Moving to Dubai in 2025: Ultimate Guide to Cost of Living, Renting & Buying Property

Posted by Kelt&corealty on June 17, 2025

Dubai Lifestyle

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Dubai has become the most desirable global city for living, working and investing. Its majestic skyline, zero-income tax, and high-end infrastructure make it appealing to people looking for better career opportunities, an elegant lifestyle, and promising capital appreciation. Moving to Dubai in 2025 is the best time because of large-scale developments, investor-friendly reforms, and a growing global population. Give this blog a read to learn about the cost of living, renting, and property buying in Dubai. 

What You Need to Know Before Moving to Dubai

Visa and Residency Options:

In 2025, Dubai offers an array of visa options to support residents, professionals and retirees. Each visa has specific conditions, durations and advantages.

• Work visa: Issued by a local employer, typically granted for 2-3 years
• Family visa: Enable UAE residents to sponsor their spouse, children and parents
• Retirement visa: It is designed for individuals over 55 with adequate savings and income 
• Property visa: Given to those who purchase a property of AED 750,000 or more in Dubai
• Golden visa: A 10-year Golden visa offered to individuals with exceptional qualifications or investments

Relocation Checklist:

This checklist will help you relocate to Dubai:

• Passport and documents (Ensure these are valid for 6 months)
• Secure a visa
• Search for a Job
• School enrollment papers for families 
• Booking accommodation 
• Health insurance 
• Financial planning
• Shipping & moving services
• Familiarize yourself with the laws of the UAE

Cost of Living in Dubai in 2025

Dubai offers a luxurious lifestyle, but that comes with a price tag, depending on where you live and how you spend. Here’s a breakdown of monthly living expenses:

Renting and Housing:

Rental rates are high in Dubai, especially in the most sought-after areas. Here are the average rental prices for the most common housing options:

• Studio apartments – AED 3300 to AED 5000 per month 
• 1-bedroom – AED 6000 to AED 10,000 per month
• 2-bedroom – AED 9000 to AED 15,000 per month
• 3-bedroom villa – AED 14,000 to AED 33,000 per month 

These prices vary based on the location, type and amenities. 

Buying Properties in Dubai:

Like renting, property prices fluctuate depending on the location and type. 

• Prices of apartments in the City Center start from AED 1.4 million
• In family-friendly communities, villa prices begin from AED 3.2 million
• Luxury waterfront properties start from AED 5 million 

Utilities:

• DEWA, which covers electricity, water and sewage services, for a 1-bedroom apartment will cost you around AED 300-600 per month.
• If AC is not covered by DEWA, then it will cost AED 200-500 per month, depending on usage. 
• Standard internet packages in Dubai cost you around AED 250-400/month.

Groceries and Food:

Dubai features a range of supermarkets, from affordable chains to upscale organic stores. 

• The cost of groceries per month for 1 person will be around AED 1000-1500.
• For a family of 4, it will be around AED 3000 to AED 5000

The cost of dining out will vary, as Dubai offers a diverse array of restaurants from affordable to fine dining. 

Transportation:

Public Transport:

Fares of public transport like metro, tram, bus and taxi depend on the zone. 

• A single journey for the metro and tram will cost AED 3 to AED 7.50. Its monthly pass will be around AED 300-600.
• For a single journey, the bus will cost AED 3 to AED 8.50. The monthly pass price will be priced at AED 350. 
• For a taxi, the price per KM will be around AED 2.19 to AED 3.50. 

Owning a Car:

• The price of economy cars starts from AED 30,000. 
• The fuel price in Dubai is AED 3. 
• The insurance for a car will be around AED 2000 annually. 

Public transport will cost you around AED 350 to AED 700 per month, while car ownership will cost you around AED 2500. This includes fuel, insurance and maintenance of car. 

Healthcare and Education:

Healthcare:

• It will cost AED 600-1500 annually for a single person.
• For a couple, healthcare costs will be around AED 2000.

Education:

• The school fee in a private school is AED 2500/month for a single child. 
• Parents should also consider books, extracurricular activities and transport in addition to tuition. 

Cost Comparison Dubai vs Other Countries:

Renting Property in Dubai in 2025

The Dubai rental landscape is booming because of the growing expat population and the development of infrastructure. In sought-after districts like Dubai Marina, Business Bay and Downtown, rental prices are on an upward trajectory. Below are the average rent prices in 2025:

Here’s is step-by-step process for renting property in Dubai:

1. Search for property on online platforms or with RERA-certified agents
2. Visit the property
3. Submit an offer and negotiate to adjust the price
4. Submit the documents, like a passport and a visa copy 
5. Sign your agreement
6. Register with the Ejari system

Best Areas to Rent:

• Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Barsha, Deira, and Dubai Silicon Oasis are the best areas to rent for singles as they offer budget-friendly properties and are well-connected to neighbourhoods. 
• Business Bay, Downtown and Marina are the best options for professionals because of their proximity to offices and the metro. 
• With proximity to schools, parks and malls, Mirdif, Arabian Ranches, and DAMAC Hills are the perfect choice for families.

