Dubai Cost of Living 2025 – Real Numbers for Your Budget
If you’re thinking about moving to Dubai or just want to know how much daily life costs there, you’ve come to the right place. Forget the shiny ads – we’ll break down the actual numbers you’ll face on a monthly basis.
Housing & Daily Essentials
Rent is the biggest expense. A one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre usually runs between 5,500 AED and 9,000 AED a month, while the same size outside the centre drops to 3,500 AED‑6,000 AED. If you’re on a tighter budget, sharing a flat (known as a “roommate” set‑up) can cut the cost to about 2,200 AED‑3,500 AED per person.
Don’t forget the Ejari registration fee (about 200 AED) and a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. Utilities – electricity, water, and cooling – add another 400 AED‑800 AED depending on how often you use the AC.
Groceries are surprisingly affordable if you shop at local markets. A weekly basket for one person (rice, pasta, vegetables, chicken, and some fruit) costs roughly 150 AED‑250 AED. Imported goods and premium brands can double that price, so stick to local produce when you can.
Transportation, Food & Lifestyle
Public transport in Dubai is efficient and cheap. A monthly Nol Card with unlimited rides on the metro, tram, and buses costs about 300 AED**. Taxis are more expensive – a typical short ride in the city is around 25 AED‑40 AED.
Eating out varies a lot. A meal at a mid‑range restaurant will set you back 60 AED‑120 AED** per person, while street‑food stalls and fast‑food chains are around 15 AED‑30 AED**. If you enjoy the occasional fine‑dining experience, expect to pay 250 AED‑500 AED** for a three‑course dinner.
Leisure activities add up quickly. A gym membership is about 150 AED‑300 AED** a month. Movie tickets are roughly 35 AED‑45 AED** each, and a standard entry to popular attractions like the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck costs around 150 AED‑300 AED**.
Putting it all together, a single expat living modestly can manage with a monthly budget of 9,000 AED‑12,000 AED**. A more comfortable lifestyle – nicer housing, occasional dining out, and some weekend trips – pushes the budget to 15,000 AED‑20,000 AED**.
Tips to stretch your money: use the metro instead of taxis, shop at hypermarkets like Carrefour for bulk items, and explore free community events. Also, many employers offer a housing allowance, so factor that into your calculations.
Knowing these numbers helps you avoid surprise bills and plan a realistic lifestyle in Dubai. Whether you’re budgeting for a short stay or a long‑term move, these figures give you a solid starting point.
-
VIEW POSTDubai Cost of Living: How Expensive Is It for Escorts?
May, 21 2025|0 CommentsWondering if Dubai is as pricey as people say? Here's what it really costs to live in Dubai, especially if you're working as an escort. This article breaks down rent, daily expenses, nightlife, shopping, transport, and work-life balance. You'll get tips to stretch your dirhams, avoid surprises, and understand budgeting for a comfortable lifestyle in the city. Find out what it's actually like on the ground, beyond the luxury hype.