How Expensive Is It To Live In Dubai? (Solution found)

What is the Cost of Living in Dubai for Expats in 2021?

Location	Single person monthly cost without rent
Dubai	AED 3,443.97 (USD 937.70)
Hong Kong	AED 3,894.00 (USD 1,060.23)
London	AED 4,383.96 (USD 1,193.63)
New York	AED 4,957 (USD 1,349.65)

1

What salary do I need to live in Dubai?

For those wishing to live in Dubai, a salary resulting in a monthly pay of AED 10,000 to AED 13,000 is relatively comfortable.

Is it very expensive to live in Dubai?

According to the Mercer Cost of Living, Dubai is an expensive city. It ranked as the 23rd most expensive out of 209 destinations. However, it is about 25% less expensive than New York City – and about 4% less expensive than nearby Abu Dhabi. As such, depending on where you live now, Dubai might look like a bargain.

Is rent expensive in Dubai?

Although housing prices for have dipped by 30% over the past two years, accommodation in the UAE still remains expensive. Expats can expect to spend nearly half of their monthly salary on rent alone. When looking at housing costs, keep in mind that Dubai is the most expensive city.

Can you live cheap in Dubai?

Living in Dubai on a budget is possible. The big costs in Dubai are housing and schooling. If you have these covered by your employer, then the costs you face are at your discretion. If not, single people can get relatively cheap housing by sharing an apartment or an older villa, but mixed flatting is frowned on.

Is electricity free in Dubai?

Shaikh Mohammed also gave orders to exempt Emiratis in Dubai from connection charges of electricity to their new houses with a maximum of AED 25000 for each house as well as to give them a free quota of a maximum of 6000 kWh a month for each house.

What language do they speak in Dubai?

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools, and most native Emiratis speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic that is generally similar to that spoken in surrounding countries.

Is Dubai expensive than USA?

The cost of living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is high compared to the US and the rest of the world. This issue is enhanced by the excessive spending here. Since many of its goods are imports, you do pay a premium for this choice with more expensive goods.

Is it cheaper to live in Dubai or England?

Cost of living in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) is 29% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom)

Is 30K a good salary in Dubai?

30K AED is considered a good salary in Dubai. Some Living expenses are high and some are low in AED. In 30K Aed you can live in a good separate apartment in a good location like Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed road etc. You can own a Parking and a good car.

How is life in Dubai for foreigners?

Dubai is a very tolerant emirate – tolerant of others’ beliefs and ways of life. It is also one of the most moderate in terms of applying the rules of Islam to everyone’s everyday life. Expats can buy alcohol in Dubai and also they are allowed to eat and drink during the daylight hours of Ramadan.

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

In Dubai, foreign ownership is permitted in areas designated as freehold. Foreigners (who don’t live in the UAE) and expatriate residents may acquire freehold ownership rights over property without restriction, usufruct rights, or leasehold rights for up to 99 years. There is no age limit to own property in Dubai.

Can you drink in Dubai?

Drinking Is A-OK, in the Right Places Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

Cost of Living in Dubai

This city had 4836 entries in the past 12 months by 662 different contributors.Last update: February 2022

Restaurants	Edit	Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	35.00 AED	20.00-75.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	250.00 AED	150.00-600.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	28.00 AED	25.00-33.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	45.00 AED	25.00-60.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	45.00 AED	35.00-62.98
Cappuccino (regular)	18.94 AED	10.00-30.00
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	3.92 AED	2.50-10.00
Water (12 oz small bottle)	1.70 AED	1.00-5.00
Markets	Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	22.28 AED	15.14-37.85
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	4.09 AED	2.72-9.07
Rice (white), (1 lb)	3.09 AED	1.81-5.67
Eggs (regular) (12)	9.57 AED	5.60-14.40
Local Cheese (1 lb)	15.37 AED	6.80-36.29
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	10.55 AED	4.54-20.41
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	17.66 AED	9.53-31.75
Apples (1 lb)	3.69 AED	1.81-4.99
Banana (1 lb)	2.79 AED	2.04-5.44
Oranges (1 lb)	2.68 AED	1.36-4.54
Tomato (1 lb)	2.17 AED	0.91-3.63
Potato (1 lb)	1.61 AED	0.91-2.27
Onion (1 lb)	1.37 AED	0.91-2.27
Lettuce (1 head)	6.33 AED	3.00-10.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	2.02 AED	1.29-3.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	50.00 AED	33.00-150.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	13.30 AED	5.00-25.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	22.29 AED	8.00-45.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	22.00 AED	20.00-25.00
Transportation	Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	5.00 AED	3.00-8.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	300.00 AED	200.00-350.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	12.00 AED	6.00-15.00
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	3.98 AED	2.98-8.05
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	30.00 AED	24.83-50.00
Gasoline (1 gallon)	9.36 AED	7.57-10.60
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	89,000.00 AED	75,000.00-116,500.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	72,085.45 AED	65,000.00-80,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)	Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	720.98 AED	450.00-1,172.41
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.45 AED	0.30-0.77
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	356.17 AED	250.00-450.00
Sports And Leisure	Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	269.09 AED	100.00-500.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	126.29 AED	50.00-200.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	40.00 AED	35.00-60.00
Childcare	Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	2,733.33 AED	1,200.00-4,000.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	48,232.56 AED	25,000.00-73,428.71
Clothing And Shoes	Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	235.04 AED	80.00-400.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H M,.)	215.05 AED	80.00-300.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	336.08 AED	190.00-500.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	331.72 AED	150.00-650.00
Rent Per Month	Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	5,215.36 AED	3,500.00-9,000.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	3,357.16 AED	2,500.00-5,500.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	10,119.35 AED	7,000.00-20,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	6,933.26 AED	5,000.00-15,000.00
Buy Apartment Price	Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1,257.83 AED	749.99-2,322.56
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	802.05 AED	600.00-1,300.63
Salaries And Financing	Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	12,401.80 AED
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	3.85	2.50-6.00

