Dubai Monthly Expenses: What You Really Pay Every Month

Thinking about moving to Dubai or staying longer? The biggest question is always – how much will it cost each month? Below you’ll get straight‑forward figures for the biggest budget items and some simple tricks to keep your wallet happy.

Housing: Rent is the Biggest Slice

Rent takes up most of any Dubai budget. A studio in a suburban area like Al Nahda or Deira runs about AED 3,500‑4,500 a month. If you want a one‑bedroom in a popular spot like Dubai Marina or Downtown, expect AED 7,000‑10,000. Sharing a flat cuts the price dramatically – a room in a shared three‑bedroom can be as low as AED 2,500.

Utilities (electricity, water, internet) add another AED 300‑600, depending on usage. The good news is that many apartments include water in the rent, so you only need to budget for electricity and the inevitable air‑conditioning.

Everyday Living: Food, Transport, and Fun

Food costs vary a lot. Cooking at home using local supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu can keep you around AED 1,200‑1,500 for groceries each month. If you eat out three times a week at mid‑range restaurants, the bill jumps to roughly AED 2,500‑3,000.

Public transport is cheap and reliable. A monthly Nol card for the metro, bus, and tram costs about AED 300. Taxis are convenient but pricey – a short ride can be AED 20‑30, so use them sparingly.

Entertainment is where many overspend. A cinema ticket is AED 35‑45, while a night out at a club can easily cost AED 150‑250 per person. Look for happy‑hour deals and free community events to cut down.

Other regular costs include mobile phone plans (around AED 100‑150) and health insurance (AED 400‑800 for basic coverage). If your employer provides insurance, your out‑of‑pocket expense could be much lower.

Putting it all together, a single person living modestly in Dubai typically needs AED 7,000‑9,000 per month. Couples sharing rent and utilities can manage on AED 12,000‑15,000, while a family of four often requires AED 20,000‑25,000.

Now that you know the numbers, here are two quick tips to stretch your budget:

• Shop at local markets and seasonal sales for food – prices drop sharply after Ramadan.
• Use the RTA’s free parking zones and walk or bike for short trips to save on fuel.

Dubai can feel expensive, but with the right choices you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Keep track of your spending, compare prices, and adjust as you go – that’s the easiest way to stay in control of your monthly expenses.