Cost of living in Dubai: Your guide (2024)

Whether you’re retiring, temporarily relocating or moving to Dubai for good, it’s helpful to have a picture of what life there will cost as an expat. The standard of living in Dubai is very high. In fact, the opportunity to live well in an interesting place is exactly why many foreigners go there. But this doesn’t come cheap.

Using a service like Wise could help you reduce your overall costs as now you can send, receive and organise your money internationally without hefty fees.

Dubai is always dubbed as one of the most expensive cities in the world for tourists to visit, but what are the costs to actually live there as an expat? Read on and find out!

How expensive is Dubai in comparison to the UK, the EU, the USA and Australia?

The official currency in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (written as AED - Arab Emirate Dirham - on currency exchanges).

You can find out the exact value of your money in AED, using an online currency converter - but the list below shows the approximate value of AED at the time of writing, compared to a few major currencies:¹

  • 1000 USD = 3,673 AED
  • 1000 GBP = 5,077 AED
  • 1000 EUR = 4,336 AED
  • 1000 AUD = 2,712 AED

One major factor that adds expense for expats in Dubai, is the cost of converting cash to AED from your home currency. Even if your bank says it offers fee-free money exchange, you can be sure that its cut is rolled up in the exchange rate it uses.

To get a better deal, you could use an exchange service like Wise, which applies the same mid-market rate you’ll find on Google and Reuters. Wise provides a quick service and low flat fees to transfer your cash so this can be a much better deal than relying on your home bank.

Join Wise today

Additionally, the following chart can give you an idea of general pricing for day to day expenses in Dubai compared to some other major cities in the world (shown in AED);

Comparing basic cost of livingOne bedroom flat in city centre (monthly rent)Lunch for two (Three courses, mid-range restaurant)Transportation (monthly pass)
Dubai, UAE²5,431 AED250 AED300 AED
London, UK³8,371 AED303 AED798 AED
New York City, USA⁴11,205 AED367 AED478 AED
Berlin, Germany⁵4,121 AED216 AED355 AED
Sydney, Australia⁶7,167 AED270 AED587 AED

Cost of living in Dubai vs. UK

According to the Mercer’s Cost of Living survey, London is actually slightly more expensive than Dubai. While Dubai is at number 23, which is still pretty high, the UK capital is at the 19th spot.⁷

Rent prices in London are more than 50% higher than those in Dubai, while groceries cost around 35% more. Only a few things are cheaper in Dubai. Besides internet packages, it pretty much comes down to individual items.⁸

When it comes to Manchester, the prices are in general higher than in Dubai. An exception is the cost of rent, which is almost 40% higher in Dubai.⁹

What are general living expenses like in Dubai?

Where you choose to live is one of the major factors determining how expensive life in Dubai will be for you. Rental prices are fairly high, but move outside of the city, and you can rent in Dubai for much less.

However, let’s have a look at average expenses, but without rent. Below is an overview of the cost of living in Dubai for a single person and for families. The table can help you get an idea of how much money you’ll need monthly:

Living expenses in Dubai (excluding rent)²Average cost
Single person, per monthAED 3,406
Four person family, per monthAED 11,738

Cost of utilities in Dubai

Your overall cost of utilities will obviously depend on your personal choice of services. The type of internet and TV package, as well as your mobile plan, will determine your monthly expenses. However, there are some things that everyone in Dubai pays.

Your DEWA bill (standing for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is the most important one of them. For example, for a 900 sq. ft. apartment, the DEWA bill is around 600 AED a month.¹⁰ Of course, the exact number depends on your consumption.

Next, internet and TV packages are mainly provided by Etisalat and du. Their offers change frequently, but the basic internet and TV package is upwards of AED 300 a month. On the other hand, premium packages cost over AED 1,000.¹⁰ In order to sign up for these services, some companies require you to be at least 21 years old.¹¹

Finally, your cellphone bill will most likely range from AED 125 to over AED 500. Like anywhere else, this depends on the amount of data and number of minutes you get per month.¹⁰

Here’s a summary of the average cost of utilities in Dubai:

Utilities in DubaiAverage costs
DEWA bill for 900 sq ft apartment¹⁰AED 608
Internet and TV packages¹¹AED 299 to AED 2,999
Cellphone bill¹⁰AED 125 to over AED 500

What are the average salaries for Dubai?

