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Dubai is known as one of the world's commercial-tourist cities; the features of this city have led many people to want to travel, migrate, and live in Dubai. Whether your goal for coming to this beautiful city is pleasure or migration, knowing the cost of living in Dubai helps you experience a better stay.
The minimum cost of living in the UAE and Dubai for each person, including rent, food, clothing, etc., is on average about 6 to 7 thousand dirhams.
In the following, we intend to review “the costs of living in Dubai” like the cost of food, housing, education, transportation, etc. separately in dollars, and dirham, so that you dear companions will have a clearer sense of estimated prices and costs. So, if you plan to travel or stay, be sure to stay with New Way until the end.
- Get a Free Consultation from Sales Team
- List of Monthly Living Costs in Dubai for One Person
- List of Living Costs in Dubai 2025
- Most and Least Expensive Emirates Cities
- Average Cost of Living in Dubai 2025
- Review of Dubai Residence Renewal Costs
- Summary of Living Costs in Dubai
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Get a Free Consultation
from Sales Team
List of Monthly Living Costs in Dubai for One Person
The values of monthly living costs in Dubai vary depending on each person’s lifestyle and income level. All costs are completely based on the experiences of people living in Dubai and reliable sources.
| Type of Expense | Monthly Cost in Dubai (AED) |
|---|---|
| Minimum living cost in Dubai | 4,266.6 AED (excluding rent) |
| Food expenses | 1,200-1,500 AED |
| Clothing expenses | 300-500 AED |
| Entertainment and recreation expenses | 400-600 AED |
| Transportation expenses | 300-400 AED |
| Rent Per Month in Dubai | from 5,694 AED |
| Internet and mobile phone | 584 AED |
| Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.) | 841 AED (for 915 sq ft apartment) |
Suggested article: Is living in the UAE better or Qatar?
List of Living Costs in Dubai 2025
If you are planning to migrate to the UAE, having a clear estimate of the cost of living in Dubai helps you control your budget with good management and planning. Most of the living costs in Dubai are spent on housing/rent, food, healthcare, transportation, and education.
House Rental Costs in Dubai
Housing and living expenses in Dubai are somewhat high. However, situations like buying a house in installments in Dubai can help with the average cost of living in Dubai. Generally, the purchase and rental prices differ between city center and suburban areas. You can choose a suitable option based on your budget.
In fact, the biggest 'living cost in Dubai' is housing, followed by education, food, and transportation. For your convenience, a table for reviewing rental costs in Dubai’s downtown vs. suburbs is provided below.
| Type of Apartment | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom apartment in city center | 9,052 AED |
| One-bedroom apartment outside city center | 5,694 AED |
| Two-bedroom apartment in city center | 11,000 to 15,000 AED |
| Two-bedroom apartment outside city center | 7,000 to 10,000 AED |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city center | 17,045 AED |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside city center | 11,462 AED |
Dubai House Rental Price List
Renting property in Dubai offers a chance to experience modern and safe living; from luxury coastal towers to peaceful suburban villas. The city, with its diverse options, digital services, and advanced infrastructure, is the best choice for both short- and long-term tenants.
| Property Type | Rental Price (Dirham) |
|---|---|
| Monthly house rent in Dubai | 5,000 to 9,000 AED |
| Annual house rent in Dubai | 40,000 to 108,000 AED |
| Weekly house rent in Dubai | 1,000 to 2,500 AED |
| Daily apartment rent in Dubai | 300 to 800 AED |
Review of Apartment Purchase Prices in Dubai
Investing in and purchasing apartments for sale in Dubai, one of the most expensive cities in the Middle East, has become increasingly popular among investors due to the strong real estate market and attractive returns on investment.
Buying an apartment in Dubai is an excellent, hassle-free option for those wishing to migrate. Apartments here offer plenty of amenities, and various installment/payment methods are available for purchasing these properties. A list of apartment purchase prices is provided below:
| Apartment Type | Starting Purchase Price (Dirham) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai | 800,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai | 1,200,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment in Dubai | 1,800,000 |
According to statistics published by the reputable website properstar, the price per square meter of an apartment in Dubai is 20,913 dirhams.
Transportation Costs in the UAE
The simplest and most convenient way to get around the city is by driving, but with heavy daytime traffic, using public transport like the metro, buses, taxis, etc., might be a better choice. Below is a table for your information about different means of transportation and the cost of living in Dubai in dirhams.
| Types of Public Transportation | Cost of transportation in Dubai in dirhams |
|---|---|
| Average daily cost with public transport | 20 to 30 dirhams |
| Average gasoline price per liter | 2.90 to 3.60 dirhams |
| Taxi start fare | 12 dirhams |
| Taxi fare per kilometer | 1.96 dirhams |
| Single bus ticket | 5 dirhams |
| Monthly Metro & Bus Card | 300 dirhams |
| Standard Metro Ticket (Red) | 4 to 8.5 dirhams |
| Metro Ticket (Silver) | 3 to 7.5 dirhams |
| Metro Ticket (Blue) | 1.5 to 3.75 dirhams |
| Metro Ticket (Gold) | 8 to 17 dirhams |
| Street Parking (per hour) | 2 to 4 dirhams |
Health Insurance Service Costs in Dubai
According to UAE law, all residents and immigrants must be covered by health insurance. Public insurance is for locals, and immigrants must use private insurance. The cost of insurance services for immigrants varies depending on the level of service coverage, health status, and income.
| Type of Insurance Coverage | Health Service Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Plans | 500–700 AED per year |
| Comprehensive plans for singles | 5,500–10,000 AED per year |
| Basic insurance for a family of four | 2,000–4,000 AED per year |
| Higher-level coverage for a family of four | 8,000–15,000+ AED per year |
Doctor Visit and Treatment Costs in Dubai
On average, the cost of a routine doctor's visit in Dubai can range from 300 AED to 350 AED for a general practitioner. Consultation fees for specialists may vary from 500 AED to 600 AED or more, depending on the complexity of the medical condition.