Cost of Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Feb 2022 prices in Dubai.

Change the unit of measure:

Food	Update prices
	Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district	Dirham 64
	Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar)	Dirham 27
	500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast	Dirham 19
	1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk	Dirham 7
	12 eggs, large	Dirham 13
	1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes	Dirham 6
	500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese	Dirham 34
	1 kg (2 lb.) of apples	Dirham 10
	1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes	Dirham 4.70
	0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket	Dirham 13
	1 bottle of red table wine, good quality	Dirham 110
	2 liters of coca-cola	Dirham 8
	Bread for 2 people for 1 day	Dirham 4.67
Housing	Update prices
	Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area	Dirham 7,209
	Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area	Dirham 4,941
	Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas.) for 2 people in 85m2 flat	Dirham 788
	Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area	Dirham 5,023
	Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area	Dirham 2,930
	Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas.) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio	Dirham 382
	Internet 8 mbps (1 month)	Dirham 278
	40” flat screen tv	Dirham 1,194
	Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands)	Dirham 471
	Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.)	Dirham 29
	Hourly rate for cleaning help	Dirham 33
Clothes	Update prices
	1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar)	Dirham 228
	1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h m or similar retailers)	Dirham 174
	1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands)	Dirham 364
	1 pair of men’s leather business shoes	Dirham 431
Transportation	Update prices
	Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new	Dirham 90,126
	1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas	Dirham 2.15
	Monthly ticket public transport	Dirham 346
	Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles)	Dirham 62
Personal Care	Update prices
	Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands)	Dirham 22
	1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)	Dirham 45
	Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)	Dirham 261
	1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob,.)	Dirham 20
	Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.)	Dirham 19
	Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.)	Dirham 22
	4 rolls of toilet paper	Dirham 12
	Tube of toothpaste	Dirham 12
	Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city	Dirham 56
Entertainment	Update prices
	Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub	Dirham 170
	2 tickets to the movies	Dirham 85
	2 tickets to the theater (best available seats)	Dirham 544
	Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert	Dirham 324
	1 cocktail drink in downtown club	Dirham 80
	Cappuccino in expat area of the city	Dirham 24
	1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.)	Dirham 50
	Ipad wi-fi 128gb	Dirham 1,829
	1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans)	Dirham 0.61
	1 month of gym membership in business district	Dirham 290
	1 package of marlboro cigarettes	Dirham 18

These prices are established on the basis of a large and consistent amount of data. They are quite dependable. They are based on 612 prices entered by 207 different persons over the course of many months. The most recent pricing update was on February 8, 2022.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Dubai

When people talk about the expense of living in Dubai, one thing comes up over and over again: the city is expensive. In Dubai, there is no such thing as an income tax. That’s just one of the reasons it’s such a popular choice for expats to settle in the area. In addition, if sales taxes are levied, they are minor in comparison to other countries. However, just because Dubai is a tax haven does not imply that it is an inexpensive or costly vacation destination. Examining the actual cost of living in Dubai provides prospective migrants with an understanding of what they may expect to pay for ordinary products when they relocate.

Currency in Dubai

AED (Arab Emirate Dirham) is the currency used in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as the official unit of currency. The Dirham is abbreviated as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham) in currency exchanges. The value of one Arab Emirate Dirham at the end of 2020 will be $3.67 in the United States, 4.87 in the United Kingdom, and 2.81 in the Canadian dollar.

Is Dubai Expensive or Affordable?

It is the Dirham, which is abbreviated as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham) on currency exchanges, that serves as the official currency of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. The value of one Arab Emirate Dirham by the end of 2020 will be $3.67 in the United States, 4.87 in Great Britain, and 2.81 in Canada.