The salaries in Dubai in general are fairly high. Additionally, for skilled and in demand professions, they’re extremely good. If you’re a software developer, then Dubai is among the best places in the world to pull in a high salary, especially now.¹² However, pay isn’t so high for more administrative or entry level positions.

Check out what you could earn on average in Dubai here:¹³

Salary averages for DubaiAverage salary
AccountantAED 55,000
Civil engineerAED 74,000
Mechanical engineerAED 73,000
Project managerAED 234,000
Operations managerAED 184,000
Business development managerAED 182,000
Finance managerAED 219,000

How expensive is housing and accommodation in Dubai?

Dubai has a very well-developed rental sector, meaning you can find pretty much any sort of housing you could wish for. Prices in the city centre and in exclusive expat areas outside of the centre have always been rather steep. However, rent prices have dropped during 2021, so apartments are not as pricey.¹⁴

No matter what you want to know - the living cost in Dubai on a minimum salary style or with a bit more luxury - this should give you a general idea of what to expect. See what it might cost you to live in Dubai here or check out our handy guide to renting in Dubai

Renting in DubaiAverage monthly cost
One bedroom apartment (city centre)AED 5,431
One bedroom apartment (outside of city centre)AED 3,642
Three bedroom apartment (city centre)AED 10,613
Three bedroom apartment (outside of city centre)AED 7,099
InternetAED 356
Utilities (gas, electric and water for a 85m2 apartment)AED 672

What about healthcare and dental costs in Dubai?

The healthcare system in Dubai and throughout the UAE is very strong. When it comes to expats living in Dubai, their employers have to provide health insurance for them and their families. So, if you fall into this category, you should be taken care of.¹⁵ Also, since basic health insurance is now mandatory in Dubai, there are certain plans that are available to those that aren’t employed or have a lower income.¹⁶

The basic plan, called the EBP (Essential Benefits Plan), has pretty decent coverage. The yearly limit is AED 150,000 and it includes surgeries, lab tests, physiotherapy sessions, emergency care etc. Also, pregnant women have all tests covered, as well as the delivery, where the insured only pays 10%.¹⁶

Even though public healthcare in Dubai is good, there’s always an option to get private health insurance. This way, you’ll get premium care and skip any waiting. The prices are high, but they vary, so you really need to check with individual companies. Some of the well known ones are AXA Gulf Insurance, Allianz, Daman Health Insurance and ASCANA Takaful.

Here are the average prices of some health-related services:¹⁷

Healthcare serviceAverage cost to you
Short visit to private doctorAED 261
Cold medicine for six daysAED 24
A box of antibioticsAED 45

How much is travel and transportation in Dubai?

UAE is a country made famous by oil - so it’s hardly surprising that driving here is quite cheap. However, Dubai is a congested city, so hopping on public transportation might be your best bet if you have a daily commute.

Here are some average transportation costs in Dubai

Transportation and vehicle prices for DubaiAverage cost
Fuel (One litre / 0.25 gallon)AED 2.08
Monthly bus/transport passAED 300
Bus ticket, single useAED 5
Taxi tariff, 1kmAED 2.25
Toyota Corolla, newAED 70,670
VW Golf, newAED 90,000

How much does education cost?

The huge numbers of expats in Dubai means that there are excellent schools here, following many different educational systems. However, expats have to pay tuition fees, no matter if the school is public or private.¹⁸ This year, it has been decided that public schools won’t charge more than AED 6,000 per year.¹⁹

You might choose an international school which follows the International Baccalaureate programme or a school using the curriculum taught in your home country. Whatever is best for your family is likely to be on offer in Dubai.

SchoolAverage cost
Public school¹⁹up to AED 6,000
Private school²⁰AED 3,567 - 107,928
Zayed University (international students, one year)²¹AED 2,500 per credit hour
British University of Dubai tuition (international students, one year)²²AED 56,250 - 62,500

Dubai is a great expat destination, whether you’re considering a permanent move, or just looking to spend a year or two exploring somewhere new. The facilities and lifestyle on offer are world class and although the cost of living is fairly high, the experiences you can get here are truly memorable.

Good luck with your new life in Dubai!

