Dubai Cost of Living 2025: For Students and Working Professionals
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Dubai is a shimmering land of luxury and opportunities, extending far beyond a glamorous skyline and a world-class lifestyle. This city is also popularly known as a place where dreams meet reality.
But what does it take to live in this global hub of UAE? What is the expected Dubai cost of living for students, working professionals, and families?
Whether you are planning your move to Dubai or someone who is just curious about learning the cost of living in Dubai UAE, this blog will help you navigate the balance between high-end living and smart budgeting of average monthly expenses in Dubai. Let’s get started.
Introducing Dubai UAE
Dubai has been consistently increasing its ranks among the top 100 livable cities in the world. Evolving from being a small fishing village to in 18th century to being a global hub for trade, tourism and finance, this city offers unparalleled access to the UAE tax system (tax-free earnings), modernity, and luxurious living.
Whether you are drawn to the luxuries of living, innovation, and man-made wonders, Dubai’s unique blend strives to offer balanced opportunities, life, and leisure.
- Dubai ranked as the 6th best city in the world to live and work under the Annual World’s Best City Rankings 2024 by Resonance Consultancy.
- Dubai has successfully preserved its 2nd place under the World Top City Destinations for 2023 under the Euromonitor’s Annual Report
- According to Numbeo, Dubai is ranked as 4th safest country to live in the world.
Also Read:
Average Dubai Cost of Living
Is it expensive to live in Dubai? This is one of the top trending searches globally. To answer the question this is subjective to person. As per Mercer cost of living 2024 ranking, Dubai is considered as the 15th most costliest city in the world.
However in comparison to a few of the other prominent destinations like New York City, Dubai life cost is 45% more affordable, and in comparison to Toronto Dubai cost of living is 15% more affordable, the average expense in Dubai is 33% less expensive than in London, etc.
Cost of Living in Dubai UAE: Major Living Expenses
As per Salary Expert, the average living cost in Dubai in 2024 ranges between 4,810 AED to 99,000 AED. The estimated monthly cost of living in Dubai for a single person (without rent) is 4,038 AED (92,202) cost of living in Dubai family of 4 (without rent) is around 14,089 AED (3,21,716).
Let us now further explore the major contributing factors that are considered for calculating cost of living in Dubai UAE.
1. Accommodation Expenses in Dubai
Housing in Dubai could typically be your biggest expense factor of your accumulated Dubai cost of living per month calculations. The variation in prices could be huge to an extent of 400% based on the location.
For example a studio apartment in Downtown Dubai could cost you around AED 85,000 while the same apartment could only cost around AED 40,000 in Jumeirah Village circle. The average monthly rental costs in Dubai are as follows
| Location | Studio (AED) | 1 Bedroom (AED) | 2 Bedroom (AED) | 3+ Bedroom (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | 6,670 - 7,920 | 9,170 - 11,670 | 14,170 - 19,170 | 23,330 - 37,500 |
| Dubai Marina | 5,830 - 7,080 | 7,500 - 10,000 | 11,670 - 15,830 | 16,670 - 29,170 |
| Palm Jumeirah | 7,500 - 9,170 | 10,830 - 13,330 | 16,670 - 21,670 | 25,000 - 45,830 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | 2,920 - 3,750 | 4,170 - 5,420 | 5,830 - 8,330 | 10,000 - 15,000 |
| Al Barsha | 3,330 - 4,580 | 5,000 - 6,670 | 7,080 - 10,000 | 11,670 - 18,330 |
| Business Bay | 5,000 - 6,670 | 7,080 - 9,170 | 10,000 - 13,330 | 15,000 - 25,000 |
| Deira | 2,500 - 3,330 | 3,750 - 5,000 | 5,420 - 7,500 | 8,330 - 11,670 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | 2,920 - 3,750 | 4,170 - 5,420 | 6,250 - 8,330 | 9,170 - 12,50 |
Also Read: In-Demand Jobs and the Benefits of Working in UAE
2. Transportation Expenses in Dubai
In Dubai, you have access to several modes of transportation like local buses, metro, etc, and the best part is that Dubai metro is known to be the longest driverless fully automated metro rail network of about 74.6 km seamlessly connecting you through the city.
A monthly pass for availing metro in Dubai could cost you around AED 350, while a one-way ride in a bus could cost you around AED 4 - AED 8. Rides like Uber and Careem are also available in Dubai, however, they could be on the expensive side of transportation choices. The average cost of transportation in Dubai is as follows:
| Particulars | Average Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket | 4 - 8 |
| Monthly Pass | 200 - 350 |
| Minimum Taxi fare | 12 |
| Taxi (per km) | 3 |
3. Grocery Expenses in Dubai
After food and accommodation, grocery expenses are a crucial aspect of your day-to-day Dubai life costs. The average costs for basic groceries are as follows:
| Item | Average Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular, 1 liter) | 7.14 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 5.76 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 9.82 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 12 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 33.93 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 31.42 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 36.45 |
| Apples (1kg) | 8.69 |
| Banana (1kg) | 6.85 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 6.76 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 6.16 |
| Potato (1kg) | 4.19 |
| Onion (1kg) | 5.37 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 6.13 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.23 |
4. Utility Expenses in Dubai
Utility expenses include things like basic utilities to mobile monthly plans, all the day-to-day living expenses in Dubai. These include:
| Particulars | Average Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities | 744.55 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan | 204.1 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More) | 365.53 |
5. Fun & Entertainment Expenses in Dubai
Now that we have listed the basic necessities and their expenses that account to your Dubai cost of living, let us also list down the entertainment expenses that might be an addition to your budget if considered.
| Item | Average Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 40 |
| Meal for 2 People (Mid-range Restaurant) | 300 |
| McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 35 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 45 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 50 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 22.37 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 5.1 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 4.01 |
Next, after the dine-out prices are the cost of fitness and entertainment expenses. These include:
| Fitness & Leisure Prices | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club Membership | 321 |
| Tennis Court (per hour rent on weekends) | 160 |
| Movie Tickets (for 1 person) | 50 |
Cost of Living in Dubai for International Students
The overall average cost of living in Dubai for Indian students ranges between AED 4255 to AED 8,000. The detailed breakdown of Dubai average living cost for students is provided below:
| Expenditure | Average Monthly Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fees | 20,000 - 70,000 |
| Books and Stationery (one-time expense) | 500 - 750 |
| Accommodation | 4,000 |
| Traveling | 200 - 300 |
| Food | 1,000 - 1,200 |
| Entertainment | 400 - 500 |
| Mobile Phone | 300 |
| Other Miscellaneous Expenses | 700 |
Affordable Regions in Dubai for International Students
Identifying affordable regions to reside in Dubai for Indian students will help prospective international students to make informed choices. Here are some of the budget-friendly areas, including estimated accommodation costs.
- International City: AED 1,500 - AED 3,000
- Al Warqa: AED 2,000 - AED 3,000
- Hor Al Anz: AED 1,800 - AED 3,200
- Deira: AED 2,000 - AED 4,000
- Bur Dubai: AED 1,800 - AED 3,500
Budget Your Cost of Living in Dubai With GetGIS
Understanding the Dubai cost of living is crucial for students and working professionals to analyze and manage expenses efficiently along with indulging in savings.
Are you also looking for opportunities to work in Dubai? GetGIS has you covered. Our immigration assistance team is here to help you with all your immigration needs for your UAE job seeker visa.
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