Cost of Housing in Dubai

For the most part, the price of a one-bedroom flat in Dubai is equivalent to the price of a comparable property in London or Sydney. You may anticipate paying around 7,400 AED each month on average. Housing in New York is around 50% more costly, whereas the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Berlin is approximately half of what you would spend in Dubai (or even less!). If you have a family, you should know that the cost of a three-bedroom home is around twice that of a one-bedroom studio apartment.

• Naturally, if you want more room or to live in a desirable district, you’ll have to spend more.
• There, yearly housing expenditures begin at 100,000 AED per year and can reach 140,000 AED per year, depending on the house.
• That’s a significant financial burden to bear!
• As a result, they are unable to use that resource when they initially arrive at their new location.

When accepting a job in Dubai, it is highly recommended that you negotiate a flexible housing allowance package that will help you in a variety of different situations as needed. Read more about the best places to live in Dubai.

Household Costs

The most of the time, as a tenant in Dubai, you’ll be liable for your own internet and utility expenses (gas, electricity, and water.) To create your account and set up your utilities, you will typically be charged a connection fee of 1,000 AED per unit. You should expect to pay around 1,000 AED per month on your utility expenses on average. It may be a little less if you’re really energy-conscious, or it could be significantly more if you have a huge home. When visiting Dubai, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that the weather there is exceedingly hot.

It is generally inexpensive to hire in-house assistance, such as a housekeeper or a gardener.

Keep in mind to budget for your personal health insurance premiums as well.

Grocery Costs in Dubai

Affordability is a feature of common home commodities such as apples, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and rice. You may anticipate them to cost less than 10 AED per pound if you buy in bulk. Bread, eggs, and milk are all available at reasonable prices. Cheese, beef, and chicken, on the other hand, cost an average of 40 AED each, with beef being the most expensive. When it comes to luxury imports, you should expect to pay a hefty price for them in Dubai, which has about every product imaginable accessible.

Only thing to remember while shopping at overseas grocers: be prepared to spend a lot of money.

Dubai’s Transportation Costs

The public transportation system in Dubai is excellent. In general, the cost of a monthly pass, which is generally less than 300 AED, is less expensive than the cost of a monthly pass in the majority of other large cities. A single-use bus ticket in Dubai may be purchased for as little as 5 AED. In order to lease a mid-sized automobile, you can anticipate to pay around 2,500 AED per month in lease payments. Insurance is included in the purchase. The price of petrol is really inexpensive, at around 2 AED per liter.

Eating Out and Entertainment

When it comes to public transportation, Dubai is unsurpassed. Overall, the cost of a monthly pass, which is often less than 300 AED, is less expensive than the cost of a monthly pass in the majority of other big cities. For as little as 5 AED, a single-use bus ticket is available. To lease a mid-sized automobile, you can expect to pay around 2,500 AED per month in lease payments.

Insurance is included in the cost of this product. A liter of gasoline costs around 2 AED, which is really inexpensive. For a monthly fee of a few hundred AED, you may fill up the tank and go exploring to your heart’s delight.

Minimum Wage in Dubai

In the United Arab Emirates, there is no such thing as a national minimum wage. As a result, incomes in Dubai are quite variable. In some areas, notably in technology and hospitality, the pay might be absurdly high depending on demand and market conditions, but this is not always the case. On the other hand, earnings in industries such as manufacturing are extremely low, ranking among the lowest paid in the world. While there is no uniform minimum wage, the Ministry of Labour has established recommendations for minimum pay for different sorts of workers since 2013.

University graduates should get a salary of at least 12,000 AED each month.

In addition, experienced employees with a secondary school diploma shall get a monthly remuneration of 5,000 AED (about $600).

Related:

• Moving to Dubai
• Work Visas in Dubai
• Dubai Laws That Expats Should Be Aware Of
• And more.

Cost of living in Dubai: Your guide

The cost of living in Dubai as an expat is important to understand whether you’re planning on retiring, temporarily transferring, or making a permanent move to the country. Compared to other cities, Dubai has an extremely high level of life. In reality, the possibility to live comfortably in a fascinating location is precisely why many foreigners want to relocate there. However, this does not come at a low cost. For visitors, Dubai has been branded the most expensive city in the world to visit, but what are the expenses of actually living there as an expat?

How expensive is Dubai in comparison to the UK, the EU, the USA and Australia?

The cost of living in Dubai as an expat is important to understand whether you’re planning on retiring, temporarily migrating, or transferring permanently. It is really easy to live comfortably in Dubai because of the excellent level of life there, In reality, the possibility to live comfortably in a fascinating location is one of the primary reasons many foreigners choose to reside in the country. The cost of doing so, however, is too expensive Dubai has been branded the most expensive city in the world for visitors to visit, but what are the expenses of really living there as an expat in this city of contrasts?

• 1000 USD is worth 3,673 AED
• 1000 GBP is worth 4,692 AED
• 1000 EUR is worth 4,105 AED
• And 1000 AUD is worth 2,794 AED.

