Dubai Costs – What You Really Pay for in 2025

If you’re thinking about visiting or moving to Dubai, the first question is always the same – how much does everything cost? The city looks luxurious, but you can plan a realistic budget if you know the numbers. Below you’ll find the biggest cost categories, from a quick weekend trip to a full‑time expat lifestyle.

Travel and Day‑to‑Day Expenses

Flights to Dubai vary a lot, but a round‑trip from the US or Europe typically lands between $800 and $1,200 in 2025. Once you’re on the ground, a taxi ride from the airport to a downtown hotel costs about 80 AED (≈ $22). Public transport is cheaper – a Nol card for the metro and bus runs about 2 AED per ride, and a daily pass is 15 AED.

Meals are a mixed bag. A fast‑food combo costs 25–35 AED, while a mid‑range restaurant dinner for two is around 250 AED. If you want a fancy night out, expect 600 AED or more. For drinks, a local beer is about 30 AED; a cocktail in a hotel bar can be 70 AED.

Entertainment adds up fast. A ticket to the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck is 150 AED for adults. A desert safari with dinner runs about 300 AED. Museums and cultural sites range from free to 50 AED.

Living Costs for Expats

Rent is the biggest line item. A one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre averages 7,500 AED per month, while the same size in a suburban area drops to around 4,500 AED. If you share a place with a roommate, you can halve that cost.

Utilities (electricity, water, cooling) are around 600–800 AED per month for a single bedroom. Internet is 300 AED for a decent speed. When you add groceries, expect 1,200–1,500 AED monthly if you shop at mid‑range supermarkets.

Health insurance is mandatory for residents, and basic coverage costs roughly 1,000 AED per month per person. Many employers include this in the salary package, but it’s good to budget for it if you’re self‑employed.

Transportation for daily commuting can be cheap if you use the metro and buses – about 300 AED a month for a regular rider. If you prefer a car, fuel is low (≈ 0.30 AED per liter), but parking and insurance can push monthly costs above 1,000 AED.

Overall, a single expat can live comfortably on 12,000–15,000 AED per month, covering rent, food, transport and a little leisure. A family of four will need roughly 25,000–30,000 AED to cover a decent lifestyle.

Saving tips are simple: use public transport, eat where locals eat, and shop at discount supermarkets. Also, avoid midnight hotel minibar snacks – they add up quickly.

Bottom line: Dubai isn’t as mysterious as it seems. With the right numbers, you can plan a trip or a move without surprises. Use these figures as a starting point, adjust for your own habits, and you’ll have a clear picture of what Dubai really costs.