Dubai Expenses: Real Costs and Budget Tips for 2025

If you’re thinking about visiting or living in Dubai, the first question is always money. How much will you actually spend? Below you’ll get straight‑forward numbers, quick tips, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Daily Spending and Travel Money

For a short stay, the biggest line items are food, transport, and attractions. A coffee at a café costs around 15 AED, while a decent dinner at a mid‑range restaurant runs 80‑120 AED per person. If you stick to street food or fast‑food chains, you can keep meals under 50 AED.

Public transport is cheap: a Nol card for the metro and buses costs about 2 AED per trip, and daily passes are under 20 AED. Taxis start at 12 AED and add roughly 2 AED per kilometer. For occasional rides, budgeting 30‑40 AED per day for transport is safe.

Entertainment varies. A ticket to the top of Burj Khalifa is about 150 AED, while a desert safari ranges 250‑350 AED. Plan your must‑do list and allocate a specific amount for each activity so you don’t overspend.

When it comes to cash vs. card, most places accept credit cards, but small shops and markets prefer cash. Carry around 300‑500 AED in cash for tips, small purchases, and places that don’t take cards. Use a debit card for larger payments to avoid high credit‑card fees.

Living Costs and Long‑Term Budget

If you’re staying longer, rent becomes the biggest expense. A studio in a non‑central area can be 4,000‑5,500 AED per month, while a one‑bedroom in downtown can jump to 8,000‑12,000 AED. Many landlords ask for a 12‑cheque payment plan, so make sure you have enough cash flow.

Utilities (electricity, water, internet) typically add 600‑800 AED a month. Groceries for one person cost about 1,200‑1,500 AED if you shop at local supermarkets; buying imported goods will push that higher.

Health insurance is mandatory for residents. Basic plans start at 300 AED per month, but you might want a higher tier if you plan to see private clinics.

For a realistic 7‑day travel budget, most travelers spend between 2,500‑4,000 AED covering flights, accommodation, food, and activities. If you’re a solo expat, a comfortable monthly budget sits around 10,000‑12,000 AED, assuming you rent a modest apartment and keep entertainment moderate.

Quick money‑saving tips: book accommodation early, use the metro instead of taxis, eat where locals eat, and look for combo tickets for attractions. Also, keep an eye on the UAE Dirham‑to‑USD exchange rate; a small shift can change your cash needs noticeably.

Bottom line: Dubai can be as cheap or as pricey as you make it. Knowing the average costs, planning each expense, and mixing cash with card will keep you in control and let you enjoy the city without worrying about money.