Comparing basic cost of living	One bedroom flat in city centre (monthly rent)	Lunch for two (Three courses, mid range restaurant)	Transportation (monthly pass)
Dubai	7,324 AED	150 AED	250 AED
London, UK	7,847 AED	255 AED	607 AED
New York City, USA	10,938 AED	275 AED	430 AED
Berlin, Germany	3,023 AED	164 AED	331 AED
Sydney, Australia	7,187 AED	222 AED	444 AED

One significant expenditure for expats in Dubai is the cost of transferring funds from your native currency to the UAE dirham (AED). Even though your bank advertises that it provides fee-free money exchange, you can be certain that the bank’s cut is reflected in the exchange rate it employs. For the greatest value, you should use an exchange service such asWise, which uses the same mid-market rate that you can see on Google and Reuters to calculate your exchange rate. In terms of speed and inexpensive flat costs, Wise is a far better option than using your own bank to transfer your funds.

What are the general living expenses for Dubai? How much can you get by on?

The neighborhood in which you select to reside is one of the most important variables deciding how costly living in Dubai will be for you in the long run.

Rental costs in Dubai are rather expensive, but if you live outside of the city, you may rent for far less money.

Living expenses in Dubai (excluding rent)	Average cost
Single person, per month	AED 3,190
Single person, per year	AED 38,280
University student, per month	AED 2,055
Four person family, per month	AED 11,137
Four person family, per year	AED 133,644

What are the average salaries for Dubai?

One of the most important elements influencing how costly living in Dubai will be for you is where you choose to reside. While Dubai’s rental rates are exorbitant, moving outside of the city will allow you to rent for considerably less money in the city.

Salary averages for Dubai	Average salary
Cashier	AED 43,869
Copywriter	AED 182,994
Financial analyst	AED 175,421
Graphic designer	AED 140,007
Mobile developer	AED 381,643
Product manager	AED 277,744
Receptionist	AED 55,097
Software engineer	AED 178,521
Teacher	AED 129,866
Web developer	AED 111,509

How expensive is housing and accommodation in Dubai?

Dubai has a highly well-developed rental market, which means you can find almost any type of accommodation you could possibly desire. Even while prices in the city center and in elite expat neighborhoods outside of the center are quite high, if you don’t mind making an extra commute, you may still find more cheaply priced accommodations. Check out our handy guide to renting in Dubai for more information on how much it can cost you.

Renting in Dubai	Average monthly cost
One bedroom apartment (city centre)	AED 7,345
One bedroom apartment (outside of city centre)	AED 5,043
Three bedroom family home (city centre)	AED 14,442
Three bedroom family home (outside of city centre)	AED 10,100
Internet	AED 324
Utilities (gas, electric and water for a 85m2 apartment)	AED 619

What about healthcare and dental costs in Dubai?

The healthcare system in Dubai, as well as the rest of the United Arab Emirates, is excellent. The UAE may allow expats to apply for a health card that enables them to some free medical treatment, but it is always preferable to get private health insurance to ensure that you are protected in the case of an accident or illness.

Healthcare service	Average cost to you
Family doctor check-up (no insurance)	AED 274
Cold medicine for six days	AED 20
Antibiotic prescription (no insurance)	AED 96

How much is travel and transportation in Dubai?

Because the United Arab Emirates is a country made famous by oil, it should come as no surprise that driving here is quite inexpensive. Due to the high volume of traffic in Dubai, taking public transit may be your best option if you have a regular commute.

Transportation and vehicle prices for Dubai	Average cost
Gasoline (One litre / 0.25 gallon)	AED 1.81
Monthly bus/transport pass	AED 250
Bus ticket, single use	AED 5
Taxi tariff, 8km/5mile journey	AED 31
Toyota Corolla, new	AED 65,062
VW Golf, new	AED 70,000

How much does education cost?

With such a large number of expats living in Dubai, there are several outstanding schools that cater to students from a variety of various educational backgrounds. For example, you may enroll your child in an international school that follows the International Baccalaureate program or a school that follows the curriculum offered in your native country. Anything that might be beneficial to your family is likely to be available in Dubai.

School	Average cost
Preschool / kindergarten (monthly fee)	AED 2,882
Private school for lower grades	AED 40,818
Dubai university tuition (undergraduate, one year)	AED 243,600
British University of Dubai tuition (MBA, one year)	AED 70,000

The UAE is a fantastic expat location, whether you’re wanting to settle down for the long haul or just want to spend a year or two discovering a new place. It has world-class facilities and a world-class lifestyle to offer, and although the cost of living is quite costly, the experiences you may have here will be really unforgettable. Wishing you the best of luck in your new life in Dubai!

The cost of living in Dubai for senior international professionals [3 points to factor in to your financial plan in 2022]

Stuart Ritchie published on February 1, 2022. Are you a top international professional who is planning a transfer to the United Arab Emirates? Perhaps you have just relocated to a new city in order to begin a new chapter in your professional life? I came to this country with my family in 2015 to begin a new chapter in our lives. I thoroughly planned my relocation to ensure that I would be able to account for any additional expenses in my financial plan. This blog is intended to assist you in making the most of this unique opportunity.

