties in Dubai. This cost is usually between AED 50-100 (USD 14-27).
- Internet & TV packages: Your TV and Internet packages will amount to roughly AED 350-700 (USD 95-190) per month. This is dependant on your preferred speed and channels.
- Mobile phone plans: Your regular phone plan can range from anywhere between AED 125-500 (USD 34-136), inclusive of data and calling charges.
For a typical 1-bedroom apartment, you can expect your total monthly utility costs in Dubai to be around AED 800-1,200 (USD 218-327).
Cost of Food & Groceries For Expats in Dubai
Your monthly food expenses in Dubai significantly vary based on each household’s dining habits. And so, here is a breakdown of what your monthly grocery and food budget will look like:
- Budget grocery shopping: AED 800-1,200 (USD 218-327) per household (local supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, Al Madina, Nesto)
- Premium grocery shopping: AED 1,500-2,500 (USD 408-680) per household (Spinneys, Waitrose)
- Dining out budget per person per outing:
- Fast food meal: AED 25-40 (USD 7-10)
- Mid-range restaurant: AED 100-200 (USD 27-54)
- Fine dining: AED 300-1,000+ (USD 82-270+)
- Coffee shop visit: AED 20-30 (USD 5-8) for a specialty coffee
An average professional typically spends AED 1,200-2,000 (USD 327- 545) monthly on food. This is a combination of homemade meals and the occasional dining out.
The list above will give you a fair idea of regular food and dining costs. However, Dubai’s constant sales, and nationality-specific stores and restaurants will provide great food at reasonable rates. Additionally, there are a number of subscription meal delivery services that cater to your preferred budget, taste, and requirements.
Cost of Education in Dubai
For those with families, you will find school fees to be a significant expense when living in Dubai. Here, you will find top educational facilities that will enrich your child with the best amenities. Here is the typical range for school fees to consider per child:
Annual School Tuition Fee Ranges:
- British Curriculum: AED 25,000-100,000 (USD 6,806- 27,225) annually
- American Curriculum: AED 30,000-90,000 (USD 8,167-24,503) annually
- Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE): AED 8,000-35,000 (USD 2,178-9529) annually
- International Baccalaureate (IB): AED 50,000-120,000 (USD 13,612-32,670) annually
Additional Education Costs:
- Registration fees: AED 500-2,000 (USD 136-545) (one-time)
- Books and supplies: AED 2,000-5,000 (USD 545-1,361) annually
- School transport: AED 5,000-10,000 (USD 1,361-2,722) annually
- Uniforms: AED 1,000-3,000 (USD 272-817) annually
- Extracurricular activities: AED 3,000-15,000 (USD 817-4084) annually
You can learn more about Dubai’s schools and higher education institutes through Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) website.
Healthcare Expenses in 2025
While basic health insurance is mandatory and typically provided by your employer, many expatriates also opt for enhanced coverage. Here is a breakdown of these plans:
- Basic insurance (employer-provided): Coverage varies, often comes with co-payments.
- Enhanced insurance plans: AED 5,000-15,000 (USD 1,360-4,083) annually per person.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Budget AED 1,000-3,000 (USD 272-816) annually for co-pays and uncovered treatments.
- Dental care: Often not fully covered, with check-ups costing around AED 300-500 (USD 81-136).
- Prescription medications: Variable, with partial coverage under most plans.
Travel and Transportation Costs in Dubai
Dubai is no small city, and under the sweltering heat of the desert, walking is not always an option. Here is a list of the various travel options you have in Dubai and their individual costs when moving here.
Public Transport
While most people prefer using their own vehicles to get around, Dubai has several public transport options.
- Silver Nol Card (rechargeable): Used for the Dubai Bus, Metro, Tram, Ferry, and Water Taxis and costs AED 25 (USD 7). This is a one-time payment and comes with AED 19 balance.
- Monthly Metro pass: Approximately AED 300 (USD 81) per month.
- Metro: AED 3-7.50 (USD 1-2) one-way, depending on the number of zones crossed in Dubai.
- Tram: AED 3-7.50 (USD 1-2) for a standard adult ticket with the Silver Nol Card, AED 4-8.50 for a standard adult ticket otherwise.
- Bus fares: AED 3-7.50 (USD 1-2) per trip within Dubai.
- Water Taxis and Ferries: Fares start from AED 7-25 (USD 2-7).
