Middle East Updated
Average Cost of Living in Dubai
The average cost of living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is $2,120 per month for a single person, and $5,473 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $2,342 per month. The local average net salary is $4,130 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 48.2 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $2,120 / month
- Family of 4
- $5,473 / mo
- Student
- $1,232 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Dubai
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,129.57 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Dubai | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Dubai | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Dubai | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Dubai | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Dubai | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Dubai | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Dubai | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Dubai | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Dubai | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Dubai | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Dubai FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Dubai. |
Rent & Property Prices in Dubai
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,342 | $1,634 – $3,812 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,450 | $1,089 – $1,906 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $4,160 | $2,723 – $5,446 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,998 | $2,451 – $4,084 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $7,245 | $5,446 – $10,551 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $4,112 | $2,931 – $5,862 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,342$1,634 – $3,812
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,450$1,089 – $1,906
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $4,160$2,723 – $5,446
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,998$2,451 – $4,084
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $7,245$5,446 – $10,551
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $4,112$2,931 – $5,862
Grocery Prices in Dubai
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.84 | $1.09 – $3.27 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.45 | $0.82 – $3.27 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.59 | $1.09 – $4.08 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.56 | $2.51 – $4.90 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $5.45 – $27 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $8.43 | $4.06 – $15 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $12 | $6.54 – $22 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.56 | $1.36 – $3.54 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.91 | $1.36 – $3.54 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.86 | $1.36 – $3.27 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.37 | $0.54 – $2.18 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.09 | $0.54 – $1.63 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.02 | $0.54 – $1.63 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.53 | $0.68 – $2.72 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.64 | $0.27 – $1.09 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $16 | $11 – $27 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.58 | $1.36 – $4.08 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.19 | $1.91 – $4.90 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $6.13 | $5.45 – $8.17 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.84$1.09 – $3.27
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.45$0.82 – $3.27
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.59$1.09 – $4.08
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.56$2.51 – $4.90
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$5.45 – $27
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $8.43$4.06 – $15
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $12$6.54 – $22
- Apples (1 kg) $2.56$1.36 – $3.54
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.91$1.36 – $3.54
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.86$1.36 – $3.27
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.37$0.54 – $2.18
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.09$0.54 – $1.63
- Onions (1 kg) $1.02$0.54 – $1.63
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.53$0.68 – $2.72
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.64$0.27 – $1.09
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $16$11 – $27
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.58$1.36 – $4.08
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.19$1.91 – $4.90
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $6.13$5.45 – $8.17
Public Transport & Car Costs in Dubai
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.63 | $0.82 – $2.72 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $95 | $54 – $109 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.27 | $2.18 – $4.08 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.68 | $0.54 – $1.09 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $8.17 | $8.17 – $15 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.82 | $0.68 – $0.99 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $32,675 | $24,506 – $42,478 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $22,640 | $20,939 – $24,506 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.63$0.82 – $2.72
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $95$54 – $109
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.27$2.18 – $4.08
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.68$0.54 – $1.09
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $8.17$8.17 – $15
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.82$0.68 – $0.99
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $32,675$24,506 – $42,478
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $22,640$20,939 – $24,506
Utility & Internet Costs in Dubai
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $243 | $163 – $408 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $56 | $27 – $82 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $96 | $64 – $123 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $243$163 – $408
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $56$27 – $82
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $96$64 – $123
Childcare & Preschool in Dubai
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $898 | $545 – $1,361 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $16,546 | $10,347 – $26,526 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $898$545 – $1,361
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $16,546$10,347 – $26,526
Clothing Prices in Dubai
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $74 | $41 – $123 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $59 | $25 – $109 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $105 | $60 – $163 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $111 | $54 – $218 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $74$41 – $123
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $59$25 – $109
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $105$60 – $163
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $111$54 – $218
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Dubai
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $86 | $38 – $163 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $50 | $27 – $68 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $15 | $12 – $22 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $86$38 – $163
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $50$27 – $68
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $15$12 – $22
Restaurant Prices in Dubai
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $13 | $6.81 – $25 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $82 | $49 – $163 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $9.53 | $8.17 – $11 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $14 | $8.17 – $19 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $12 | $11 – $22 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.91 | $2.72 – $10 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.57 | $0.75 – $4.08 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.86 | $0.54 – $1.91 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $13$6.81 – $25
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $82$49 – $163
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $9.53$8.17 – $11
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $14$8.17 – $19
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $12$11 – $22
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.91$2.72 – $10
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.57$0.75 – $4.08
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.86$0.54 – $1.91
Salaries & Mortgages in Dubai
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,130 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.56% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,130
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.56%
Compare Dubai with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United Arab Emirates
Ajman
Monthly / 1 person
$2,068
vs NYC
47/100
United Arab Emirates
Abu-Dhabi
Monthly / 1 person
$1,812
vs NYC
41.2/100
United Arab Emirates
Sharjah
Monthly / 1 person
$1,398
vs NYC
31.8/100
United Arab Emirates
Ras-Al-khaimah
Monthly / 1 person
$1,159
vs NYC
26.3/100
Israel
Ramat-Gan
Monthly / 1 person
$2,067
vs NYC
47/100
Israel
Jerusalem
Monthly / 1 person
$2,063
vs NYC
46.9/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Dubai?
- An estimated $2,120 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Dubai. A family of four needs around $5,473 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,232.
- How much money do I need to live in Dubai?
- Plan for at least $2,120 per month as a single person, $5,473 per month for a family of four, or $1,232 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Dubai.
- What is the average rent in Dubai?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Dubai rents for around $2,342 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $4,160 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Dubai?
- The average monthly net salary in Dubai is around $4,130. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 57% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Dubai?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Dubai costs around $13. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $57 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.84/L) and bread ($1.45/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Dubai?
- A monthly public transport pass in Dubai costs around $95. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Dubai?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Dubai costs around $96 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.