As of 2021, according to American wealth management firm Mercer, Dubai was placed 42nd on the world’s most expensive cities to live list.

The lifestyle and allure of Dubai might quickly overshadow your ability to earn a good living. Especially for individuals who are living in Dubai without a financial plan (or who have a plan that is not properly set up).

1. Property

According to data from the cost-of-living website Numbeo, Dubai is the fourth most expensive city in the world for residents to spend the most proportion of their monthly income on rent. People in the United Arab Emirates spend 39.85 percent of their monthly income on rent, with a three-bedroom apartment in the UAE costing on average 7,054 AED per month to rent. The United Arab Emirates had been experiencing a poor long-term economic trend since the 2014-2015 oil price fall, even before the outbreak of the epidemic.

1. According to the latest estimate by real estate consulting firm CBRE, Dubai’s residential property market is anticipated to suffer some headwinds in 2022 when compared to previous years, although villa and apartment sales will remain robust in a post-pandemic environment.
2. While prices rose by a record amount last year, they also reached their highest level since January 2015, while rental rates continued to rise to record levels (especially for villas), all owing to robust demand from both purchasers and tenants.
3. Although these rates are lower than the 2014 peak, they are still 28 percent and 15 percent lower than the 2014 peak for apartments and villas, respectively.
4. As of December, rentals had risen an incremental 8.3 percent, with median apartment and villa rates climbing 6.3 percent and 21.7%, respectively, over the previous month.
5. Several market patterns continued to favor villas over flats, and prices remained well below their historical highs, according to the research.
6. In fact, in November 2021, a rental agreement in Emirates Hills costing 7.5 million AED will become the most expensive rental agreement in the history of Dubai.

The safety, privacy, low-tax lifestyle, and pleasant weather of Dubai are all attractive features for rich clientele looking to invest in high-end real estate. Check out our article on deciding whether to invest in real estate versus the stock market.

2. Education

Accordion to statistics from the Numbeo cost-of-living database, Dubai ranks fourth in the world for paying the largest proportion of monthly income on rent. Most residents of the United Arab Emirates spend 39.85 percent of their monthly income on rent, with an average monthly rent of 7,054 AED for a three-bedroom apartment in the UAE. Long-term economic growth had slowed in the United Arab Emirates ever since the 2014-2015 oil price fall, even prior to the outbreak of Ebola virus disease. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the supply of new houses and flats has consistently surpassed demand in a market where the majority of residents are foreigners, many of whom returned after the outbreak of the virus.

1. Housing prices and rentals increased by 9.3 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively, on average, in 2021, indicating that the market was in good health.
2. Approximately 1,072 Dirhams ($292) per square foot for flats in Dubai as of December 2021, with average villa pricing of 1,228 Dirhams per square foot.
3. In October 2021, average rental prices had their first yearly increase since June 2015, marking the first time this had happened since the previous year.
4. Although there has been a slowing of new home production, it is expected to peak in 2021 with a total of 37,403 units completed.
5. It was reported by Betterhomes that the number of rentals for villas with more than five bedrooms had increased by 63 percent during the third quarter of 2021.
6. The current surge of high-net-worth individuals into the UAE may be attributed to the economy of Dubai’s post-COVID resilience or to the UAE’s response to the epidemic.

Those seeking high-end real estate in Dubai are attracted by the city’s safety, privacy, low-tax living environment, and pleasant weather, among other factors Check out our article on deciding whether to invest in real estate versus the stock market for more information.

• There are 194 private schools in Dubai, with 17 classified as ‘excellent,’ 28 as’very good,’ 74 as ‘good,’ 52 as ‘acceptable,’ and 5 as ‘weak.’

Consider the details of your financial strategy. The cost of attending school in Dubai has increased dramatically over the previous ten years. Kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary, and high schools all charge different amounts of money depending on the degree of education they provide. An academic year’s worth of tuition costs between 3,567 AED (975 USD) to 107,928 AED (29,490 USD). Edarabia, a Middle East education website, presents all private schools in Dubai, allowing you to filter by tuition prices, curriculum, rankings, and ratings.

Various curriculums and extra-curricular activities are available in most K-12 schools, according to the website, “in order to promote the intellectual and physical well-being of children.” Admissions to the best international schools in Dubai are competitive, and waiting lists are common; thus, it is advised that parents submit applications well in advance.

3. Lifestyle

Consider the details of your financial strategy. During the previous ten years, tuition costs at Dubai’s schools have climbed dramatically. Kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary, and high schools all charge different amounts of money depending on the degree of education you receive there. An academic year’s tuition costs between 3,567 AED (975 USD) to 107,928 AED (29,490 USD). EDARABIA, a Middle East education website, presents all private schools in Dubai and allows you to filter by tuition costs, curriculum, rankings, and ratings.

