If you’re thinking about moving to Dubai or just want to know how pricey daily life can be, you’re in the right spot. Below you’ll get straight‑forward numbers for rent, food, transport and the little extras that add up. No fluff, just what you need to plan your wallet.
Rent: A one‑bedroom apartment in a popular area like Marina or Downtown runs about AED 6,500‑8,500 per month. Move a bit farther out, say Jumeirah Village Circle, and you’ll find rooms for AED 3,500‑5,000. Remember to factor in the Ejari registration fee (about AED 200) and a security deposit (usually one month’s rent).
Utilities: Electricity, water and AC typically cost AED 500‑800 a month, though it can spike in the summer if you’re cooling a large space.
Internet: A decent 100 Mbps fiber plan is around AED 250‑350 monthly.
Groceries: Expect to spend AED 1,000‑1,500 if you shop at supermarkets like Carrefour or Spinneys. Buying imported items or organic produce will push the bill higher.
Transport: Public transport (Metro, bus, tram) costs AED 300‑350 if you use a Nol card regularly. If you drive, budget AED 800‑1,200 for fuel and parking, plus insurance.
Health Insurance: Many employers cover this, but if you’re self‑sponsored, a basic plan starts at AED 500‑800 per month.
Dining Out: A meal at an average restaurant is AED 50‑80 per person. Splurging at a high‑end spot can easily reach AED 200‑300.
Entertainment: A cinema ticket sits around AED 35‑45. Gym memberships vary widely—budget AED 200‑500 based on the facility.
Personal Care: Haircuts cost AED 70‑150, while a standard spa treatment can be AED 300‑600.
Travel & Weekend Trips: A short UAE road trip costs roughly AED 200‑400 for fuel and food. If you fly to nearby destinations, cheap flights start at AED 150‑250.
All these numbers add up, but you can tweak them to fit your lifestyle. For a comfortable single‑person life in a decent area, a monthly budget of AED 12,000‑15,000 usually covers everything. If you’re tighter on cash, sharing a flat, cooking at home and using public transport can bring the total down to AED 8,000‑10,000.
Bottom line: Dubai feels expensive, but with clear numbers you can make it work. Use these figures as a baseline, track your actual spend for a month, and adjust where you see fit. Happy budgeting!
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