01Why most "cost of living" numbers mislead
Search for the cost of living in Dubai and you find big, confident numbers. Most of them are averages from different years, areas and lifestyles. A single person who shares a flat and takes the Metro lives a very different life from a family of four in a villa with two cars and private school. An average hides that.
So here we use a simple method. We list every cost you will face. For each one, we say how to find the real, current number from an official or reliable source. Then you can use the calculator on this page to build your own budget. This takes 15 minutes and gives a number you can trust.
Keep in mind that prices move with the season and the market. Rent especially can change in a few months. Always check the date of any figure you read, and compare at least three sources.
02Rent and housing: your largest cost
For most people, rent is the biggest cost. It depends on three things: the area, the size and the building. You can often save a lot by moving one area over, or by choosing an older building or a shared flat.
- Yearly rent, paid in cheques. Many landlords ask for the rent in one to four cheques for the year. Fewer cheques may cost more or need negotiation. Rules and habits vary, so ask.
- Security deposit. Usually a refundable amount held by the landlord. Ask how and when it is returned.
- Agent fee. If you use an agent, ask the fee before you start.
- Ejari registration. The tenancy contract must be registered in Dubai. See the Ejari guide for the current steps and fees.
- Municipality housing fee. In Dubai, a housing fee is added to your DEWA bill. Our utilities guide explains it.
- Furnished or unfurnished. Furnished homes cost more per month but save the cost and effort of buying furniture.
To check the real market, compare listings on at least two property portals, and use the Dubai Land Department rental tools. See best areas to live in Dubai to compare areas, and our housing guide for contracts and tenant rights.
03Utilities, internet and phone
- Power, water and cooling. In Dubai your DEWA bill is the main one. Summer bills are higher because of air conditioning. Some buildings also have a separate cooling (chiller) charge. Ask the landlord for the last 12 months of bills before you sign.
- Gas. Some buildings have central gas, and others use cylinders.
- Internet. From e& or du. Plans vary with speed and bundles.
- Mobile. A prepaid or postpaid plan. See our SIM card guide.
The full set-up steps are in the utilities guide.
04Transport: car or no car
This is the choice that changes your budget the most.
- No car. Use the Metro, tram, buses, taxis and ride apps. Your cost is a nol card top-up plus occasional taxi rides. See the nol card guide.
- Own car. Add the car payment or purchase cost, insurance, annual registration, fuel, Salik tolls, parking and servicing. Read the transport guide and Drive Dubai.
- Lease a car. A monthly cost that often includes insurance and servicing. Read the contract terms carefully.
If you live near the Metro and work near a station, you may not need a car at all. That can save a large part of your monthly budget.
05Food and eating out
You can eat very cheaply or very expensively in Dubai. Supermarkets, local restaurants and delivery apps cover all budgets. Cooking at home and shopping at different stores saves the most. Eating out in malls and hotels costs more than local restaurants in areas like Karama, Deira and Bur Dubai. Delivery fees and service charges add up, so check them in the app.
Track your food spending in the first month. It is easy to spend more than planned when everything is new.
06Health and insurance
Health insurance is required in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many employers pay for the employee, but you may need to pay for a spouse, children or parents. Plans differ by network, coverage limits and co-pay. A cheap plan with a small hospital network can cost you more if you need care. Read health insurance in the UAE and healthcare in the UAE.
07Schools and childcare
For families, school fees can be as large as rent. Private school fees in Dubai vary a lot by school and by year group. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) publishes school information and fee details on its website. Add the extras: uniforms, books, transport, activities, and a registration or deposit fee. Childcare and nurseries have their own fees. Our education guide has the steps.
08Visa and one-time costs
When you move, you pay some costs once. Many employers cover visa and insurance costs for the employee, so ask before you pay. Typical one-time costs are:
- Visa, medical test and Emirates ID, if not covered by your employer.
- Rent deposit, agent fee and first rent payment.
- DEWA deposit and internet set-up.
- Furniture, kitchen items and a mattress.
- A driving licence conversion or lessons, if you plan to drive.
The plan in Moving to Dubai: step-by-step shows when each cost arrives.
09Tax and income
The UAE does not charge personal income tax on salary at present. That is one reason many people move here. However, there are other costs and taxes to know: a 5% VAT on many goods and services, and a corporate tax that applies to businesses. Rules change, so check the official sources. Our taxes guide explains what applies to individuals and business owners.
Also remember that the UAE has no state pension or welfare system for expats, so plan your own savings, and read about end of service gratuity to see what your employer owes you when you leave.
10Build your own monthly budget
Enter your real numbers below. Divide yearly costs by 12 so everything is monthly. Leave a box empty if it does not apply.
This is your own estimate, built from the numbers you enter. It does not use or store any data. A common rule of thumb is to keep rent at about one third of take-home pay, but your own situation may be different.
11Ways to spend less without a worse life
- Compare rent across areas. One area over can mean a large saving.
- Share a flat in the first months if you are single.
- Go car-free if your home and work are near public transport.
- Check chiller and DEWA costs before you sign. Ask for past bills.
- Shop around for insurance and phone plans each year.
- Cook at home and compare supermarkets and delivery fees.
- Ask your community. People in our free group share real prices and honest tips.
How to build a monthly budget for Dubai
- List your fixed costs. Write down rent, internet, phone, insurance and school fees. Divide yearly costs by 12.
- Find the real utility numbers. Ask the landlord for the last 12 months of DEWA and chiller bills.
- Choose your transport. Decide between no car, a leased car or an owned car, and add the monthly cost.
- Estimate food and fun. Track your spending for the first month, then adjust.
- Add one-time costs. Plan for deposits, agent fees, furniture and set-up costs in your first month.
- Use the calculator. Enter your numbers to see your monthly total and how much of your income goes to rent.
- Review after 30 days. Compare your plan to your real spending, and change the areas where you spend more than planned.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Dubai per month?
It depends on your housing, transport and lifestyle. A shared flat without a car costs far less than a family villa with two cars and private school. Use the budget calculator on this page with your own numbers instead of trusting an average.
Is Dubai expensive for expats?
Rent and school fees are the biggest costs and can be high. There is no personal income tax on salary, and food and transport can be affordable if you choose well. Overall cost depends mostly on housing and school choices.
Is there income tax in Dubai?
The UAE does not charge personal income tax on salary at present. There is a 5% VAT on many goods and services, and a corporate tax for businesses. Check the official sources, because rules can change.
What salary do I need to live in Dubai?
There is no single number. It depends on whether you live alone or with family, your rent, school costs and car. Build your budget and aim to keep rent to roughly one third of your take-home pay as a rule of thumb.
How can I live cheaply in Dubai?
Share a flat, live near the Metro, avoid owning a car, compare areas, cook at home and shop around for phone, internet and insurance. Ask the community for real prices.
Do employers pay for housing in Dubai?
Some do, either as a housing allowance or a company flat. Check your contract. Always ask what is included before you accept an offer.
How much should I save before moving to Dubai?
Plan for the first month of costs: a short stay, rent deposit, agent fee, first rent payment, utilities deposits and set-up costs. Many people also keep a buffer of a few months of expenses.
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