Cost of Living in Dubai for Singles & Family in 2024

cost of living in dubai

Dubai is one of the most famous cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Known for its luxurious lifestyle, tall buildings and vibrant lifestyle, people worldwide seek the city’s services. Nevertheless, the average cost of living in Dubai can be expensive. 

This article provides an in-depth explanation of the average cost of living in Dubai. It also compares these rates with those in other Emirates and cities across the globe. It offers insight into the average living expenses in Dubai for single individuals, couples, and families, including the funds necessary for a comfortable lifestyle.

Keep reading to know more details!

Disclaimer: This article contains information gathered from online platforms as of August 26th, 2024 and is subject to change.

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Average Cost of Living in Dubai for Singles, Couples & Families

Various factors, including housing, food, transportation, and entertainment, influence the cost of living in Dubai:

Area of Expenses Singles Couples Families
Accommodation AED 5,000 - AED 8,000 (City Center)
AED 3,000 - AED 5,000 (Outside City)		 AED 7,000 - AED 12,000 (City Center)
AED 5,000 - AED 8,000 (Outside City)		 AED 12,000 - AED 20,000 (City Center)
AED 8,000 - AED 15,000 (Outside City)
Food and Groceries AED 800 - AED 1,200 AED 1,500 - AED 2,500 AED 2,500 - AED 4,000
Transportation AED 300 (Public Transport)
Higher with Car		 AED 1,500 - AED 3,000 (Car Ownership) AED 2,500 - AED 5,000 (Car Ownership)
Utilities AED 100 - AED 1,000 AED 1,000 - AED 1,500 AED 1,500 - AED 3,000
Entertainment & Personal Expenses AED 1,000 - AED 2,000 AED 2,000 - AED 3,500 AED 3,000 - AED 5,000

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Dubai

It is important to know the factors that influence living expenses in Dubai so that one can manipulate their decisions to fit their lifestyles. These factors include:

Accommodation

The location and type of housing play a crucial role in determining living costs. Buying a house in the city is much costlier than buying a house elsewhere.

Lifestyle

Try being mindful of expenses such as entertainment, dining out, and personal care. This will make it easier to manage your lifestyle expenditures. 

Transportation

By evaluating the pros and cons of owning a car versus using public transport, you can optimise your monthly transportation expenses.

Utilities

With Dubai's hot weather, it's no surprise that cooling costs can add up. Nevertheless, keeping the expenses in check with some energy-saving tips is possible. 

Healthcare

Exploring different healthcare coverage options will help you find the right balance between protection and cost.

Education

Exploring different educational options can help you make informed decisions about financially sustainable choices for children's education.

Cost of Living in the Other Top Cities of UAE

While Dubai often grabs the spotlight, it is essential to understand the cost of living in other major cities like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. The costs can vary greatly, so it is crucial for anyone considering moving to the UAE to have a clear understanding of the costs for better planning. 

Below is a detailed comparison of these costs in the form of a table:

 

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

The average cost of living in Abu Dhabi is as follows:

Area of Expense Bachelors  Couples Families 
Accommodation (City Centre) AED 5,148.63/month AED 5000 - AED 10,000/ month AED 10,745.21/ month
Food and Groceries AED 40/meal AED 250/meal AED 500/meal
Transportation AED 80 /month AED 80-150/ month AED 150/month
Utilities AED 360/month AED 610-1000/month AED 1000/month
Entertainment AED 400 - AED 600/month AED 600 - AED 750/month AED 850-1400/month

Cost of Living in Sharjah

The average cost of living in Sharjah is as follows:

Area of Expense Bachelors Couples Families
Accommodation (City Centre)  AED 2,000 - AED 4,000/month AED 3,000 - AED 6,000/month AED 4,000 - AED 8,000/month
Food and Groceries AED 15-40/meal AED 70-250/ meal AED 200-400/meal
Transportation AED 150/month AED 220/month AED 350/month
Utilities AED 450 - AED 700/month AED 600 - AED 900/month AED 900 - AED 1,500/month
Entertainment AED 500/month AED 700-1200/month AED 1200/month

Cost of Living in Ajman

The average cost of living in Ajman is as follows:

Area of Expense Bachelors Couples Families
Accommodation AED 2500/month AED 3500/month AED 4000 - AED 7000/month
Food and Groceries AED 20/meal AED 100/meal AED 200-400/meal
Transportation AED 150/month AED 250/month AED 200 - AED 400/month
Utilities AED 250 - AED 600/month AED 450 -AED 700/month AED 700 -1200 AED 1000/month
Entertainment AED 400/month AED 600-1000/month AED 1000/month

How Expensive is Dubai in Comparison to Other Countries?

