Dubai has hit new heights with 169,000 new residents moving to the city in 2024. But what’s it really like to live here?
The cost of living in Dubai varies according to your lifestyle, the area you live in, and personal choices. Some areas offer cheap accommodations, while others are centred around luxury homes with price tags to match.
Whether you are looking to make a permanent move to the city, seeking an investment opportunity or just want to have an idea of how much it costs to live here, we have you covered. We’ll go over it all, from housing costs in Dubai to the necessities we literally need on a daily basis. And by the end, you’ll know just what it takes to be comfortable in this amazing city.
Housing Costs in Dubai
For most people living in Dubai, their biggest expense will either be renting or buying a home. The city offers plenty of options to choose from. The location and type of the property you choose play a major role in the housing costs in Dubai.
Average Rental Prices in 2025
Dubai’s property market has recorded the highest rental rates, especially in the popular areas. Here’s what you’ll pay on average for various forms of housing:
- Studio apartment (Dubai Silicon Oasis, JVC) – AED 3,333 – AED 5,000 per month
- One-bedroom apartment (Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina) – AED 6,250 – AED 10,000 per month
- Two-bedroom apartment (Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay) – AED 10,000 – AED 15,000 per month
- Three-bedroom villa (Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate) – AED 15,000 – AED 33,000 per month
Buying Property in Dubai
If you want to stay long-term, there is always the option to buy property. But, just like renting, prices vary by location and type of property:
- City Center Apartments (Downtown, Marina) –AED 1.5M+
- Villas in family-oriented communities (Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Golf Estates) – starting from AED 3M
- Luxury waterfront properties (Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Islands) – starting from AED 5M
Additional Housing Costs
In addition to rent or mortgage payments, residents should plan for:
- Security deposits – Generally 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished flats and 10% for furnished.
- Real estate agent fees – 2% approx of the total lease amount.
- Annual service charges – Depends on the kind of property and community. Generally, cots range between AED 10 and AED 25 per sq. ft.
The right home for you depends on your budget and lifestyle. Finding the right balance between makes all the difference in your Dubai cost of living in 2025.
Transportation Expenses in Dubai
Travelling within Dubai is easy. However, the cost of transportation truly depends on your lifestyle. If you take public transport, drive your own vehicle, or use ride-hailing services, your monthly commuting costs can severely fluctuate.
Public Transport Costs
Dubai has an efficient, relatively affordable public transport system. Dubai Metro, buses, trams and taxis reach most areas, and fares are zone-based:
Dubai Metro & Tram:
- Single journey: AED 3 – AED 7.50 (depending on zones)
- Monthly pass: AED 350 – AED 700
Dubai Bus:
- Single journey: AED 3 – AED 8.50
- Monthly pass: AED 350
Taxis & Ride-Hailing (Careem, Uber, RTA Taxis):
- Base fare: AED 12 – AED 25 (depending on the time of day)
- Per km rate: AED 2.19 – AED 3.50
A monthly pass is the cheapest option for commuters who take public transport every day.
Owning a Car in Dubai
If you want to drive, here are some of the most important things to keep note of:
- Car Purchase: Economy cars like a Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sunny will be around AED 60,000 – AED 90,000. Meanwhile, mid-range SUVs like a Honda CR-V or a Toyota Fortuner are known to cost AED 110,000 – AED 160,000. Lastly, luxury cars like a Mercedes, BMW, or Range Rover are AED 250,000+.
- Fuel Costs: Fuel prices in the UAE are low. The cost of fuel in 2025 is approximately AED 3 per litre. That means an average sedan takes AED 150 – AED 200 to fill up.
- Insurance & Registration: Annual Insurance varies between AED 2,000 and AED 6,000 based on the vehicle. Registration, on the other hand, costs AED 350 – AED 800.
- Parking Fees: Free parking is offered in many residential zones. Commercial district parking costs AED 2 – AED 10 per hour, and a monthly parking pass can be AED 300 – AED 1,200.
Public Transport vs Car Ownership: A cost comparison
- Public Transport: AED 350 – AED 700 per month
- Car Ownership: AED 2,500 and above per month (including fuel, insurance, and maintenance)
Although driving is convenient, public transport is a more affordable option for individuals wanting to control their Dubai cost of living in 2025.
Food Prices in Dubai
As anywhere, food expenses represent a major component of Dubai living expenses. Whether you cook or eat out, the cost of food in here is strongly dependent on where you shop and how you eat.
Grocery Costs
There is a solid mix of supermarkets available in Dubai, from low-cost chains to high-end organic stores. The average amount you will spend on groceries per month is AED 1,000 – AED 1,500 for one person and AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 for a family of 4.
Here’s a breakdown of basic grocery prices:
- Milk (1 litre): AED 7 – AED 12
- Bread (loaf): AED 5 – AED 10
- Eggs (dozen): AED 10 – AED 18
- Chicken (1 kg): AED 20 – AED 35
- Rice (5 kg): AED 30 – AED 60
- Vegetables (per kg): AED 5 – AED 20
- Fruits (per kg): AED 7 – AED 25
Supermarkets such as Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Union Coop are budget friendly, while stores like Waitrose and Organic Foods & Café higher end produce and meat at a premium.
Dining Out Costs
Dubai has thousands of restaurants, from affordable cafes to Michelin-star fine dining. Dining habitually can have a massive effect on your Dubai cost of living 2025.
- Fast food meal: AED 25 – AED 40
- Casual dining for two: AED 150 – AED 300
- Fine dining for two: AED 500 – AED 1,500 and up
- Brunch (per person): AED 250 – AED 600
Finding the right balance between home-cooked meals and the occasional dining out is a great way to manage your expenses.