Various curriculums and extra-curricular activities are available at most K-12 schools, according to the website, “in order to promote students’ intellectual and physical well-being.” The finest international schools in Dubai have long waiting lists for admissions, so it’s best if parents submit their applications well in advance.

How to make the most of your time in Dubai

It’s a dream come true to live in Dubai. I have no intention of returning to my hometown in the foreseeable future. My customers, like myself, have well-defined goals in place that put their lives into numerical perspective. Taking into consideration major life events, such as relocating to a different country. To make the most of your time in the Emirate, both financially and personally, you must be disciplined and committed to investing on a consistent basis. My team may assist you if you require a little assistance in remaining focused on your long-term objectives.

The cost of living in Dubai: A guide

Many overseas employees continue to find Dubai to be an attractive place. According to a LinkedIn research 2, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — and specifically the city of Dubai — is the most preferred foreign destination for those seeking for work in the globe. However, before relocating to any nation, it is critical to create a mental image of what your life would be like there. Calculating the cost of living should be the first step in this process. What you will earn is crucial, but what you will be able to purchase with your pay is maybe even more important: a £50,000-per-year salary in Hanoi buys far more than it does in London.

This article will assist you in determining the relative costs of many significant items and services that you use on a regular basis.

It will also draw your attention to aspects of living in the emirate that you may not have previously considered, and it will have an influence on how far your pay will go.

What is the basic salary in Dubai?

Dubai attracts people from all over the world for a diverse variety of positions, ranging from bankers to construction laborers. As a result, incomes might vary dramatically. Careers in Dubai, for example, may be found in expanding areas such as technology and hospitality, where salaries can be exceptionally high. On the other hand, there are jobs that are exceedingly low in salary. According to a 2012 survey, manufacturing salaries in the United Arab Emirates were among the lowest in the entire globe 3.

Accordingly, the following guideline was published by the government in 2013: Salary recommendations for a minimum monthly salary 4: Figures are current as of November 1, 2019.

How expensive is it to live in Dubai?

Dubai was listed as the 21st most expensive city to live in in 2019, according to 5 statistics, with places such as Victoria, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong ranking higher on the list. However, the city is more expensive than other major cities such as London, Moscow, and Chicago. Expensive is a relative phrase — in this context, it refers to the cost of living in comparison to pay. Its cost will vary according on your location and level of income you get.

Is rent expensive in Dubai?

With places such as Victoria, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong being more costly than Dubai, it was named as the 21st most expensive place to live in 2019. In contrast to London, Moscow, and Chicago, the city is more expensive. As with any relative phrase, in this context, expensive refers to the cost of living in comparison to one’s income level. The cost of living will vary depending on where you live and how much you earn.

Cheapest rent in Dubai

We looked at a variety of apartment leasing websites in order to find the most affordable rents possible: Data was obtained on November 1st, 2019.

The average cost of an apartment in Dubai per neighbourhood

Several apartment leasing websites were evaluated in order to find the most affordable rents. The results were as follows: The information was gathered on November 1, 2019.

Dubai house prices

According to a survey published in late 2019, “Dubai’s housing market remains ‘oversupplied’ despite the reduction in prices over the previous few years – actual prices have plummeted by about 35% since mid-2014.” 12 In mid-2019, the average price of a Dubai home was 13AED 2.46 million ($670,000, £517,752) per square meter. When it comes to a two-bed apartment, the lowest end of the market starts at roughly $168,000/£130,000, with mid-range possibilities starting at around $388,000/£300,000 – and alternatives reaching more than $647,000/£500,000.

What is the average income in Dubai?

According to the Middle East Salary Survey 2019, the average monthly salary for various job categories in Dubai are listed in the table below. 15

What are Dubai food prices like?

When determining how much food costs in a certain nation, a reasonable rule of thumb is that local food, that is, food that is produced or cultivated in that country, will be less expensive.

In the event that food must be imported, the cost will be higher. Accessibility is also important; for example, food on smaller islands tends to be more expensive than food on larger ones. Here are a few important facts:

• Restaurants might be inexpensive, but alcoholic beverages and coffee are not. If you compare Dubai to the rest of the Middle East 16, eating out may be prohibitively costly, with Dubai ranking as the second most expensive city in the region behind Tel Aviv.

Gasoline price in Dubai

Cost per litre: Figures are current as of November 1, 2019. How does this compare to the United States and the United Kingdom?

• Petrol prices in the United Kingdom can be more than twice as high as those in the United Arab Emirates (£1.27/$1.64 per litre of petrol and £1.31/$1.70 per litre of diesel as of November 2018)
• Petrol prices in the United States are higher than in the United Kingdom, although they are still lower than in the United Kingdom ($0.78/£0.60 per litre as of November 2019 19).

