What Is The Average Cost Of Living In Dubai?

Lifestyle, housing, food choices and living conditions of every individual differ in Dubai. That’s why the cost of living in Dubai also varies from person to person. However, an individual’s average living cost in Dubai is approximately AED 5500 to AED 9000/ month. Furthermore, the average living expenses for a couple and a family of four are AED 10,000 to AED 16,000 and AED 22,000 to AED 37,500 respectively. 

Dubai is one of the most popular cities in the world. Its iconic skyline, advanced infrastructure, vibrant life and luxurious living facilities make it an attractive living destination. Its allure and captivation attract people from all over the world. People come to Dubai for better employment and splendid living. Its lifestyle is one of its kind because it aspires to offer a unique and luxurious living environment and state-of-the-art facilities to make people live to the fullest.

If you are planning to move to Dubai and provide the best living to your loved ones then you need to know about the cost of living in Dubai. It will help you to prepare yourself accordingly and manage your expenses in Dubai within your financial means. In this guide, we are going to explain everything related to monthly living expenses in Dubai.

Types Of Expenses In Dubai:

When evaluating the living cost as an expat, one needs to consider every field where normally people have to spend money. These fields include housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities, transportation, schooling and entertainment. Before moving to Dubai, you must have a rough idea about these expenses in Dubai.

Housing

Housing is the most important factor to evaluate when you consider Dubai for your living. Dubai offers a range of housing options such as apartments for sale in Dubai, townhouses and luxurious villas. Based on your personal preferences, you can decide whether you are going to purchase or rent a property in Dubai. The cost of housing is not the same in Dubai. It varies from place to place. Given this, you can control your expenses related to housing. The rental values and sale prices are higher in popular areas of Dubai such as Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai than in other neighborhoods like Dubai International City, Mirdif, Deira, etc.

The rental value of a studio apartment in Downtown Dubai is AED 85,000 and that of Jumeirah Village Circle is around AED  40,000. It means you can choose a property based on your financial means because both splendid and affordable properties are available in Dubai for sale or rent. 

The average annual rental cost of a studio apartment in Dubai is AED 30,000 to AED 50,000 and the average sale price of a studio apartment is AED 475,000 to 775,000. The rental value of a 2-bedroom apartment is AED 80,000 to AED 100,000 and the average purchasing price of a 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai is AED 1,215,000 to AED 1,399,999. Furthermore, the average rental value of a 4-bedroom villa in Dubai is AED 200,000 to AED 265,000 and the average sale price of a 4-bedroom villa in Dubai is AED 5,000,000 to 6,300,000.

Note: When choosing a neighborhood, you must consider your work location and the availability and proximity of amenities such as educational institutes, healthcare facilities and other essential places for relaxation such as parks to avoid adding additional expenses in order to save rental costs.

Note that you should bear in mind the location of your work and the proximity of essential amenities to avoid offsetting the savings you make from lower rent prices by spending more on transport.

For example, the yearly rent for a studio apartment is around AED 85,000 in Downtown Dubai but could be AED 40,000 in a more affordable community like  Jumeirah Village Circle. Conclusively, explore different areas and find one that matches your budget. 

Utilities

Utilities in Dubai include DEWA connections such as electricity and water bills, mobile phone plans, internet packages, etc. The cost of utilities normally depends on the user’s usage. However, the average basic utilities (water, electricity, cooling, heating, garbage) cost in Dubai is AED 710. Further, the average home internet plan and mobile plan cost you around AED 311 and AED 25 respectively. 

Groceries

In Dubai, you can find both local and imported goods. Local products are relatively cheaper than imported products. So, based on your convenience, you can purchase every good of your needs. 

Let’s have a look at the prices of some commonly used groceries!

Water (1.5 liter bottle)  AED 3

Milk (1 liter)                  AED 8.40

Eggs (6)                      AED 7.30

Apples (1kg)               AED 8.50

Chicken (1kg)             AED 55.55

White Rice (1kg)         AED 10

Healthcare

Health insurance is mandatory in the UAE. Companies are bound to provide health insurance for their workers. Some companies also extend this benefit to the families of their employees.