Dubai is one of the most popular cities in the world, attracting people from all corners of the globe. Due to its high demand, the cost of living in Dubai is often discussed. In recent times, Dubai has ranked as the 7th most expensive city in the world and the most expensive in the Middle East. 

The table below provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living in Dubai versus other major cities in the world: 

City Accommodation (1BHK) (Monthly) Transportation (Monthly) Meal for 2 People (3 course) Others (Miscellaneous Expenses)
Dubai Starting AED 4,904 Starting AED 300 AED 300 AED 600 (per month)
New York Starting $2,960 (AED 10,871) Starting $132 (AED 485) $130 (AED 478) Starting $200 (AED 735) (per month)
London Starting £1,100 (AED 5,148) Starting £177 (AED 828) £80 (AED 374) £200 - £300 (AED 935 - AED 1,402) (per month)
Singapore S$2,000 - S$4,000 (AED 5,365 - AED 10,730) S$1,000 - S$1,500 (AED 2,682 - AED 4,023) S$92.50 (AED 248) S$200 - S$400 (AED 536 - AED 1,073) (per month)
Sydney Starting AUD 2,255.23 (AED 5,245) Starting AUD 160 (AED 372) AUD 120 (AED 279) AED 50 - AED 100 (per month)
Tokyo ¥150,000 - ¥200,000 (AED 3,750 - AED 5,000) ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 (AED 250 - AED 375) ¥7,125 (AED 178) ¥10,000 - ¥15,000 (AED 250 - AED 375) (per month)
Berlin €800 - €1,200 (AED 3,240 - AED 4,860) €80 to €90 (AED 324 - AED 365) €70 (AED 284) €100 - €200 (AED 405 - AED 810) (per month)
Shanghai Starting CNY 3,785 (AED 1,900) Starting CNY 250 (AED 125) CNY 200 (AED 100) CNY 440 (AED 220) (per month)

What is the Average Income in Dubai, UAE?

The income required to live comfortably in Dubai varies based on the lifestyle and family size:

  • Student: Generally, a single person's monthly expenses in Dubai require an income between AED 60,000 and AED 80,000 per annum. This includes housing, meals, travel, and other expenses.
  • Bachelor: In terms of the average cost of living in Dubai as a bachelor, it is estimated that an income between AED 120,000 to AED 180,000 should suffice.
  • Couple: To meet a couple's average cost of living in Dubai, a combined income of AED 200,000 – AED 300,000 is required per year. 
  • Families: For a family of four, an income of AED 300,000 to AED 500,000 is required to cover the expenses in Dubai with the family. 

The following table provides an overview of the average monthly salaries of some of the most popular professions in Dubai:

Profession Average Salary (per month)
Bank Branch Manager 29,100 AED
General Manager 28,900 AED
Business Development Manager 26,600 AED
Investment Banking Analyst 25,800 AED
Human Resources Manager 24,100 AED
Accounting Manager 24,100 AED
Project Manager 20,500 AED
Pharmacist 20,100 AED
Business Analyst 19,300 AED
Engineer 15,400 AED
Mechanical Engineer 15,400 AED
Civil Engineer 14,600 AED
Office Manager 14,000 AED
Teacher 12,400 AED
Nurse 12,600 AED
Chef 9,250 AED
Graphic Designer 9,040 AED
Legal Assistant 7,750 AED
Secretary 6,530 AED
Customer Service Representative 5,140 AED
Tourist Guide 4,250 AED
Domestic Worker 1,830 AED

Tips for Managing and Budgeting the Cost of Living in Dubai

The following tips will help you cut down on the average living expenses in Dubai:

  • Housing: Consider finding accommodation near the city’s main business district rather than directly in it. This can help reduce costs. 
  • Transportation: It is advisable to use public transport instead of private vehicles to reduce expenses. 
  • Shopping: Take advantage of supermarket offers such as flash sales and discounts on specific products. 
  • Utilities: Be mindful of electricity and water usage to manage utility expenses. 
  • Entertainment: Look for fun events that are low-cost or free of charge.

Dubai is an enticing place to live because of its high standard of living and abundant opportunities. Whether you're a single professional, a couple, or a family, understanding the living expenses in Dubai is crucial to enjoying life in this vibrant city. 

Despite the higher cost of living, the absence of income tax and the top-class amenities make Dubai an ideal place to call home.

FAQs about the Cost of Living in Dubai