Dubai Cost Guide: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’re thinking about visiting or moving to Dubai, the first question on most minds is money. How much does a week of sightseeing cost? What’s the monthly rent for a single expat? Can you survive on a modest budget? This guide pulls together the most common cost questions and gives you straight‑forward answers, so you can plan without surprises.

Travel Costs: Flights, Hotels and Daily Expenses

Flights to Dubai vary a lot, but a round‑trip from the US or Europe typically runs between $800 and $1,300 in economy class. Booking three months ahead and keeping an eye on flash sales can shave off a few hundred dollars. Once you land, accommodation is the biggest expense. A three‑star hotel in a central area averages $120‑$180 per night, while budget hotels or Airbnb options can drop to $60‑$90. If you’re flexible, hostels and shared apartments bring the price down to $30‑$50.

Food is another variable. A meal at a mid‑range restaurant costs $15‑$25 per person, whereas street‑food stalls and local cafeterias let you eat for $5‑$8. Groceries for a week of basic meals sit around $50‑$70 if you shop at supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu. Public transport is cheap – a Nol card gives you unlimited metro rides for about $20 a month, and taxis start at $3.50 plus $0.50 per kilometer.

Living Costs: Rent, Utilities and Lifestyle

For expats, rent dominates the budget. A one‑bedroom apartment in a popular area like Marina or Downtown costs $1,200‑$2,000 per month, while neighborhoods farther out such as Al Barsha or Deira range from $800‑$1,200. Sharing a two‑bedroom flat with a roommate can cut that budget in half. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) add roughly $150‑$250 monthly, depending on usage and season.

Transport for residents often means a personal car. Fuel is cheap at about $0.30 per liter, and parking fees in the city centre can be $2‑$4 per hour. If you prefer a car‑free lifestyle, the metro, buses and ride‑hailing apps keep daily travel under $15.

Entertainment and leisure vary widely. A cinema ticket is $12‑$15, while a night out at a high‑end bar can cost $30‑$50 per drink. Many resorts offer all‑inclusive packages that bundle meals, drinks and activities for $150‑$250 per night, which can be a cost‑effective option if you plan to spend most of your time on site.

Healthcare is high‑quality but not free. Employer‑provided insurance covers most services, but if you’re on a personal plan, expect to pay $100‑$200 for a routine doctor visit and $1,500‑$3,000 for a minor procedure.

When you add everything up, a single person living comfortably in Dubai needs roughly $3,000‑$4,500 per month, while a frugal traveler can explore the city on $1,500‑$2,000 for a week of sightseeing.

Bottom line: Dubai offers options for every budget. By booking flights early, choosing mid‑range or shared accommodation, cooking some meals at home and using public transport, you can enjoy the city’s luxury without breaking the bank. Use this guide as a starting point, adjust numbers to your lifestyle, and you’ll have a realistic cost plan for any Dubai adventure.