Dubai Cost of Living Calculator
Plan your budget with our interactive calculator. Adjust the sliders to estimate your monthly expenses in Dubai.
Adjust Your Expenses
Rent
AED 6,000Monthly apartment rent
Utilities (DEWA)
AED 500Electricity, water, cooling
Groceries
AED 1,500Food and household items
Transport
AED 1,000Car, fuel, or metro/taxi
Internet & Phone
AED 400Etisalat/Du packages
Fitness & Leisure
AED 500Gym, activities, entertainment
Education
AED 0School fees (if applicable)
Savings Goal
AED 2,000Monthly savings target
Monthly Summary
Annual: AED 142,800
💡 Pro Tip
Most expats recommend keeping your rent below 30% of your monthly income. With your current budget, aim for a salary of at least AED 17,000.
How to Use the Cost of Living Calculator
Move the sliders to match your expected lifestyle. Start with rent — it is by far the largest expense for most residents and varies dramatically by area. A studio in International City or Discovery Gardens costs AED 2,500–3,500/month. The same studio in Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai runs AED 7,000–10,000+. Everything else (utilities, groceries, transport) is relatively consistent across areas.
If you have school-age children, education is the other major variable — private school fees in Dubai range from AED 20,000 to over AED 80,000 per child per year, paid in advance. Include this in your budget before accepting any offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Dubai for a single person?
A single professional living in a shared apartment or a studio in an affordable area can manage on AED 6,000–8,000/month including rent. In a mid-range area with your own 1-bedroom apartment, expect AED 10,000–14,000/month. This covers rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and a basic social life.
What is the average cost of living in Dubai for a family of four?
A family of four (two adults, two school-age children) typically spends AED 25,000–40,000/month. The two biggest costs are rent (AED 8,000–20,000/month for a 2–3 bedroom apartment depending on area) and school fees (AED 3,000–7,000/month per child). Healthcare is usually covered by employer insurance.
How much does rent cost in Dubai?
Rent varies significantly by area and apartment size. Broadly: studio apartments range from AED 2,500 (budget areas) to AED 10,000+ (premium areas). 1-bedroom: AED 4,000–15,000/month. 2-bedroom: AED 6,000–25,000/month. Rent is usually paid in 1–4 post-dated cheques per year — having 2–3 months' rent available upfront is standard.
Is Dubai more expensive than London or New York?
For housing, Dubai is cheaper than London or New York for comparable areas. Groceries and eating out are broadly similar. The big difference is tax — in Dubai you keep your full salary, which makes the net purchasing power significantly higher for most expats moving from high-tax countries. The lack of income tax is effectively a 20–45% raise depending on where you are coming from.
Are there hidden costs when moving to Dubai?
Yes. Common ones: DEWA (electricity and water) deposit for a new connection (AED 2,000–4,000, refundable); municipality housing fee added to your DEWA bill (5% of annual rent); agency fee when renting (usually 5% of annual rent, paid once); health insurance if not provided by employer; and annual car registration and insurance if you drive.