In the last 2 decades, Dubai has been able to establish itself as the ultimate cosmopolitan city, becoming the face of the Middle East to the world. Over the years, Dubai has experienced unparalleled growth which has also been observed by economists and investors all over the world. Dubai’s growth and progress have become a top choice for settling down for millions of people worldwide. Moreover, the booming real estate market of Dubai is a testimony of its unprecedented development, which over some time has led to it being a sought-after destination to work and live in. The scenic beauty, modern architecture, shopping avenues, low crime rate, relaxed taxation policies, along with quick access to urban amenities make Dubai a highly sought-after city to live in.
Housing
The real estate sector today has been thriving and becoming one of the significant contributors to the city’s growing GDP. Today Dubai’s real estate market boasts extravagant villas to cozy apartments, from splendid penthouses to luxury townhouses, there is no dearth of choices of residential property in the city. Some of the established neighborhoods in the area like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Al Basha demand higher prices, in comparison to their affordable counterparts neighborhoods which include Deira, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and International City.
| Type of residential Unit | Estimated Monthly Rent |
| Studio Apartment | 3000 – 6000 AED |
| 1 BR Apartment | 4000 – 7500 AED |
| 2 BR Apartment | 6000 – 9000 AED |
| 3 BR Apartment | 7000 – 11000 AED |
| Penthouse | 14000 – 20000 AED |
| Townhouse | 16000 – 22000 AED |
| Villa | 15000 – 27500 AED |
| Shared Accommodation | 2000 – 4000 AED |
Grocery & Food
Once you understand the expenses of homes in Dubai, the next vital expenditure will be towards purchasing groceries. Here lifestyle and preferences heavily dictate the cost. Someone who loves to frequently dine outside and opt for food deliveries will be paying more than someone who prefers to cook their meal at home. Grocery shopping at premium retailers and purchasing international food items will likely be more expensive as compared to opting for more affordable supermarket options. Similarly dining at a fine dining restaurant will be more costly as compared to a casual dine-in.
| Food Category | Estimated Monthly Costs |
| Groceries | AED – 1500 – 3500 |
| Casual Dining | AED – 1000 – 2500 |
| Fine Dining | AED – 3000 – 6000 |
Utilities
Another important expense that needs to be mentioned while discussing the average cost of living in Dubai is that of utilities. This includes your regular day expenses like cooking gas, electricity, water bills, internet bills, and mobile packs. It’s important to consider that Dubai is a hot city, which means residents here will find themselves using air conditioning more often than other cities. Which reflects on the average electricity bill which will likely be higher compared to other cities.
| Types of Utility | Monthly Costs |
| Electricity | 500 – 1200 AED |
| Cooking Gas | 90 – 300 AED |
| Water | 200 – 550 AED |
| Internet | 250 – 600 AED |
| Mobile Packs | 150 – 500 AED |
Transportation
The next vital budget planning is that of transportation. Unless for those professionals who work remotely, one will have to commute daily to work or school. But on the brighter side, the cost of fuel is not just low compared to other cities, but over a period Dubai has also built great infrastructure around public transport which includes traveling by bus, Dubai Metro, Taxi, and Trams.
| Personal Vehicle | 1500 – 3000 AED |
| Buses | 150 – 250 AED |
| Taxi | 1000 – 2000 AED |
| Ride Sharing | 700 – 1500 AED |
Conclusion
From being a small fishing village, Dubai has come a long way in transforming itself into the ultra-modern city we recognize today. Today Dubai is ranked among the most developed cities in the world which is home to countless entrepreneurs and High Network Individuals. From having a booming economy to world-class infrastructure, Dubai is not just a famous tourist destination but a dream city to live in.