Dubai Monthly Costs: Your 2025 Budget Breakdown

Thinking about moving to Dubai or staying for a few months? The first thing on everyone’s mind is money. How much will you actually spend each month? Below you’ll find straight‑forward numbers for the biggest expense categories, plus tips to keep costs in check.

Housing and Utilities

Rent is the biggest line item for most people. In 2025 a one‑bedroom apartment in a central area like Downtown or Marina runs around AED 7,000‑9,000 per month. If you’re okay with a little distance from the skyline, neighborhoods such as Al Barsha or Deira can drop that to AED 4,500‑6,000. Most landlords ask for a security deposit equal to one month’s rent and a post‑dated cheque covering the first year.

Utilities (electricity, water, cooling) add roughly AED 400‑800, depending on how often you use air‑conditioning. Internet is a separate bill, usually AED 300‑350 for a decent 100 Mbps plan. If you share a flat with a roommate, split the rent and utilities and you can comfortably stay under AED 5,000 total.

Food, Transport, and Entertainment

Groceries for a single person cost about AED 1,200‑1,500 a month if you shop at the big supermarkets and mix in local markets. Eating out varies widely: a street‑food meal is AED 15‑25, while a dinner for two at a mid‑range restaurant sits around AED 150‑200. A balanced mix of home‑cooked meals and occasional dining out usually lands you near AED 2,000 for food.

Public transport is cheap and reliable. A Nol card for the metro, buses, and trams costs AED 250‑300 monthly if you travel daily. Taxis are more expensive—expect AED 30‑40 for a short city ride. If you drive, fuel is about AED 2.60 per litre, and parking in popular districts can be AED 200‑500 per month.

Entertainment and leisure are flexible. A gym membership averages AED 250‑350, while a cinema ticket is AED 45‑55. If you like nightlife, a cocktail at a hotel bar can cost AED 70‑120. Budgeting AED 500‑800 for fun gives you room for occasional outings without breaking the bank.

Adding everything up, a modest single lifestyle in Dubai runs roughly AED 10,000‑12,000 per month. A more comfortable, western‑standard lifestyle sits at AED 15,000‑18,000. Families or those seeking luxury will naturally spend more, especially on larger housing and private schooling.

Quick tip: keep an eye on seasonal promotions for utilities, try bulk‑buying at hypermarkets, and use the metro during off‑peak hours to shave off a few hundred dirhams each month. With these numbers and a bit of planning, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your Dubai monthly budget.