Living Expenses in Dubai: What You Really Pay in 2025

Thinking about moving to Dubai or just curious how much a day costs? You’re not alone. Most people assume the city is all gold and glitter, but the real numbers are more down‑to‑earth. Below you’ll find a straight‑forward breakdown of the biggest expense categories, plus tips on where you can save.

Housing: Rent and Utilities

Rent is the biggest line item for anyone living in the UAE. A one‑bedroom apartment in a popular area like Marina or Downtown costs between 7,000 AED and 12,000 AED per month. If you’re okay with a bit of a commute, neighborhoods farther out such as Al Nahda or International City can bring the price down to 4,000‑6,000 AED.

Most leases require a 12‑cheque payment plan, but you’ll also need an Ejari registration (around 200 AED) and a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. Utilities – electricity, water, and cooling – add another 300‑500 AED a month, depending on the size of the unit and how often you run the AC.

Food, Transport and Everyday Costs

Groceries are surprisingly affordable if you shop at local supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu. A weekly basket for a single person (rice, chicken, vegetables, fruit) runs about 150‑200 AED. Eating out varies widely: a simple shawarma costs 5‑7 AED, while a three‑course dinner at a mid‑range restaurant is 120‑180 AED.

Public transport is clean and cheap. A monthly Nol card for the metro and buses costs around 350 AED, covering most trips across the city. Taxis are more expensive – expect 15‑20 AED for a short ride, but they’re handy for late‑night travel.

Fitness, entertainment and personal care add up too. A gym membership averages 300‑500 AED per month. A movie ticket is 45‑55 AED, and a basic haircut at a decent salon costs 80‑120 AED.

Putting it all together, a single expat can live comfortably on about 12,000‑15,000 AED per month. That covers rent in a modest area, groceries, transport, and a few leisure activities. If you’re on a tighter budget, sharing a flat and cooking at home can drop the total to roughly 9,000 AED.

For a quick comparison, the same lifestyle in major US cities often costs 30‑40% more. That’s why many expats find Dubai attractive: high salaries, no income tax, and a relatively low cost of daily living once you know where to shop and live.

Ready to budget your Dubai move? Start by listing your must‑haves – location, size of apartment, and preferred transport – then plug the numbers into a simple spreadsheet. Adjust the rent column up or down until you hit a monthly total you’re comfortable with.

Remember, the key to staying on budget is flexibility. A little research on grocery deals, and choosing a shared accommodation, can shave hundreds of dirhams off your monthly bill. With the right plan, Dubai can be an exciting, affordable home rather than a financial nightmare.