Cost of living in Dubai - rent, transportation, food, healthcare

Moving to Dubai is a big change, and the cost of living may come as a surprise to many. The city offers luxurious living conditions and excellent infrastructure, but daily expenses can vary depending on your lifestyle. Below is a detailed guide to the cost of living in Dubai, which will help you better understand what to expect when relocating.

Cost of renting an apartment in Dubai

Rent is one of the biggest expenses you’ll face when living in Dubai. Prices vary greatly depending on the location, type of building, and amenities. The most expensive areas are Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, where you can expect to pay between 8,000 and 12,000 AED per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Cheaper options are available in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Nahda, and Deira, where prices start at around 4,000 AED for a similar apartment.

Average Rental Prices:

One-bedroom apartment in the city center (e.g. Downtown Dubai): 8,000–12,000 AED per month
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center (e.g. Al Nahda): 4,000–6,000 AED per month
Three-bedroom villa: from 12,000 AED per month and up (depending on location)

For families relocating, it’s important to consider proximity to schools and available recreational spaces. Also, many rental agreements in Dubai require payment in advance for the entire year or in several larger installments.

Transportation and fuel costs

Dubai has a well-developed public transport network, including the metro, buses, and trams. The metro is a popular choice among residents and tourists, especially for those working in the city center or areas like Dubai Marina. A monthly metro ticket costs about 300 AED, while a one-way fare ranges from 3 to 7.5 AED, depending on the zones.

Public Transport Costs:

Monthly metro ticket: around 300 AED
One-way ticket: 3–7.5 AED (depending on the zones)

Owning a car in Dubai is also a popular option, especially for those who want to travel outside the city. Fuel is much cheaper than in Europe – a liter of gasoline costs around 2.5–3 AED. However, you should also account for car insurance, maintenance, and toll fees.

Car Ownership Costs:

Liter of gasoline: 2.5–3 AED
Annual car insurance: from 1,200 to 4,000 AED, depending on the car
Road toll fees (Salik): 4 AED per toll gate (most common during peak hours)

Food and grocery costs

Food prices in Dubai vary depending on where you shop. Supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu offer reasonable prices and a wide selection of both local and imported products. Monthly grocery costs for one person can range from 800 to 1,200 AED if you mainly shop at supermarkets and cook at home.

If you prefer dining out, costs can increase significantly. Dubai offers a wide range of restaurants, from budget-friendly to luxurious. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around 40–80 AED per person, while dinner at an upscale restaurant can easily cost 200 AED or more.

Example Prices:

Bread: 5–10 AED
Milk (1 liter): 5–8 AED
Chicken (1 kg): 25–30 AED
Meal at a budget restaurant: 20–40 AED
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: 200–300 AED

Healthcare costs

Dubai has a well-developed healthcare system, and health insurance is mandatory for all residents. If you are employed in Dubai, your employer is required to provide basic health insurance. The cost of private health insurance depends on the coverage – basic plans start from 700 AED per year, but more comprehensive packages can cost several thousand AED.

Example Costs:

Basic health insurance: from 700 AED per year
Specialist consultation: 300–600 AED (if uninsured)
Emergency visits: from 500 AED and up, depending on the facility

Entertainment and lifestyle costs

Dubai is full of attractions, but many of them come with a price tag. Going to the movies, visiting a water park, or going for a brunch are popular forms of entertainment, but they can be expensive. A gym membership will cost you around 200–500 AED per month, and a cinema ticket costs about 40–50 AED per screening.

Example Entertainment Costs:

Cinema: 40–50 AED per ticket
Entry to a water park: 200–300 AED
Weekend brunch (popular in Dubai): 150–500 AED

Other costs in Dubai

You should also factor in utility bills, which are typically not included in rent. Utility costs (electricity, water, and gas) depend on the size of the apartment and how much you use the air conditioning – something almost unavoidable in Dubai for most of the year. Average utility bills can range from 500 to 1,000 AED per month for a standard apartment.

Example Costs:

Utility bills (electricity, water, gas): 500–1,000 AED per month
Internet (broadband): 300–500 AED per month
Mobile phone: 100–200 AED per month for a standard package

Living in Dubai can be luxurious, but it comes with high costs, particularly in rent and services. Nevertheless, many people are drawn to the city’s modern infrastructure, high living standards, and rich cultural and entertainment offerings. The key to success is thoughtful budget management and adjusting your lifestyle to your financial capacity.

Dubai offers the opportunity to live at a high level, but it’s important to understand that everyday expenses can quickly add up if you don’t plan ahead.

FAQ – cost of living in Dubai

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Dubai?
Rent prices in Dubai vary depending on the location and type of property. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from 8,000 AED to 12,000 AED per month, while areas outside the city center may offer rentals starting at 4,000 AED.
Is public transportation expensive in Dubai?
Public transportation in Dubai is relatively affordable. A monthly metro pass costs around 300 AED, and a one-way ticket ranges from 3 to 7.5 AED, depending on the zones.
How much does a meal cost in Dubai?
Dining out in Dubai can vary widely. A meal at a budget restaurant typically costs 20–40 AED, while dining at a mid-range restaurant could set you back 200–300 AED for two people.
What are the average grocery costs in Dubai?
Grocery prices can be reasonable in Dubai. A monthly grocery bill for one person may range from 800 to 1,200 AED, depending on your shopping habits and whether you cook at home.
Do I need health insurance in Dubai?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai. Your employer is typically required to provide basic coverage. Private insurance plans range from 700 AED per year for basic coverage to several thousand AED for more comprehensive plans.
Are utility bills included in the rent?
Utility bills (electricity, water, and gas) are usually not included in rent. These can cost between 500 AED and 1,000 AED per month for a standard apartment, depending on usage, especially air conditioning.
How much does it cost to own a car in Dubai?
Car ownership in Dubai includes fuel costs (around 2.5–3 AED per liter), annual insurance (from 1,200 AED to 4,000 AED), and toll fees (4 AED per Salik gate). Maintenance and parking fees may also add to the cost.
What are the costs of entertainment in Dubai?
Entertainment costs vary. A cinema ticket is typically 40–50 AED, while a visit to a water park may cost between 200 and 300 AED. A weekend brunch at a hotel restaurant can range from 150 AED to 500 AED per person.
How much should I expect to pay for a gym membership in Dubai?
Gym memberships in Dubai can cost between 200 AED and 500 AED per month, depending on the facilities and the type of membership you choose.
Is Dubai an affordable city to live in?
Dubai can be expensive, especially in terms of rent, dining out, and leisure activities. However, costs can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices. By managing your expenses and choosing more affordable options, you can make living in Dubai more affordable.