The most important expenses in Dubai for expatriates include housing, transportation, grocery shopping, utility bills, insurance, and education costs. In this article from *Khaleej Times*, we’ll go over the details of each of these aspects.
One of the biggest questions for those planning to move to Dubai is: what are the costs in one of the world’s most expensive cities? In this article from Khaleej Times, we’ve laid out the most common living expenses in Dubai, along with approximate amounts to help you plan your budget and new life in the city.
According to Khaleej Times: The cost of living in Dubai (in Iranian Toman) depends heavily on exchange rate fluctuations. Overall, expenses are generally categorized into housing, transportation, groceries, insurance, utility bills, leisure, and education — each of which we’ll explain below.
Whether you plan to rent or buy, housing is one of the most significant expenses in Dubai. Prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood, with central areas being considerably more expensive.
Type of Property | Rent (AED/year) | Purchase Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
1 or 2-bedroom apt. | 30,000–100,000 | 480,000–1.5 million |
4-bedroom villa | 200,000–300,000 | 5–6.5 million |
Public transport in Dubai includes metro and buses. Monthly metro pass costs around 350 AED. Bus fare per ride is 3–4 AED. Taxis (regular and app-based) are pricier than public transport. A basic car can cost 43,000–96,000 AED.
Dubai has many chain supermarkets. Monthly groceries for one person average around 1,000 AED, though this varies based on diet and lifestyle.
Don’t forget to budget for utilities. The average monthly cost for electricity, water, gas, and garbage collection is about 710 AED, depending on the size of your home and consumption.
Health insurance is mandatory. If you’re employed, your company must provide it. If not (e.g., investor visa), you must purchase a private plan.
Insurance Plan Type | Individual (AED/year) | Family of 4 (AED/year) |
|---|---|---|
Basic health insurance | 700 | 17,000 |
Advanced health insurance | 13,500 | 70,000 |
Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) | 600 | 15,000 |
Dubai offers entertainment options at various price points — from malls and beaches to amusement parks and fine dining. You’ll find something suitable for nearly every budget.
There are two main school types: Public (Arabic-based) and Private (mostly English or multilingual).
Public Schools:
Open to foreigners (with fees), Arabic is the main language. Tuition: 3,500–12,500 AED/year
Private Schools:
Preferred by expats, with various international curricula (British, American, Indian). Tuition:
10,000–90,000 AED/year, depending on the school.
Note: Uniforms, school supplies, and transportation are additional.
Household Type | Approx. Monthly Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
Single person | 6,000+ |
Couple (2 people) | 10,000–15,000 |
Family of 3 | 15,000–20,000 |
Family of 4 | 22,000–38,000 |
