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 makes Dubai such an expensive city?
- Infrastructure. A wonder in itself,Palm Island in Dubai,is one of the examples and Burj Khalifa is another that represents the lavishness of the city.
- Sand,sand,and sand. Special kinds of sand are imported from other places to the deserts of Dubai.
- It’s A King’s Place.
- Real Estate.
- Gold That Glitters.
- Education.
- Taxes.
Is it 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 in Dubai expensive?
Is rent expensive in Dubai? On average, rent in Dubai is around 26.99% cheaper, restaurants are 25.97% cheaper and groceries are 27.25% cheaper when compared to Chicago6. Public transport is also cheaper7, and the unemployment rate is lower.
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 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 there a minimum wage in Dubai?
For expatriates, there is no mandatory minimum wage. For UAE nationals, minimum wage is determined by level of education: No high school certificate- 3,000 AED. High school certificate- 4,000 AED.
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)
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.
Can I live in Dubai permanently?
One can obtain residency in Dubai or in another emirate in UAE if sponsorship by an employer is provided. The Dubai residence visa must be renewed every three years. Another way to obtain residency in Dubai is by purchasing real estate.
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.
How much is groceries in Dubai?
For groceries, the monthly bill can be as high as AED 2,000 per month for a family of four. However, shopping at premium retailers can bring up the monthly cost for groceries in Dubai to AED 3,000 – AED 4,000.
Is Dubai safe?
General safety in Dubai There’s not much dispute that Dubai is quite safe for tourists. Dubai is heavily monitored, so violent crime directed at tourists is rare. Most tourist-directed crime in Dubai is likely to be petty stuff like pickpocketing, scams, or sexual harassment.
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.
Cost of Living in Dubai
This city had 4837 entries in the past 12 months by 663 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 | 35.00-62.90 |
| 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 | 25,000.00-73,430.28 |
| 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) | 336.07 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 | 5,215.34 AED | 3,500.00-9,000.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 3,357.14 AED | 2,500.00-5,500.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 10,119.29 AED | 7,000.00-20,000.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 6,933.21 AED | 5,000.00-15,000.00 |
| Buy Apartment Price | Edit | |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | 1,258.08 AED | 749.99-2,322.56 |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | 801.99 AED | 600.00-1,300.63 |
| Salaries And Financing | Edit | |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 12,402.22 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?
According to theMercer Cost of Living, Dubai is an expensive city. It was listed as the 23rd most costly location out of a total of 209 options. The cost of living here is around 25% less costly than in New York City – and approximately 4% less expensive than in neighboring Abu Dhabi. Therefore, depending on where you are currently located, Dubai may appear to be a good deal.
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, the cost of a three-bedroom home is nearly double that of a one-bedroom apartment. When you choose to live outside of the city center, you will find that the costs are less expensive.
If you wish to live in a popular expat community like Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence, be prepared to be shocked by the price of your apartment.
When it comes to renting in Dubai, one of the most difficult aspects is that many landlords need a deposit equal to a year’s rent up front.
Further complicating matters is the fact that most expats who receive a housing allowance as part of their income do so on a monthly basis, rather than weekly.
When accepting a job in Dubai, it’s definitely considering negotiating a flexible housing allowance package to help you in a variety of different conditions. 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
Local cafés and street sellers provide some of the finest value for money in Dubai. A cheap lunch at a local restaurant costs approximately 35 AED or less, which isn’t much more than a combination meal at a fast food restaurant run by a multinational corporation, which costs about 30 AED. In the UAE, if you’re looking for a more substantial lunch for two on date night at a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay, on average, roughly 250 AED per person. However, it would not be unusual to spend up to twice that much in a single day.
You might easily spend several thousand Dirham on yourself to make yourself feel special.
Non-alcoholic beverages such as cappuccino are reasonably priced at around 15-20 AED. Beer, on the other hand, is significantly more costly at 45-60 AED at a hotel bar. If you want to go to the cinema, a ticket will cost you around 43 AED.
