Cost of Living in Dubai: What You Need to Know for 2025

Thinking about moving to Dubai or just curious about the price tag? You’re not alone. Many ask how much rent, food, transport and leisure actually cost in this glittering city. Below is a no‑fluff breakdown that lets you compare your current budget and decide if Dubai fits your lifestyle.

Housing: Rent and Utilities

Rent is the biggest expense. A studio in a popular area like Marina or Downtown can run around 5,500 AED (≈ $1,500) per month, while a one‑bedroom in a more suburban zone drops to about 3,800 AED. Share‑living, where two or three roommates split a two‑bedroom, can bring the cost down to 2,500‑3,000 AED each.

Utilities – electricity, water, cooling – average 400‑600 AED for a single‑room apartment. If you’re in a high‑rise with centralized AC, expect the higher end. Add internet (around 300 AED) and you have a complete picture.

Everyday Expenses: Food, Transport, and Leisure

Groceries for a solo adult hover between 800‑1,200 AED a month if you shop at supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu. Buying imported items pushes the bill up, while local markets keep it lower.

Transport is surprisingly cheap. A monthly Nol card for the metro and buses costs about 300 AED, covering unlimited rides. If you drive, fuel is roughly 3 AED per liter and parking in central areas can add 500‑800 AED each month.

Dining out varies widely. A typical meal at a mid‑range restaurant is 50‑80 AED, while street‑food stalls cost 15‑25 AED. If you enjoy weekend brunches at luxury hotels, budget 300‑500 AED per person.

Gym memberships average 250‑450 AED monthly, and a Netflix‑type streaming service adds another 40‑60 AED. These small items stack up quickly.

Other Costs to Consider

Health insurance is mandatory for residents and can range from 1,200 AED for basic coverage to over 5,000 AED for premium plans. If you’re on a company package, check what’s included.

Taxes are zero on personal income, but the 5 % tourism fee (Dubai Tourism Dirham) applies to hotel stays, and a 5 % VAT sits on most goods and services.

Finally, don’t forget occasional expenses like season tickets for theme parks (around 800 AED) or nightlife entry fees (150‑300 AED). These are optional but common for an active social life.

Putting it all together, a single expat living modestly can expect a monthly outlay of roughly 12,000‑15,000 AED (≈ $3,200‑$4,100). A more upscale lifestyle pushes the figure to 20,000 AED and beyond.

Use this guide as a starting point, plug in your own habits, and you’ll see whether Dubai’s cost aligns with your expectations. Remember, the city offers both ultra‑luxury and affordable niches – the key is knowing where you fit.