- Taxi: While taxis have different starting prices between AED 5-12 (USD 2-3), the minimum fare amount is AED 12 (minimum AED 20 per trip).
- Ride-sharing services: These services are similar to taxis but with surge pricing during peak hours.
You can find public transport timetables and buy your tickets on the Dubai RTA website and app.
Car Ownership
If you decide to get a license in Dubai and own a car, here are some of the maintenance costs you will have to keep up.
- Fuel: Approximately AED 250-500 (USD 68-136) monthly, depending on vehicle and commute.
- Insurance: AED 2,000-5,000 (USD 545-1360) annually for a mid-range sedan.
- Parking: AED 300-500 (USD 81-136) monthly in residential areas.
- Salik (toll gates): AED 6 (USD 1.6) per gate during peak hours (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM), AED 4 (USD 1) per gate during off-peak hours (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM), and free during the hours between (1:00 AM – 6:00 AM)
- Maintenance: AED 3,000-7,000 (USD 810-1905) annually, depending on the vehicle
Leisure and Entertainment Cost in Dubai
Leisure and entertainment are the add-ons in life that enhance your everyday life. Here is a rough breakdown of a few of Dubai’s monthly leisure experiences and their expenses to consider:
- Gym Membership: AED 250-1,000 (USD 68-272)
- Beach Club Access: AED 150-300 (USD 41-81) per day or AED 5,000-20,000 (USD 1,360-5,450) annually
- Cinema Tickets: AED 35-50 (USD 10-14) per person
- Nightclub Entry: AED 100-300 (USD 27-81) (often with minimum spend requirements)
- Restaurant Brunch: AED 250-500 (USD 68-140) (a popular Dubai social tradition)
- Desert Safari: AED 150-500 (USD 41-140) per person
- Shopping Mall Visits: Highly variable spending
A typical professional might spend AED 1,000-3,000 (USD 270-810) monthly for leisure activities, depending on their personal lifestyle choices.
Total Monthly Living Costs by Lifestyle Tier
In total, you can base your monthly living expenses in Dubai on the budget considerations as given below:
Budget Living (AED per Month)
- Single person: AED 3,000-7,000 (USD 810-1,906)
- Couple: AED 10,000-18,000 (USD 2,700-4,900)
- Family of four (excluding education): AED 18,000-25,000 (USD 4,900-6,806)
Comfortable/Mid-Range Living (AED per Month)
- Single person: AED 12,000-18,000 (USD 3,267-4,900)
- Couple: AED 20,000-30,000 (USD 5,445-8,167)
- Family of four (excluding education): AED 30,000-45,000 (USD 8,167-12,251)
Premium Lifestyle (AED per Month)
- Single person: AED 20,000-30,000+ (USD 5,445-8,167+)
- Couple: AED 35,000-50,000+ (USD 9,529-13,612+)
- Family of four (excluding education): AED 50,000-80,000+ (USD 13,612-21,780+)
Cost-Saving Strategies to Live in Dubai (2025)
- Housing alternatives: Consider sharing accommodations or moving to newer developing areas like Dubai South or Dubailand. You may even consider living in nearby emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- Transportation options: Opt to use the metro and bus network instead of taxis to lower your travel costs.
- Food budgeting: Shop at local markets and make homemade meals more frequently, rather than dining out, to lower your food budget.
- Entertainment choices: Take advantage of free public beaches, parks, and other facilities. You should also keep an eye out for free or discounted events happening all over the UAE.
- Timing your move: Try to relocate in the winter months when utility costs are lower to reduce your initial costs.
- Education planning: Use the KHDA website to find schools that fit your child's needs and your budget.
- Shopping wisely: Wait for Dubai's big sales events to score huge discounts on clothing, furniture, electronics, and more.
Is Dubai Affordable in 2025?
While Dubai's cost of living continues to rise, the city still remains attractive to expatriates worldwide. Due to its tax-free income structure, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life. Your actual living expenses in Dubai will depend heavily on your housing and lifestyle choices. This guide on the cost of living in Dubai should give you a great start to begin creating your budget.
For professionals earning competitive salaries, living in Dubai offers an excellent quality-to-cost ratio compared to other global cities. However, thorough financial planning before relocating is essential to ensure your Dubai experience is both enjoyable and financially sustainable. Whether you're a young professional, a family of 4, or a retiree considering Dubai, this 2025 cost breakdown should help you make an informed decision about your move to this vibrant global hub.
