Cost of Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates · Asia
Cost of Living in Dubai: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is approximately $2,900 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 72, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$2,900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
72
Cost Index
NYC = 100
80
Rent Index
NYC = 100
80
Quality of Life
Excellent
86
Safety Index
Excellent
3.5M
Population
AED
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $12 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $55 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $9 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $11 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $12 |
| Cappuccino | $5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7 |
| Beef (1kg) | $14 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $90 |
| Taxi 1km | $1.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $35000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $28000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $250 |
| Mobile Plan | $50 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $90 |
| Fitness Club/month | $100 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,200/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,400/mo |
| 3BR Center | $4,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $6,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $4500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.5% |
Cost of Living in Dubai: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $2,900. The city's cost of living index is 72, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Dubai
A typical monthly budget in Dubai includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Dubai
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $1,400 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $2,200. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $4,500 per month.
Average Salary in Dubai
The average net salary in Dubai is approximately $4,500 per month. Purchasing power is rated 95out of 100.
Is Dubai Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 72,Dubai is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Dubai
Safety
Dubai has a safety score of 86/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Dubai is rated 78/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Dubai is 55/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Dubai has a purchasing power score of 95/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Dubai
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Dubai should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Dubai fits their monthly budget.
Is Dubai Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 72provides a useful benchmark when comparing Dubai with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Dubai
- Average Monthly Cost
- $2,900
- Cost Index
- 72
- Rent Index
- 80
- Average Net Salary
- $4,500
- Quality of Life
- 80/100
- Safety
- 86/100
- Healthcare
- 78/100
- Currency
- AED
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai
What is the cost of living in Dubai?
The estimated cost of living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is approximately $2,900 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Dubai?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $1,400 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $2,200.
Is Dubai expensive to live in?
Dubai has a cost index of 72 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Dubai?
The average net salary in Dubai is approximately $4,500 per month.
Is Dubai good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Dubai is suitable for relocation.