The type of medical center (private or public), facilities, doctor's expertise, and hospital reputation are among the factors affecting doctor's visit costs in Dubai. According to the onelifeuae website, the average cost of a doctor visit in Dubai in 2025 is as follows:
| Doctor's Specialty | Treatment Cost 2025 |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner | 300–350 AED |
| Specialist | 500–600 AED |
| Health Specialist | 400–600 AED |
| General Dentist | 150–300 AED |
| Specialist Dentist | 300–600 AED |
| Home Visit Doctor Services (On Call) | 250 to 450 AED |
Clothing Costs in Dubai
One of every person's basic needs is providing clothing. Many shopping centers have been built in the UAE, and top global brands have opened their branches. The table below informs you of clothing costs.
| Type of Clothing | Approximate Cost in AED |
|---|---|
| A pair of formal leather shoes | 461 |
| A pair of medium-quality jeans | 302 |
| Monthly bus ticket | 330 |
| A pair of good quality sports shoes | 475 |
| A set of regular men's summer clothes | 500–800 |
Education Costs in Dubai
Studying in Dubai is not expensive for Emirati citizens, but expats pay relatively high costs for studying at private institutions. The most modern educational facilities are available and access to reputable international universities from the UAE is quite easy.
Tuition fees vary by educational level, and university tuition in Dubai is calculated based on course units. For example, if a master's student takes 18 units and each unit costs 370 euros (approximately 1,500 AED), the total cost will be about 27,000 AED. Tuition at private universities ranges from 945 to 1,464 AED per unit (258 to 400 euros).
| Education Level | Tuition in AED |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 40,000–100,000 AED per year |
| Master's degree | 50,000–120,000 AED per year |
| Public schools for expats | 16,000 AED per year |
Dining Costs in Different Dubai Restaurants
Apart from type and style of cuisine, the restaurant itself affects food prices. For example, dining in one of the city's best-designed restaurants with a great view can increase costs up to 40 to 50 percent more than regular restaurants!
Dubai is famous for its luxury restaurants and skilled chefs, but eating at these places can be expensive. If you are on a budget, it's better to avoid luxury spots and instead opt for restaurants with reasonable prices and good quality.
| Restaurant Type | Average Cost in AED |
|---|---|
| Luxury/expensive restaurant | 500+ AED |
| Mid-range/affordable restaurant | 150 AED |
| Cheap restaurant | 40 AED |
| Street food | 20–50 AED |
Cost of Food and Drink in Cafés
Prices for some foods and drinks in the UAE include:
| Food or Drink | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 21 |
| Tea | 20 |
| Cappuccino | 20 |
| McDonald's Sandwiches | 33 |
| KFC | 17 |
| Pizza | 25 to 50 |
| Iranian food | 50 to 250 |
Taxes in the UAE
Despite some taxes and government fees, life in Dubai is attractive due to its low tax burden. There is no income tax in Dubai, but 5% VAT applies on most goods and services, except groceries, healthcare, and education, which are exempt. Tolls for passing each road gate are 4 AED, and some harmful goods like sodas carry a 50% indirect tax, and tobacco and energy drinks have a 100% indirect tax.
In most developed countries, people pay heavy taxes, but in the UAE, positive and unique progress has been made regarding taxation, with overall rates being very low. In short, the UAE is considered a 'tax heaven'!
Some organizations like pension funds and charities are exempt from tax, but foreign individuals and legal entities must pay taxes according to law. Also, tax for property purchases in Dubai is almost zero!
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Dubai
Entertainment costs in the UAE are estimated at around 100 to 500 AED per month depending on lifestyle. Of course, these prices depend on individual interests and lifestyle. The table below shows some entertainment costs:
| Title | UAE | Dubai | Ajman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (monthly) | 249.65 AED | 75.51 AED | 124.44 AED |
| Tennis court, 1 hour | 117.83 AED | 136.05 AED | 14.29 AED |
| Cinema ticket, 1 person | 44.99 AED | 45.99 AED | 35 AED |
Most and Least Expensive Emirates Cities
Among UAE cities, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain are the cheapest. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the most expensive. Costs in expensive cities are about 30% higher than in the cheapest ones. The following table shows average living costs in some cities based on the cost of living index:
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Dubai | 59.1 |
| Abu Dhabi | 54 |
| Ajman | 19.7 |
Average Cost of Living in Dubai 2025
The estimated monthly cost for a family of 4, not including rent, is about $3,995.3 (14,672.7 AED). For a single person, these costs without rent are estimated at approximately $1,143.3 (4,198.7 AED).
Review of Dubai Residence Renewal Costs
The cost of renewing residence in Dubai depends on the type of visa, place of residence, and required services, and ranges from several hundred to over 1000 AED. This includes the visa renewal fee (about 600 AED + 5% tax), UAE ID renewal (about 100 AED per year), and some additional costs. If the applicant is inside the country, a charge of 500 AED will be added to the above amounts.
Summary of Living Costs in Dubai
Immigrating to Dubai certainly provides excellent opportunities for work, study, and other matters. In this article by New Way, we aimed to present an accurate estimate of Dubai living costs for you. We hope this article has helped raise your awareness.