Sources:

  1. Wise - currency converter
  2. Numbeo - cost of living in Dubai
  3. Numbeo - cost of living in London
  4. Numbeo - cost of living in New York
  5. Numbeo - cost of living in Berlin
  6. Numbeo - cost of living in Sydney
  7. Mercer - cost of living ranking
  8. Numbeo - cost of living comparison Dubai vs. London
  9. Numbeo - cost of living comparison Dubai vs. Manchester
  10. Bayut - What’s the cost of living in Dubai?
  11. Bayut - home internet packages in Dubai
  12. Khaleej Times - Dubai jobs: Demand for software developers skyrockets
  13. Payscale - average salaries in Dubai
  14. Khaleej Times - UAE becomes more affordable as stimulus cuts cost of living
  15. UAE Government - health insurance
  16. Gulf News - complete guide to mandatory health insurance in Dubai
  17. Expatistan - cost of living in Dubai
  18. Internations - education system in UAE
  19. Khaleej Times - UAE public school fee capped at AED 6,000
  20. Edarabia - best schools in Dubai
  21. Zayed University - tuition fees for international students
  22. British University in Dubai - undergraduate fees

*All sources checked on August 18, 2021

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

Cost of living in Dubai: Your guide (2024)

FAQs

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Dubai? ›

To live comfortably in Dubai, you should expect a salary of at least 10,000 to 15,000 AED. This should allow you to cover your rent and bills and have enough disposable income to enjoy Dubai to the fullest.

Is cost of living in Dubai expensive? ›

In terms of costs like food, entertainment and activities, Dubai is reasonably expensive (but proportionally lower than rental costs).

Is 500 dirham enough in Dubai? ›

aed 500 dhs per day will be more than enough for food and transportation.

Can you live in Dubai with 5000$ salary? ›

It's completely up to how your way of living is. I would say that, 5000 AED is a pretty good start for a new comer to Dubai. As there is transport and accommodation the only expenses would be food and a little bit of lavish living.. If it's your first time, go for it!

Is moving to Dubai worth it? ›

Dubai offers a diverse and exceptional lifestyle. If you compare the minimum living standard or lifestyle of this place, you will find it is always improving and at a higher rate compared to other fast progressing economies in the world.

What is a good salary in Dubai 2022? ›

The expected salary ranges from 12,000-45,000. Emirates Chalhoub group, Deloitte, Al Tamimi & Company, and Kharafi National are the top companies for sales in Dubai. Sales jobs are one of the in-demand jobs in Dubai.

Is 2000 AED enough in Dubai? ›

You will struggle to spend on food for 7 days, do all the attractions you mentioned with reputable merchants, transportation, and buy gifts with 2000 dirhams!

Is 6000 dirham a good salary? ›

Is 6000 AED a good salary in Dubai, if the company provides food, accommodation, and transportation? I'm assuming you're an Indian. Although the offer might seem good when you convert from Indian currency, I would still say this is not a great one.

What is average Dubai rent? ›

Renting a House or Apartment

The average rent in the UAE ranges between 30,000 to 50,000 AED (8,100 to 13,600 USD) per year for a studio apartment. One-and two-bedroom apartments range between 70,000 and 100,000 AED (19,000–27,220 USD).

Can I live in Dubai without a job? ›

UAE visa you can get without a job. Although a majority of the expats, which accounts for about 85 percent of the UAE's population, work as an employee in the country and require a work visa to live here, there has, however, been a noteworthy expansion of the visa scheme as announced by the UAE government.

Whats the average salary in Dubai? ›

What is the average salary in Dubai? The average salary in Dubai is AED 16,775 per month6 — this is roughly $4,570. In the US, the average monthly income is $3,9007.

Is 15k a good salary in Dubai? ›

If you don't want to read the whole blog, here is the bottom line; a salary of AED 10,000 - 15,000 (USD 2,700 - 4,000) a month is considered pretty decent with the potential to save a good amount, while a salary of AED 15,000 - 20,000 (USD 4,000 - 5,400) per month and more is considered very attractive.

Can you wear shorts in Dubai? ›

Yes, women can wear shorts in Dubai as long as they are not too short. You can wear them at beaches or malls but you should avoid them at local markets and souks. Can men wear shorts in Dubai water parks? It is mandatory in the water parks to wear any kind of swimwear.