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. If you’re looking for a place to live in Dubai, you’ll find that prices in the city center and in exclusive expat neighborhoods outside of the city center are extremely high – although you can still find more reasonably priced places if you don’t mind a bit of a commute.Check out our handy guide to renting in Dubai for more information:
| 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: A guide
Many international workers continue to find Dubai to be an attractive destination. 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 like as London, Moscow, and Chicago. “Expensive” is a relative phrase, and in this situation, it refers to the cost of living in relation to one’s earnings. Its cost will vary according on your location and level of income you get.
Is rent expensive in Dubai?
When compared to Chicago 6, rent in Dubai is around 26.99 percent less expensive, restaurants are approximately 25.97 percent less expensive, and groceries are approximately 27.25 percent less expensive. In addition, public transportation is less expensive 7, and the unemployment rate is lower. However, because the average pay in Chicago is higher than the average salary in Dubai, you may have more money to spend on the more expensive food and rent in Chicago.
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
It’s possible that you’d like to know the average cost of rent per year for an apartment in various neighborhoods around the emirate.
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?
According to the Middle East Salary Survey 2019, the average monthly salary in Dubai for various job categories are listed in the table below. 15
- 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
Dubai is the 21st most expensive city in the world, according to the World Bank. However, given that it is the 14th best paid city in the world, these rates seem reasonable in comparison. If you’re thinking about relocating, you’ll have to take into account costs that you might not otherwise consider. If you’re from the United States, the idea of having to pay for health insurance may come as no surprise; but, if you’re from the United Kingdom, you may be surprised. When preparing for your relocation, keep in mind any one-time expenses you may incur, such as the purchase of a vehicle.
SOURCE: Data on currencies is given by Morningstar for currencies and Coinbase for cryptocurrencies, respectively.
When the article is published, a link will be provided.
Cost of Living Expenses 2022 in Dubai, UAE
The tax-free environment in Dubai, along with the luxurious lifestyle that it provides, has elevated Dubai to the top of the list of most desirable places for expats. Salaries are exempt from taxation, and the amount of Value Added Tax levied on commodities is low. However, despite this, living in Dubai may still prove to be a financial strain on your finances. According to the most recent Mercer cost of living report, the United Arab Emirates has become more cheap for expats as the country continues to strengthen its position as a destination for top global talent.
- The relatively low cost of living in Dubai, as compared to other cities, makes it a desirable location for expat employees to relocate to.
- When evaluating expat salary packages, it is critical to have a realistic understanding of the cost of living in each place.
- According to Mercer’s 2021 Cost of Living Survey, Dubai is ranked 42nd and Abu Dhabi is ranked 56th, both of which have improved dramatically in their rankings from the previous year, indicating that the UAE is becoming more desirable and affordable for global talent.
- Knowing how much of a salary you will require without having previously lived in Dubai is impossible to establish; nonetheless, having a reasonable understanding of the Cost of Living statistics forms the basis of compensation packages for international assignees in Dubai.
- Learn more about the trends and highlights of this year’s ranking in Dubai by reading the following article.
- In 2021, Dubai will become more inexpensive as a result of a steady drop in rental rates, property prices, educational expenditures, transit costs, and eating out costs.
According to current estimates, the cost of living for a single individual in 2021 will be Dh.3435.71, while the cost of living for a family of four would be Dh.16,478.
Housing / Rental Cost in Dubai
The cost of living will vary depending on where you choose to live and will also vary depending on where you conduct your company. For a single bedroom apartment in City Centre, the monthly residential rent is Dh.5,528.50 (USD 1505.28), whereas it costs Dh.3687.32 (USD 1505.28) to rent a single bedroom apartment outside City Centre (USD 1003.95). The average rental price for a three-bedroom apartment in City Centre is Dh.10,799.55 (USD2940.41), whilst the average rental price for an apartment outside the city center is Dh.7490.97 (USD2039.58).
It is followed by the Dubai Marina, Dubai’s Old Town, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and other developments with roughly similar rental pricing to the JLT.
Despite this, expats prefer to reside in this area since it meets their requirements.
