Dubai Expat Expenses: What You Really Pay in 2025
Moving to Dubai sounds exciting, but the moment you land you’ll wonder how far your money will stretch. The city mixes ultra‑luxury with everyday basics, so your budget can swing wildly depending on where you live and what you enjoy. Below is a straight‑forward breakdown of the biggest cost buckets for an expat, plus a few tips to stretch every dirham.
Housing and Utilities
Rent is the single biggest line item. A one‑bedroom apartment in the Marina or Downtown will set you back 7,000–10,000 AED per month, while a similar place in Jumeirah Village Circle or Al Barsha drops to 4,000–6,000 AED. If you’re okay with sharing, a room in a shared flat costs around 2,800–3,500 AED.
Utilities (electricity, water, cooling) add another 400–800 AED depending on the season. Air‑conditioning in summer spikes the bill, so look for apartments with energy‑efficient units or consider a building with central cooling included in the rent.
Don’t forget the agency fee if you go through a broker – usually 5% of the annual rent, paid upfront. Some landlords will waive it if you sign a longer lease, so negotiate.
Everyday Costs: Food, Transport, and Leisure
Groceries are surprisingly affordable if you shop at local supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu. A weekly basket for one person (rice, chicken, vegetables, dairy) costs about 200–300 AED**. Imported goods and specialty items can push that to 500 AED**.
Dining out varies greatly. A meal at a mid‑range restaurant costs around 70–120 AED** per person, while street‑food stalls and food courts can be as low as 15–30 AED**.
Public transport is cheap and reliable. A Nol card for the Metro and buses runs about 300 AED** per month if you commute daily. Taxis are more convenient but cost 2.5‑3 AED per km**, so use them sparingly.
Leisure activities like gym memberships, cinema tickets, and beach club entry typically range from 150–400 AED** per month. If you love nightlife, expect entry fees of 50–150 AED** plus drinks that start at 30 AED** each.
Healthcare is top‑notch but can be pricey without insurance. A basic private clinic visit costs around 250–400 AED**. Most expats get health coverage through their employer, so check the policy details.
School fees for expatriate families are a major expense. International schools charge anywhere from 30,000 to 80,000 AED** per year per child, depending on curriculum and location.
Finally, keep an eye on hidden costs: Dubai’s 5% VAT applies to most goods and services, and many apartments charge a maintenance fee that’s either included in the rent or billed separately.
By mapping out these categories, you can build a realistic budget that matches your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to live in a high‑rise with a sea view or prefer a modest apartment farther out, knowing the numbers helps you avoid surprises and enjoy your new home in Dubai.
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