Should I carry cash to Dubai? ›

While travelling from India to Dubai, knowing the amount of cash to carry is mandatory. In India, exporting Indian currencies should not allow.

Is 30000 dirhams a good salary? ›

Well 30k AED is considered as rare and the best salary in the UAE as you can have a good lifestyle even with your family including two kids and save a good part of your salary.

How much is a can of Coke in Dubai? ›

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,489$ (12,816AED) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 998$ (3,664AED) without rent.
...
Cost of Living in Dubai.
RestaurantsEdit
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)45.00AED
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)50.00AED
Cappuccino (regular)19.31AED
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)4.45AED
62 more rows

What is the lowest income in Dubai? ›

For expatriates, there is no mandatory minimum wage. For UAE nationals, the minimum wage is determined by the level of education: No high school certificate- 3,000 AED. High school certificate- 4,000 AED.

Is life in Dubai stressful? ›

"It is very stressful, as you get to stay here depending on how well you do your job," Shaheen told Insider. "That's a huge burden on anyone, especially for breadwinners and people who come from countries that are not doing well economically."

Why do people leave Dubai? ›

Lured by almost no taxes, full paid salaries without deductions, sunny beaches and luxurious lifestyle to some point you cannot handle the high expenses of such a lifestyle. High paid professionals are not expecting to come to the UAE and live a lower standard life than theirs in their home country.

What is the most paid job in Dubai? ›

Highest Paid Jobs in the UAE
  • Lawyer.
  • Senior Human Resources.
  • Data Scientist.
  • IT Manager.
  • Doctors.
  • Bank Manager.
  • Pilots.
  • Engineers.
28 Aug 2022

How much is an apartment in Dubai? ›

Housing, Rental & Utilities
Type of ApartmentCost of rent per month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City CentreAED 5,141.89 (USD 1 399.92)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of CentreAED 3,281.72 (USD 893.47)
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City CentreAED 9,766.53 (USD 2 659.01)
1 more row

How much does a middle class person earn in Dubai? ›

The median salary in Dubai is 21,500 AED per month. This means that half of Dubai's population earns less than 21,500 AED while the other half makes more than 21,500 AED.
...
CityAverage Salary (per month)
Sharjah20,400 AED
Al Ain19,800 AED
Ajman19,300 AED
Fujairah18,100 AED
1 more row
6 Aug 2021

Is 7500 AED a good salary in Dubai? ›

The answer is "No", no it is not, even if your accommodation is paid for. Single people spend more than their marred counterparts in Dubai, especially if they live a social and active life,.

Is 9000 AED enough in Dubai? ›

9000 AED is 80 USD per day. A poor wage for Dubai, although it is much better than the wages of the camp workers. You could not live alone for that money. You would need to share accomm with others.

Is 11000 AED a good salary in Dubai? ›

AED 11,000 would be just enough to survive for you in UAE. Currently the cost of living is quite high in Dubai and for a single person this might be sufficient.

Is 18k dirham good salary in Dubai? ›

If you are single then its a very good amount. 5000 for studio in good location of dubai.

How can I live cheap in Dubai? ›

TIPS FOR LIVING IN DUBAI ON A BUDGET
  1. LOOK FOR AN AFFORDABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD. ...
  2. SHARE AN APARTMENT LEGALLY. ...
  3. LIVE CLOSE TO YOUR WORKPLACE / CHILDREN'S SCHOOL. ...
  4. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN DUBAI. ...
  5. USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO AVOID ROAD TOLLS. ...
  6. SHOP AT AFFORDABLE SUPERMARKETS. ...
  7. BUY LOCAL. ...
  8. LOOK FOR FREE OR BUDGET-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI.

Is Dubai a tax haven? ›

In particular, Dubai's open, tax-free business model, which dates back to 1905, contributed to the success of the city—and the UAE as a whole. Dubai was also a regional pioneer in establishing Free Zones that guarantee 100 percent private ownership in addition to repatriation of capital and profit.

Is it cheaper to buy or rent in Dubai? ›

Downtown Dubai

The average luxury apartment costs AED 9.2 million, & average rental prices are AED 386,047 per year. Recommendation: Renting is 30% cheaper than buying a property in the Downtown area.