Buying Property in Dubai in 2025

With high ROI, no property tax, capital appreciation and a diverse range of investment opportunities, Dubai’s real estate market is attracting investors from all over the world. The property sector in Dubai shows continuous growth in 2025, driven by high demand from global investors. Here are the property prices in Dubai:

Property prices differ based on location, type, floor and furnishing. Here’s a step-by-step process for buying property in Dubai:

1. Search for a property 
2. Connect with a RERA-certified agent to handle legal and negotiation procedures. 
3. Sign the Sale Agreement, which specifies conditions, deposit amount and payment plan.
4. Secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer. This verifies that the property is free from any pending charges. 
5. Visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to transfer ownership
6. Register the property through the Dubai REST App or Trakheesi system to ensure you are the recognized legal owner.

Financing and Mortgage Options:

Expats are eligible to apply for mortgages to purchase a property in Dubai. Local banks are the major mortgage providers. You have to submit a copy of your passport and visa, credit report, bank statement, and a salary certificate to apply for mortgage. 

Relocating to Dubai: Country Specific Guide:

Thinking of relocating to Dubai from abroad? The experience can vary depending on your country of origin. Explore these guides for visa options, cultural tips and financial planning. 

Moving Services, Shipping and Logistics 

Are you planning to relocate to Dubai in 2025? Learn about international shipping, customs clearance and relocation services to ensure a seamless relocation.

Best International Movers for Dubai:

E-Movers, Allied, Crown Relocations, AGS Movers, Santa Fe and GAC International are some of the best international mover companies. They offer multiple services like packing, insurance coverage, customs clearance, doorstep delivery, car transport, pet relocation and several more. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping:

The average shipping cost for a 1-bedroom apartment is AED 11,000 (3000 USD). The urgent shipments come at higher costs. There are various factors which affect this cost:

• Shipping distance and country of departure 
• Shipping mode, like air or sea
• Full-container or shared-container 
• Extra services like packing and insurance 

Dubai Customs Rules:

• Household goods and personal belongings are duty-free
• Electronics and luxury items incur a 5% VAT
• Fireworks, alcohol, pork, drugs, pornographic material and ivory are prohibited
• Inspection is mandatory and typically takes 1-2 Weeks

Finance, Tax and Legal Essentials for Moving to Dubai

Finance: 

There is an easy way to open a bank account in Dubai. The banking system in Dubai is safe, advanced and expat-friendly. Documents like a passport and a residence visa copy, Emirates ID, proof of address and a salary certificate are required to open a bank account. Various types of accounts can be opened, such as current, savings and multi-currency accounts for expats.

Tax-Free Benefits and Global Implications: 

• Tax in Dubai:

1. No income tax
2. No capital gain tax
3. No property tax
4. Low VAT of only 5%
5. Corporate tax of only 9%

• Global Implications:

1. US citizens have to file an annual tax return according to FATCA regulations.
2. UK, Canadian and Australian citizens may need to adhere to tax laws based on their residency and domicile in their home country 
3. Citizens of India and South Africa may need to show proof of non-residency to avoid taxes in their home country 

Dubai’s Legal System:

• Dubai’s legal system is based on Islamic law and civil law traditions 
• Expats must show respect for local customs and religious practices 
• Free zones operate under self-governing commercial and labor laws
• Dubai International Finance Center (DIFC) courts resolve legal issues under English Law

Dubai vs Other Global Cities

Living and Settling in Dubai

Before relocating to Dubai, whether for work, investment or a lifestyle, discover what expat life looks like here.

Pros and Cons of Expat Life in Dubai: 

• Pros:

1. No-income tax
2. Cutting-edge infrastructure
3. Very low crime rate
4. Upscale lifestyle

• Cons:

1. Cultural restrictions like norms related to dress and alcohol
2. Hot climate 
3. The rising cost of living 

Safety and Laws Considerations:

• Dubai is ranked among the safest cities in the world.
• Women and solo travelers feel safe and secure, even after dark.
• Refrain from public intoxication. 
• Avoid alcohol consumption in public.
• No tolerance policies for drugs

Healthcare, Education and Transport:

• Government and private hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment
• Obligatory medical insurance for all residents 
• Numerous international schools offering British, American and other curriculums
• Multiple transport options like metro, bus, tram, and water taxis
• Nol card for every public transport 
• Driving license conversion is available for various nationalities

Conclusion: 

Relocating to Dubai presents exceptional opportunities, from zero-tax income and an elegant lifestyle to strong ROI and a safe environment. Dubai stands out as the most appealing global destination for expats, digital nomads, professionals or a family looking for education and healthcare. The cost of living in Dubai is less compared to other global cities like London, New York and Sydney. With its blend of financial advantages, cutting-edge infrastructure, and global appeal, it is not just a destination to move to; it’s a place to grow.

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