Cost of Education
Although expat children are permitted to attend public and private schools in the United Arab Emirates, they must pay a fee regardless of which type of school they choose, as free government education is only available to Emirati nationals.The average monthly fee for a single child when enrolling in a full-day private kindergarten could be in the range of Dh.1200 to Dh.4000 monthly.For expats enrolled in public schools, the annual tuition fee has been capped at Dh.6000 (USD1635 Dubai, on the other hand, has instituted yearly tuition limitations, which prevent schools from rising costs unduly year after year.
As for foreign schools, the yearly tuition cost ranges from Dh.12,723 to Dh.64,093 depending on the location of the school and other factors.
However, state universities in Dubai utilize Arabic as the primary language of instruction, whereas private colleges talk in English.
Transportation cost in Dubai
Because of the low cost of fuel in Dubai, driving is the most convenient mode of transportation. However, due to the high levels of traffic congestion in Dubai, wading through traffic at peak hours of the day may appear to be a challenging task. The cost of acquiring an automobile is determined by the state of the vehicle. For example, the 2018 Toyota Corolla, which is the most popular car in the UAE and is worth Dh.70,900, is the most expensive. When purchasing a secondhand automobile, depreciation subtracts between 20 and 40% from the overall cost of the vehicle.
Transportation charges and pricing in Dubai are as follows: taxi fees are Dh.2.44 (USD0.66) per km traveled, bus fares are Dh.5 (USD1.4) for a single ticket, buses (monthly pass) are Dh.
If you have to commute to and from work on a regular basis, public transit is almost always the best option to consider.
Access to the premium zone, DMCC, is made much easier because to the two Dubai Metro stations, which serve employees, visitors, and residents alike. There is a bus service that operates around the town, making stops at several locations along the way.
Dubai Healthcare expenses
The Dubai Health Authority has implemented a new rule, according to which all residents, including expats, are required to be covered by medical insurance coverage. Foreigners are protected by private health insurance systems, which are often obtained via their jobs, whilst residents are insured by a government-funded scheme. Dubai is often regarded as having the greatest healthcare system among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Because you are an expat, you have the option of using public or private healthcare services.
While Dubai provides free public medical services to its residents, expatriates may take advantage of a 50 percent discount through the use of their health card.
The aforementioned costs are one-time payments for the purpose of getting a health card.
Entertainment expenses
When it comes to the cost of living in Dubai, entertainment expenses are not a significant input to the total cost of living. However, it is beneficial to be aware of the costs associated with basic entertainment. For example, a basic dinner out for two at a neighborhood pub costs approximately Dh.170, movie tickets for two cost approximately Dh.85, two tickets to the theater for the best available seats cost approximately Dh.544, and dinner (including appetizers, main course, wine, and dessert) for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area costs approximately Dh.544 (Dh.324).
While in Dubai, you may take advantage of a number of free activities, including beaches, parks, shopping complexes, and historical sites.
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.
- The economy, on the other hand, has recovered, with loans being paid off and reorganized.
- Many people were taken aback by the catastrophic financial catastrophe that occurred in Dubai.
- Although many people believe that oil is Dubai’s most important export, it really only accounts approximately 6 percent of its total earnings.
- 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. There are, however, a number of private institutions in Dubai that are specifically designed to serve large foreign communities, as well as international schools. There are schools that follow the British, American, French, Indian, Japanese, and other national curricula, as well as the International Baccalaureate program, among other things. 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.
However, expat parents must make their school selection carefully since once the academic year has begun, a kid will not be able to move schools.
Until the new academic year begins, they will be required to wait.
to 1.30 p.m., and all private establishments for expat children in Dubai are fee-paying institutions.
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
When it comes to information on Dubai, the world’s largest database, Numbeo, provides an extensive collection of user-contributed information. Clothing, as well as recreational activities, are substantially more expensive in the United States than in the United Kingdom. Transportation and eating out are, on the other hand, less expensive than in the United Kingdom. A general overview of the cost differences between Dubai and the United Kingdom is provided in the tables below. Please keep in mind that all Emirati pricing have been translated into British pounds for your convenience.
| 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 |