Cost of Living Dubai 2025 – Your Practical Guide

Thinking about moving to Dubai or just planning a long stay? You probably wonder how far your money will go in the city of skyscrapers and endless sunshine. The good news is you don’t have to guess – we’ve broken down the biggest expenses and added a few tricks to keep your wallet happy.

Housing and Utilities

Rent is the biggest line item for most people. In 2025 a one‑bedroom apartment in the Marina or Downtown costs around AED 7,500‑9,500 per month. If you’re okay with a few minutes’ commute, suburbs like Al Barsha or Deira drop the price to AED 4,500‑6,000. Shared apartments are even cheaper – expect about AED 2,500‑3,500 per person for a decent room.

Utility bills (electricity, water, cooling) add roughly AED 500‑800 each month, but they can spike in summer when the AC works overtime. A simple tip: choose a place with energy‑efficient appliances and keep the thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re out.

Food, Transport & Everyday Expenses

Groceries for a single adult average AED 1,200‑1,500 per month. Local markets and discount stores keep prices low; imported goods are pricier, so stick to regional produce when you can. Eating out varies wildly – a street‑food snack is AED 10‑15, while a mid‑range restaurant meal runs AED 80‑120.

Public transport is affordable and reliable. A monthly Nol card for buses, metro and trams costs about AED 300. If you prefer a car, fuel is cheap (around AED 2.4 per litre) but parking fees and insurance can add AED 1,000‑1,500 to your monthly budget.

Other regular costs include mobile data (AED 100‑150 for 30 GB) and entertainment (movies, gyms, clubs). Most gyms charge AED 300‑500 per month, while a cinema ticket is about AED 45.

To stretch your budget, try a few simple habits: shop at the weekly souks for fresh produce, use the metro during off‑peak hours, and keep an eye on restaurant happy hours. These small moves can shave off hundreds of dirhams each month.

Bottom line: living in Dubai isn’t cheap, but it’s manageable if you know where to cut and where to splurge. With the numbers above, you can map out a realistic monthly budget and enjoy the city without constant money stress.