If you do not have an insurance plan then you also need to purchase an insurance plan for yourself and your family. People who earn less than AED 4000 per month can consider the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). 

The basic health insurance for an individual is AED 6– to AED 800 and for a family of four is AED 17000. The comprehensive health plan for an individual is AED 55000 and for a family of four is 33,500. The premium health plan for an individual is AED 10,000 to 15,000 and for a family of four is AED 70,000.

Transportation

While living in Dubai, you will be using several sorts of transport facilities such as Dubai Metro, public buses, taxis, and rideshare services like Creem and Uber. Furthermore, you can also consider a car to rent for your commute. The monthly price of a metro card in Dubai is AED 350 and the average cost of a bus ride in Dubai is AED 4. Along with that, you can also have your own car. It is normally deemed a decent choice because of the comparatively low fuel price. The price of a 1-liter petrol in Dubai is AED 2.82.

Schooling

A family should also consider school fees in Dubai to calculate their expenses in Dubai. In Dubai, there are two types of schools: Public and Private. Expats can also get admission in public schools. These schools teach in Arabic language and adhere to the Emirati National Curriculum. These schools are free for locals but expats are charged. Further, there are private schools in Dubai such as IB, American, British and Indian schools. Besides school fees, parents also need to consider other associated costs such as uniforms, school supplies and school transportation.

The annual fee of public schools in Dubai for expat students is AED 5000 to 16000. The yearly fee of American schools remains somewhere between AED 18,000 to AED 89,000. The annual fee of British and Indian Schools is around AED 20,000 to AED 87000 and AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 respectively.

Entertainment

Dubai is one of the most developed cities in the world. It offers a lavish lifestyle which includes an abundance of attractions and entertainment facilities and activities. You can find a number of tourist places in Dubai such as Burj Khalifa-the world’s tallest building. Furthermore, IMAX cinemas and extreme sports are also there to add an element of joy to your life. You can manage your entertainment expenses as per your income or financial means.

Residents in Dubai will find an abundance of attractions and activities in the city to try, from fine-dining restaurants and IMAX cinemas to extreme sports and famous tourist attractions! And there is never a dull weekend in Dubai.

The Average Living Expenses For Single Person In Dubai:

If we calculate all expenses such as house rent, groceries and utilities’ monthly costs and other associated costs then the average living cost for a single person in Dubai is somewhere between AED 55,00 to AED 9,000. It may further vary based on the living choices of an individual. Normally, an individual can survive or live a decent lifestyle for AED 6000.

What Is The Average Cost For A Couple & And A Family Of Four?

The average monthly living cost for a couple in Dubai is around AED 10,000 to AED 16,000 and that of a family of four is approximately AED 22,000 to AED 37,500.

Average Salaries In Dubai:

The understanding of the average salaries in Dubai helps people compare the cost of living and manage their finances accordingly. Furthermore, it also assists people in making informed decisions about managing their budgets and lifestyles within their means. Normally, salary packages vary in Dubai based on the skill set. Normally professionals make huge capital compared to laborers. However, the average monthly salary range after taxes in Dubai is AED 4800 to AED 99,000.

How To Find A Job In Dubai?

If you are moving to Dubai then finding a job must be your priority. People from all over the world come to Dubai for better employment opportunities because of its increasing job market. If you are looking for a job in Dubai then you should consider using online job sites and networking connections. 

Summing Up!

Being a global business and tourism hub, people from all across the world travel to Dubai to explore its employment, business and advanced living facilities. If you aim to visit Dubai no matter whether you are alone or with family, you should know about the average cost of living in Dubai. Generally, it depends on the living conditions and lifestyle choices of an individual. However, the average monthly cost of living in Dubai for an individual ranges from ARD 5500 to AED 9000 and for a couple and a family of four, the cost of living in Dubai is around AED 10,000 to AED 16,000 and AED 22,000 to AED 37,500 respectively.

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