The cost of health care in Dubai

Health insurance is a significant portion of one’s monthly living expenses. This is typically already top of mind for American expats and others who have arrived from countries where there is no national health system in place. It may not be the case for people who come from nations with socialized care or national health/insurance systems. In Dubai, all migrants are legally required to obtain health insurance, which is supplied by their job in most cases. The majority of employers provide health insurance coverage as part of their compensation package; however, this may only be for the most basic of coverage, and an extra international health insurance policy may be necessary to adequately cover the needs of you and/or your family.

What to consider when you move

The cost of health insurance is a significant portion of one’s monthly expenses. This is frequently on the minds of American expats and others who have arrived from countries where there is no national health system. It may not be the case for people who come from nations that have socialized medical or national health/insurance systems. Health insurance is mandatory for all migrants in Dubai, although it must be obtained through a job placement agency. The majority of employers provide health insurance coverage as part of their compensation package; however, this may only be for the most basic of coverage, and an extra international health insurance policy may be necessary to properly cover the needs of you and/or your family.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dubai?

In popular culture, Dubai is represented as a millionaire’s playground, and the prospect of living a luxury lifestyle is too tempting for some to pass up. Evidently, a large number of individuals shared this viewpoint, as expats account for 80 percent of the country’s total population of 2.5 million people. Many people believe that the expense of living in Dubai is substantially greater than in other parts of the world, although this is mostly due to the media’s portrayal of super automobiles and penthouse flats.

• The life of a worldwide celebrity that some people expect after relocating to Dubai will be sadly disappointed.
• It is impossible to go from being a poverty to becoming a royal just by moving to Dubai.
• The most wealthy nations in the world are ranked according to the results of the poll.
• While this is true, the Legatum Institute takes into account a variety of other characteristics when rating countries.
• The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven nations, with Abu Dhabi being the most populous.
• This places the UAE in the top 20 percent of the world’s economies, and the country’s ranks in governance, economics, and entrepreneurship and possibilities help to keep it on its feet.
• The United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai, is primarily composed of Muslim residents.
• As a result of the restrictions on dress, drinking, and public affection, it is reasonable that expats may feel restricted in their activities.

As a result of Dubai’s little rainfall and average temperatures in excess of 30°C, it is not unexpected that many people dream of relocating to the nation. The question is, though, how much does it truly cost to live in Dubai?

Economy

Visitors to Dubai are frequently taken aback by the man-made islands dotting the coastline, which are filled with luxurious houses. In the mid-2000s, these outlandish constructions came to symbolize the emirate’s economic growth – and the subsequent financial disaster that followed in 2009. Dubai began diversifying its economy in the 1950s in order to stay up with Abu Dhabi’s oil-rich economy. It diversified its economy by focusing on ports, commerce, services, and financial services. These were a resounding success.

1. The economy, on the other hand, has recovered, with loans being paid off and reorganized.
2. Many people were taken aback by the catastrophic financial catastrophe that occurred in Dubai.
3. Although many people believe that oil is Dubai’s most important export, it really only accounts approximately 6 percent of its total earnings.
4. Dubai is mostly known for importing automobiles, jewelry, and apparel.

Currency and Tax Overview

The dirham is the currency that is used in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (AED). Although it is frequently referred to as Dhs or DH, it is also known as DHS. The value of a dirham is one hundred fils. The dirham is the money that was first used in the Arab world and is still in use today. Notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 dirhams, with the highest denomination being 1,000 dirhams. Despite the fact that Arabic is written on one side of the note and English is written on the other, both sides are written in English.

Many expats are ecstatic at the prospect of being able to live tax-free in Dubai.

In 2010, the UAE as a whole was experimenting with the notion of instituting an income tax, but nothing came of it.

• 10 percent municipal tax levied on hotels and other entertainment facilities
• 10 percent municipal tax levied on the renting of commercial premises
• 5 percent municipal tax levied on the rental of residential property
• And road tolls. Utility bills are subject to taxes. Alcohol is subject to a 30 percent sales tax.

Housing in Dubai for Expats

Rent in Dubai is 3.12 percent less expensive than rent in the United Kingdom. However, the Palm Jumeriah, DIFC, and Jumeriah Beach Residence are not far behind when it comes to the most costly rentals in the country. Many expats do reside in these locations, but they are more likely to be employed in jobs that pay a higher wage. Garhoud is comprised of a mix of ancient villas, as well as modern and older flats. Despite the fact that it is regarded to be the less fashionable side of Dubai, expats truly love living here.

It begins behind the Mall of the Emirates and travels out towards the Emirates Hills until it reaches the Emirates Hills.

Dubai Marina is in the core of what has come to be known as ‘New Dubai,’ a destination for young and reasonably well-off foreigners.

A large number of freehold beachfront residential buildings are included inside the development.

Property costs vary based on where you live, which is important for expats who want to buy a home. The average price of a city center residence is AED 17,596 (about £3,596) per square meter. AED 9,949 (£2,033) per square meter (roughly) is the average price for properties outside of the city center.