Meal Subscription & Delivery Services
Meal delivery services in Dubai are gaining popularity thanks to their convenience. Here are some of the prices:
- Meal subscription plans: AED 1,200 to AED 2,500 per month (daily meals delivered)
- Food delivery apps (Talabat, Deliveroo, Zomato, Careem Eats): AED 30 – AED 100 per meal
Trying to cut down on Dubai living expenses? Here are some tips:
- Buy from local markets and buy in bulk.
- Make the most of supermarket sales and loyalty programs.
- Use discount apps like The Entertainer and Fazaa for restaurant discounts.
- Keep your food delivery expenses down by prepping your meals at home.
Food is available at all price points in the city, allowing you to enjoy great meals regardless of budget.
Healthcare Costs in Dubai
Access to quality healthcare is extremely important when calculating the cost of living in Dubai. While the city provides access to some of the finest medical facilities, the cost of healthcare can vary widely, contingent on factors such as insurance coverage, specific medical requirements, and selected hospitals.
Health Insurance Costs
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai. If you work here, your employer is required to provide coverage. But dependents, including spouses and children require private coverage.
- Basic insurance plans: AED 600 – AED 1,500 per year (this covers essential services)
- Mid-range insurance plans: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per year (better coverage and access to private hospitals)
- Premium insurance plans: AED 10,000+ per year (you get comprehensive coverage and care from top-tier hospitals)
Individual private health insurance can run between AED 6000 – AED 10,000 per year while family coverage may be anywhere between AED 10,000 and AED 30,000 depending on coverage and number of dependents covered.
Cost of Medical Consultation and Treatment
Medical costs can come pretty rapidly if you don’t have comprehensive insurance. Here is an approximate outline of medical services charges in Dubai:
- General practitioner (GP) consultation: AED 200 – AED 400
- Consultation with a specialist: AED 300 – AED 800
- Dental check-up: AED 250 – AED 600
- Cost of an average MRI scan: AED 1,500 – AED 3,000
- Private hospital maternity package: AED 15,000 – AED 30,000
Public and private healthcare facilities exist in Dubai. Although the majority of public hospitals are cheaper, most expatriates in the UAE opt for private hospitals as they wish to be attended to quickly and would also like access to international doctors.
Pharmacy and Medication Costs
Prescription medications are widely available, although some must be sanctioned by a doctor. Here are some costs of over-the-counter medications:
- Paracetamol (Panadol 24 tablets): AED 10 – AED 20
- Antibiotics: AED 50 – AED 200
- Chronic illness medication (monthly supply): AED 200 – AED 800
How to Keep Your Healthcare Costs Under Control
- Select an insurance plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.
- Use the medical services covered as part of your policy to lower out-of-pocket costs.
- For affordable consultations, use Dubai Health Authority (DHA) clinics.
- Compare rates and benefits between various insurance providers.
Healthcare is a crucial aspect of Dubai’s living expenses, and obtaining the right type of insurance coverage can help in managing the medical costs well.
Education Expenses in Dubai
For families moving here, education is an important component of the cost of living in Dubai. The city has a number of schools to offer, but tuition is still a huge cost — particularly for private schools that teach international curricula.
School Fees
Dubai’s education system has both public and private schools, but expats prefer private institutions for language and curriculum reasons. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated education expenses:
- Nursery and preschool: AED 15,000 — AED 50,000/year
- Primary school: AED 25,000 – AED 60,000 per year
- Secondary school: AED 40,000 – AED 90,000 / year
- International Baccalaureate (IB) schools: AED 50,000 – AED 120,000 per year
- British and American curriculum schools: AED 30,000 – AED 90,000 per year
With different locations, facilities, and reputations, tuition fees vary greatly. Premium schools in more expensive areas — including Dubai Marina, Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai — charge more than those in suburban districts.
Additional Costs
In addition to tuition, parents should plan for:
- School uniforms: AED 500 – AED 2,000 yearly
- Books and study materials: AED 1,000 – AED 5,000 per academic year
- Extracurricular activities and field trips: AED 2,000 – AED 10,000 (per year)
- School transport: AED 3,000 – AED 8,000 per year
University and Higher Education Fees
Dubai has several international universities, including branches of UK, US, and Australian institutions. Tuition fee for the specific programme and university ranges between AED 40,000 and AED 120,000 per year.
How to Manage Education Costs
- Apply early: Some schools offer discounts if you register by a certain period.
- Sibling discounts: Most institutions offer fee concessions for multiple children.
- Company benefits: Some expatriate employers provide tuition allowances.
Education is one of the greatest contributors to the cost of living in Dubai, and it is vital to schedule tuition themes when budgeting for life in the UAE.
Tips for Living in Dubai & Finding Your Ideal Home
The cost of living in Dubai is not one-size-fits-all, as it varies on the lifestyle of the person as well as housing choice and spending habits. Though costs, such as rent and school fees, can be high, Dubai provides numerous opportunities to find affordable luxury. The city continues to be a leading destination for professionals, families, and investors thanks to tax-free salaries, high rental yields, and world-class infrastructure.
Whether your ideal home is set by the sea or in a sky-high penthouse, Grovy has premium homes for people who aim to create a lifestyle of sophistication that is timeless. Whether you are looking for a water-front escape to seize the moment or a city apartment to claim close proximity to the great outdoors, our developments have the ideal balance of modern-day amenities and ease of access.
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