The media-portrayed affluent and opulent lifestyle of millionaires is the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Dubai. Dubai also draws laborers due to the chances it offers.
Dubai is another well-liked vacation spot that draws lots of visitors all year long. If you’re considering moving to Dubai in search of employment, you probably want to first learn how much it will cost you to live there.
Dubai’s cost of living
Depending on your lifestyle and where you live, the cost of living in Dubai might vary greatly. According to some estimations, Dubai’s cost of living is almost 75% less than that of New York City. However, if you’re willing to live in a more modest home or apartment and prepare your own meals instead of usually dining out, it is possible to live more affordably in Dubai.
While some expats might be able to make due with a monthly budget of about AED 20,000 (about USD 5,500), others might require closer to AED 30,000 (roughly USD 8,200) or more.
Dubai’s Cost of Living Compared to Other Cities
If you are unsure about which nation you should move to, pay attention to the table below that compares Dubai with other nations. You might be able to make a decision with this.
| Location | Monthly expense for one person, excluding rent | The city center’s average rent (studio apartment) | Cab Fare (1km) | Petrol (1 litres) |
| Dubai | AED 3,426 | AED 5,141 | AED: 1.82 | AED: 4.02 |
| Hongkong | AED 3,981 | AED 7,020 | AED: 6,24 | AED: 10.87 |
| London | AED 4,260 | AED 8,303 | AED: 22.10 | AED: 7.69 |
| New York | AED 5,079 | AED 13,362 | AED: 5.73 | AED: 5.00 |
| Singapore | AED 3,581 | AED 4,000 | AED: 5.91 | AED: 9.48 |
| Canada | AED 4,564 | AED 4,885 | AED: 16.53 | AED: 5.80 |
| Australia | AED 3,562 | AED 5,000 | AED: 7.42 | AED: 5.62 |
Read the information about the glamorous city that is provided below.
But bear in mind that these are only the fundamental costs; the major outlay will depend on how much expansion you decide to pursue.
Housing costs
For residents of Dubai, housing is one of the biggest expenses. AED 60,000 to 80,000 (about USD 16,300 to 21,800) can be paid in rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, while AED 90,000 to 120,000 (around USD 24,500 to 32,700) can be paid in rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the suburbs.
Utilities
In Dubai, the price of utilities (electricity, water, and gas) can change based on how often you use it and how big your house is. For a one-bedroom apartment, you should budget AED 1,500 to 3,000 (about USD 410 to 820) per year for energy and water, and AED 2,000 to 4,000 (around USD 540 to 1,100) for a three-bedroom property. Gas costs are typically lower, with an average annual expenditure for a one-bedroom apartment of between AED 500 and 1,000 (or between USD 135 and 270).
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) levies a 10% late payment tax on unpaid invoices, which is important to note. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay your payments on time to prevent incurring additional expenses. For clients who have high energy-efficient appliances or are on a modest income, DEWA also provides a range of payment arrangements and discounts.
Dine Out
Depending on the kind of restaurant and the location, the price of eating out might vary significantly in Dubai. In general, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you between AED 20 and 30 (about USD 5 and $8). In general, fast-food meals and street food are less expensive, with costs beginning at approximately AED 10 (about USD 3).
Main meals start at around AED 100 (around USD 27) and go up in high-end hotels and fine dining establishments. It’s also important to keep in mind that many restaurants in Dubai tack on a 10% service fee and a 5% VAT fee to the bill.
In order to find restaurants that meet your budget, it is worthwhile to shop around and explore other parts of the city. Additionally, many restaurants in Dubai run specials and sales, especially during the workweek.
Transportation
Depending on the method of transportation you select, transportation in Dubai will cost you. Dubai offers a variety of public transit choices, including buses, the metro, and water taxis. A one-day pass for unlimited rides costs about AED 15, whereas a single bus or metro journey costs about AED 3 (about $0.80 USD) (about USD 4).
In Dubai, taxis are also frequently available, and the costs are typically fair. Approximately AED 10 (almost USD 3) is the beginning fee for a taxi, and the cost each kilometer is between AED 1.60 and 1.80. (About USD 0.44 to 0.49).
It’s also important to note that many foreigners living in Dubai choose to utilize ride-hailing services like Careem or Uber, which can be a practical and affordable way to get around the city. The demand for these services and the distance covered affect the cost.
Medications and Insurance
In a public hospital in Dubai, general practitioner consultations cost around AED 50 (around $14) and specialist consultations cost about AED 100 (roughly $27). Prices for consultations at private hospitals start around AED 150 (about USD 41) for a general practitioner and AED 250 (around USD 68) for a specialist.
Prices for a one-month supply of generic pharmaceuticals start at around AED 50 (around USD 14), while the cost of prescription prescriptions in Dubai might also differ.
It’s important to note that many foreigners living in Dubai decide to purchase private health insurance to help pay for their medical expenses. The average annual cost of insurance in Dubai is AED 3,000 (about USD 820) for an individual and AED 6,000 (around USD 1,640) for a family. Depending on the insurer and the degree of coverage, insurance costs can change. To locate the best solution for your needs and budget, it’s a good idea to shop about and compare quotes from several insurers.
Schooling
In general, tuition at a private school in Dubai is from AED 40,000 to 70,000 (about USD 10,800 to 19,000) each year, and tuition at an international school ranges from AED 70,000 to 150,000 (around USD 19,000 to 41,000) per year.
With tuition starting at around AED 10,000 (around USD 2,700) per year for Emirati students and AED 20,000 (roughly USD 5,400) per year for international students, public schools in Dubai are often less expensive.
It’s important to keep in mind that many schools in Dubai charge extra fees for things like uniforms, books, and extracurricular activities. As a result, it’s a good idea to include these prices in your budget when comparing different schools.
Conclusion
What do you think about Dubai’s cost of living? Or is it possible to alter the price when a variety of amenities are offered? This page primarily provides information on the typical cost of living for expats and those who are considering moving to Dubai.
As a result, you will be able to estimate the expense of everything as living here would undoubtedly present numerous opportunities. I hope you will comprehend the costs and the living arrangement here.
For more frequently updated blogs and remittance analysis blogs, see the AllCash website.