Expat Healthcare in Dubai

To become a permanent resident of Dubai is an impossibility. A residence application will not be considered if you were not born into a family where both parents are UAE nationals. As a result, expats will not be covered by the government-sponsored health insurance program. Expats who wish to use public hospitals and facilities must first get a health card from the Department of Health and Medical Services (DHMS) (DOHMS). Expats will not have difficulty finding a pharmacy in Dubai, since there are several locations around the emirate, many of which are open 24 hours a day.

We provide three private medical insurance policies to meet the demands of a variety of expatriate groups.

For further information, please see our article on Medical Insurance in Dubai.

Cost of Education in Dubai

Expat children are unable to attend public schools in Dubai since they are not residents of the country. However, there are a number of private institutions in Dubai that are expressly designed to serve big foreign groups, such as international schools, which may be found in the city. There are schools that follow the national curriculum of the United Kingdom, the United States, France, India, Japan, and other countries, as well as the International Baccalaureate. Many foreign schools may demand a child’s academic record, and they may also ask them to take an entrance exam before they would consider them for admission.

1. Expat parents must keep in mind that after the school year has begun, a kid will not be able to move to a different institution.
2. They will have to wait until the beginning of the new school year.
3. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
4. The fees for education range from around AED 3,000 to AED 50,000 each academic year, indicating a significant disparity between the rich and the poor.

Employment Rates

Some employees will not have a problem finding work in Dubai because they have been transferred by their business. More than three-quarters of the workforce in the United Arab Emirates is made up of expatriates, making the country a key employment hotspot for individuals with the appropriate skills and qualifications. The majority of people that move over the nation end up working in the big industries, such as petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing; aluminum; and construction. Careers in education, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality, on the other hand, have lately experienced a resurgence.

The fact that Dubai boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the world is something that many people are drawn to. Since 2015, the unemployment rate has been below 0.3 percent on a monthly basis.

Salary in Dubai

Several expats report that their incomes are greater in Dubai, particularly when an employer offers them a relocation incentive. On average, expats report that their discretionary income is 21.27 percent more in Dubai than in their home country. So they profit from improved cash flow as well as enhanced spending power. However, be mindful that living expenses might be prohibitively expensive, particularly if you are drawn in by the country’s initial allure. It is important to remember that you are in your new home, not on vacation.

However, it all depends on the size of the family, the location, and the lifestyle choices made.

Comparison to UK

Several expats report that their incomes are greater in Dubai, especially when an employer offers them a relocation incentive. Most expats report that their discretionary income is 21.27 percent more in Dubai than they are elsewhere. So they gain from greater cash flow as well as enhanced spending capability. However, be advised that living expenses might be prohibitively expensive, particularly if you are drawn in by the country’s first allure. Please keep in mind that you are not on vacation, but rather at your new home.

What matters is the size of your family, where you live and your way of life.

Groceries	UK Price (£)	Dubai Price (in £)	Cheaper Country
Milk (1l)	£0.89	£2.06	UK
White bread (500g)	£0.95	£0.94	Dubai
Eggs (12)	£1.98	£2.66	UK
Cheese (0.10 kg)	£0.17	£0.68	UK
Banana (1kg)	£0.22	£0.37	UK
Water (1.5l)	£0.92	£0.46	Dubai

Transport	UK Price (£)	Dubai Price (in £)	Cheaper Country
Petrol (1l)	£1.08	£0.39	Dubai
One-way ticket	£2.30	£0.51	Dubai
Monthly pass	£60.00	£55.52	Dubai
Taxi (1km)	£1.50	£0.66	Dubai

Utilities (Monthly)	UK Price (£)	Dubai Price (in £)	Cheaper Country
Electricity/Heating/Water for 85m 2apartment	£143.46	£126.10	Dubai
1 minute of PAYG talk time	£0.13	£0.10	Dubai
Internet (10 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)	£21.05	£65.41	UK

Clothing	UK Price (£)	Dubai Price (in £)	Cheaper Country
Jeans (Levi or similar)	£57.15	£68.68	UK
Dress (chain store)	£29.91	£45.45	UK
Nike running shoe	£59.40	£72.35	UK
Leather business shoes	£61.18	£84.17	UK

Leisure	UK Price (£)	Dubai Price (in £)	Cheaper Country
Fitness club	£33.28	£84.57	UK
Tennis court (1 hour)	£9.99	£22.40	UK
Cinema (1 ticket)	£9.00	£7.13	Dubai

Eating Out	UK Price (£)	Dubai Price (in £)	Cheaper Country
Fast food meal	£5.00	£5.09	UK
Inexpensive restaurant	£12.00	£6.11	Dubai
3 course, mid-range	£50.00	£30.55	Dubai
Cappuccino	£2.53	£3.35	UK
Coke/Pepsi	£1.14	£0.35	Dubai
Imported beer	£3.50	£8.15	UK