What is middle class in Dubai? ›

There are three distinct social classes in Dubai: the Emiratis, the upper class consisting of the wealthiest citizens; the expats, the middle class consisting of foreign workers such as merchants; and the migrant workers, the lower class consisting of impoverished laborers working and living in horrifying conditions.

How much tax do you pay in Dubai? ›

There is no federal or Emirate-level personal income tax in the United Arab Emirates.

What are the easy job to get in Dubai? ›

Here's a list of easy jobs in Dubai that pay well.
...
Please bear in mind that the salaries mentioned are an estimate for entry level jobs and may vary from employer to employer.
  • Flight Attendant. ...
  • Realtor. ...
  • Fitness Instructor. ...
  • Virtual Tutor. ...
  • Income Tax Preparer. ...
  • Translator. ...
  • Cashier. ...
  • Home-Care Aid.

Is Dubai Healthcare good? ›

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), oversees both public and private health care. It administers Dubai's four public hospitals, Dubai, Rashid, Latifa, and Hatta. Each offers inpatient and outpatient services. The result is one of the world's best healthcare systems.

Can I live in Dubai if I buy a house? ›

Purchasing real estate in Dubai may grant the buyer a residence permit. According to the UAE investor visa program, the property must be completed upon the purchase and its value must be of at least AED 1 million. Holders of residence visas through real estate purchase may also sponsor their dependents.

Do Westerners get paid more in Dubai? ›

In the UAE, a Western expat makes 12.6 per cent more than an Arab expat and 40.5 per cent more than an Asian expat, while an Arab expat gets paid 24.7 per cent more than an Asian expat.

What is a high salary in UAE? ›

The highest paid UAE are Legal Department professionals at $141,000 annually. The lowest paid UAE are Transportation & Logistics professionals at $4,200.

Where do workers live in Dubai? ›

The ancient Al-Fahidi district in the Emirate is home now mainly to labourers from Pakistan and India.

Is Dubai a safe place to live? ›

It's a very safe place to live

Strict punishments, long prison sentences, well-publicised convictions, and the use of undercover police all contribute to Dubai's reputation as one of the safest cities to live in.

What clothing is not allowed in Dubai? ›

The general rule regarding dressing in public in Dubai is to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and your knees. It's best to refrain from wearing clothing that is too tight or too revealing for both men and women.

Can I wear flip flops in Dubai? ›

Can You Wear Flip Flops in Dubai? Yes, you can wear Flip Flops anywhere you go in Dubai. The only time you shouldn't wear them is if you're at a really nice hotel. It's also best not to wear them in the desert because they're very easy to lose in the sand dunes.

Can a woman wear whatever she wants in Dubai? ›

As long as you stay in the very touristic places (hotels, malls…), you can pretty much wear whatever you want in Dubai. The rules might be enforced more strictly if you visit during the Ramadan, so keep this in mind.

How much money is enough for a week in Dubai? ›

I'd say that the average cost of a trip to Dubai, for a week, per person, ranges between £600 – 900 (US$787 – 1,180) for budget travellers. For a mid-range budget, expect to spend around £1,200 – 1,800 (US$1,575 – 2,360), and for a luxury holiday anything from £3,500 (US$4,590) upwards.

What is the best way to spend money in Dubai? ›

You can use your credit card, debit card or travel card in many places throughout the UAE. Smaller businesses such as cafeterias and cafes, some public transportation, street vendors and souks are all cash only. ATMs are widespread in the cities, you will have many chances to withdraw cash if you need it.

Is 35000 AED a good salary in Dubai? ›

35K AED is a decent salary, but I'm little surprised why are you serious about this offer as you already have a good paying job @ your home country. 10650 USD is around 40K AED.

What is the average rent in Dubai? ›

Renting a House or Apartment

The average rent in the UAE ranges between 30,000 to 50,000 AED (8,100 to 13,600 USD) per year for a studio apartment. One-and two-bedroom apartments range between 70,000 and 100,000 AED (19,000–27,220 USD).

Is 30k dirham good salary? ›

Well 30k AED is considered as rare and the best salary in the UAE as you can have a good lifestyle even with your family including two kids and save a good part of your salary.

Is 40K AED a good salary? ›

Yes 40K is a decent salary per month. That's more than 11k US $. It is close to 140k per year.

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