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Home Travel

Cost of Living in Dubai in 2025

Rent, Food, Transport & More

by Khurram Shahzad Malhi
July 16, 2025
in Travel
Reading Time: 8 mins read
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Dubai, known for its luxury lifestyle and futuristic skyline, often raises one big question for expats and tourists alike:
“How expensive is it to live in Dubai?”

While it’s true that Dubai can be lavish, the cost of living varies widely based on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits. In this 2025 guide, we break down the average costs for rent, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, education, and more, so you can plan your move, travel, or job opportunity wisely.


 Table of Contents

  1. Overview: Is Dubai Expensive in 2025?

  2. Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person vs Family

  3. Housing & Rent Costs

  4. Food & Grocery Expenses

  5. Transport Costs (Public + Private)

  6. Utilities & Internet

  7. Healthcare & Insurance

  8. Education Costs (for families)

  9. Entertainment & Lifestyle

  10. Tips to Manage Expenses

  11. Final Thoughts


1. Overview: Is Dubai Expensive in 2025?

Dubai offers a range of options — from affordable studio apartments to ultra-luxury penthouses, from budget eateries to Michelin-star restaurants. It all depends on your choices.

  • For expats earning a mid-to-high salary, Dubai is manageable and enjoyable.

  • For tourists, it can be budget-friendly with smart planning.

  • For families, expenses vary depending on school fees and housing.


2. Average Monthly Cost: Single vs Family

Category Single Person (AED) Family of 4 (AED)
Rent (1 BHK / 3 BHK) 4,500 – 9,000 8,000 – 15,000
Food & Groceries 1,000 – 1,500 2,500 – 3,500
Transport 300 – 800 700 – 1,200
Utilities & Internet 500 – 800 800 – 1,200
Education N/A 2,500 – 6,000
Entertainment 300 – 800 700 – 1,500
Total (Est.) 6,500 – 13,000 15,000 – 28,000

💡 Note: AED 1 = ~0.27 USD (2025 estimate)


3. Housing & Rent Costs in 2025

Rent is the largest expense in Dubai. Prices vary by area, property type, and whether it’s furnished or not.

 Average Monthly Rent:

Area Studio 1 BHK 3 BHK (Family)
Jumeirah Village Circle 3,000 4,500 8,000
Al Nahda / Deira 2,500 4,000 7,500
Dubai Marina / Downtown 5,000 8,500 15,000
Mirdif / Al Barsha 3,500 5,500 10,000

 Tips:

  • Look for shared accommodations if you’re on a budget.

  • Many landlords accept monthly payments now instead of 1-2 cheques.


4. Food & Grocery Expenses

Dubai offers a wide range of dining — from budget meals under AED 15 to fine dining experiences over AED 500 per person.

 Eating Out:

  • Budget restaurant: AED 15–25 per meal

  • Mid-range meal for two: AED 120–200

  • Coffee (Starbucks-style): AED 18–22

  • Shawarma / Karak chai: AED 5–10

 Groceries (Monthly):

Item Avg. Price
1L Milk AED 6 – 8
Bread (loaf) AED 4 – 6
1kg Rice AED 7 – 12
Chicken (1 kg) AED 15 – 22
Eggs (12) AED 10 – 14
Fruits & Veg (1 kg) AED 6 – 12

Popular supermarkets: Carrefour, Lulu, Union Coop, Choithrams


5. Transportation Costs

You can travel across Dubai easily using metro, buses, taxis, or private vehicles.

 Public Transport:

  • Nol card recharge (monthly): AED 270 – 350

  • Single metro/bus ride: AED 3 – 7.5

  • Taxi start fare: AED 12 (day) / AED 15 (night)

 Private Car:

  • Petrol (per liter): AED 3.20 – 3.50

  • Monthly fuel expense: AED 300 – 600

  • Salik (toll): AED 4 per gate

  • Car insurance: AED 1,200 – 2,500/year

  • Parking in malls: Mostly free, but paid in busy areas

💡 Uber and Careem are available but slightly more expensive than taxis.


6. Utilities & Internet

Utilities are managed by DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority). Cooling may be through district cooling companies like Empower.

Utility Monthly Cost (1 BHK)
Electricity & Water AED 300 – 500
Air Conditioning (Empower) AED 200 – 600
Internet (Du / Etisalat) AED 350 – 500
Mobile Plan AED 125 – 250

7. Healthcare & Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai. Many employers provide it, but if not, you’ll need to buy a private plan.

 Average Costs:

  • GP visit (without insurance): AED 200 – 400

  • Specialist consultation: AED 400 – 700

  • Basic private insurance plan: AED 600 – 1,200/year (for expats)

Top hospitals: Mediclinic, Aster, NMC, American Hospital


8. Education Costs (for Families)

Education is one of the highest recurring costs for families in Dubai.

School Type Annual Fees (per child)
British Curriculum AED 25,000 – 90,000
Indian Curriculum (CBSE) AED 8,000 – 30,000
American Curriculum AED 35,000 – 80,000
International Baccalaureate (IB) AED 40,000 – 100,000+

💡 Uniforms, books, and bus fees are extra.


9. Entertainment & Lifestyle

Dubai is full of activities — both free and premium.

Activity Cost (AED)
Cinema ticket AED 35 – 60
Theme park (Dubai Parks, IMG) AED 150 – 300
Gym membership (monthly) AED 150 – 500
Desert Safari (with dinner) AED 150 – 300
Brunch (Friday/Saturday) AED 120 – 400

Free attractions include: Dubai Fountain, Beaches, Old Souk, Al Seef


10. Tips to Manage Expenses in Dubai

✅ Use discount apps like The Entertainer, Zomato Pro, and Smiles
✅ Shop at budget markets like Lulu or Union Coop
✅ Choose areas like Al Nahda, Deira, International City for affordable rent
✅ Use metro + Nol card instead of taxis
✅ Cook at home to cut food costs
✅ Explore free public attractions regularly


11. Final Thoughts

Dubai offers a comfortable lifestyle if you manage your budget wisely. While it’s not the cheapest city, it’s definitely affordable — especially if you compare it to cities like London, New York, or Singapore. Whether you’re a single expat, tourist, or relocating with your family, understanding the cost of living in Dubai in 2025 helps you plan better and avoid surprises.

From rent to food, and education to healthcare — smart choices and planning make all the difference!

Tags: cost of living in DubaiDubai lifestyle expensesDubai rent prices 2025moving to Dubai guideUAE grocery costs
Khurram Shahzad Malhi

Khurram Shahzad Malhi

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