The cost of living in Dubai

Dubai continues to attract international workers, remaining a top destination for overseas employment¹. Before relocating, understanding the cost of living is essential for financial planning. While salary is important, what that salary can buy is arguably more so.

Average Income in Dubai

The average salary in Dubai is around AED 15,700 per month, or approximately $4,274 USD². Actual earnings vary significantly based on profession, experience, and industry. For example, pharmacists earn about $61,500 annually, cyber security engineers around $54,459, and registered nurses between $46,877 and $53,836³.

Cost of Accommodation

Accommodation is a major expense for Dubai residents. Rental costs depend on location, size, and property type. As of July 2025, average annual rents were⁴⁵:

• Studio: AED 40,439 (USD 10,905)
• 1-Bedroom: AED 61,885 (USD 16,382)
• 2-Bedroom: AED 85,461 (USD 23,100)
• 3-Bedroom: AED 141,653 (USD 38,642)

For those looking to buy, the average price per square foot ranges from AED 1,100 to AED 1,400 (USD 300 to USD 381)⁴.

Food and Groceries

Food costs depend on dining habits and preferences. Imported products are more expensive than local items. On average, a single person spends AED 800–1,200 per month (USD 218–327), a couple AED 1,500–2,500 (USD 408–681), and a family AED 2,500–4,000 (USD 681–1,090)⁶.

Transportation

Dubai offers various transportation options, including metro, buses, taxis, and personal vehicles. Typical costs include⁷:

• Local transport ticket: $1.74
• Monthly transport ticket: $81.60
• Taxi ride (5 miles): $11.30
• Gasoline (¼ gallon): $0.82

As of December 2025, fuel prices per litre were⁸:

• E-Plus 91: AED 2.51 (USD 0.68)
• Special 95: AED 2.58 (USD 0.70)
• Super 98: AED 2.70 (USD 0.73)
• Diesel: AED 2.85 (USD 0.78)

Healthcare and Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all expatriates in Dubai⁹. Costs vary by coverage and provider:

• Basic plans: AED 500–1,500 per year (USD 136–408)
• Mid-range plans: AED 3,000–7,000 per year (USD 817–1,905)
• Premium plans: AED 8,000–20,000+ per year (USD 2,178–5,446+)
• Family plans: Starting from AED 17,000 per year (USD 4,630)

Other Expenses

Additional costs include utilities (USD 27–272 per month), entertainment (USD 272–545 per month), and education (USD 3,463–17,449 per year)¹⁰.

Overall Cost of Living

The estimated monthly cost of living in Dubai for 2025 is¹¹:

• Single person: AED 4,084.9 (USD 1,112.2)
• Family of four: AED 14,239.9 (USD 3,877)

To live comfortably, a single person may need AED 10,000–15,000 per month (USD 2,723–4,084), couples AED 15,000–25,000 (USD 4,084–6,807), and families AED 30,000–50,000+ (USD 8,168–13,614)¹⁰.

Conclusion

While Dubai can be relatively expensive, its tax-free income, world-class amenities, and strategic location make it an attractive destination for expats. Careful budgeting and financial planning are essential to make the most of your experience in this dynamic city.

1. CityAM. "LinkedIn: Top 20 countries where professionals are moving to work." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.cityam.com/linkedin-top-20-countries-where-professionals-are-moving-to-work/
2. Time Doctor Blog. "The average salary in Dubai (costs, comparison, outsourcing)." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.timedoctor.com/blog/average-salary-in-dubai/
3. Leverage Edu. "Pharmacist Salary in Dubai (2025-26)." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://leverageedu.com/blog/pharmacist-salary-in-dubai/
4. DXB Interact. "Dubai House Prices." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://dxbinteract.com/transactions
5. Haus & Haus. "What Dubai renters can expect in 2025." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://hausandhaus.com/resources/news-insights/what-dubai-renters-can-expect-in-2025
6. digit. "Cost of Living In Dubai/UAE For Singles, Couples & Families in 2025," Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.godigit.com/living-expenses/cost-of-living-in-dubai
7. Expat Life in Dubai. "The Cost to Live in Dubai as an Expat in 2025," Accessed December 16, 2025. https://expatlifeindubai.com/cost-of-living-dubai-2025
8. Tire.ae. "Latest UAE Petrol, Diesel Price Update December 2025." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.tire.ae/blog/latest-uae-petrol-diesel-price-update-december-2025/
9. Shory. "UAE Medical Insurance Costs 2025: What Expats Really Pay." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.shory.com/individual-health-insurance/blog/uae-medical-insurance-prices-real-costs-that-most-expats-dont-know/
10. Numbeo. "Cost of Living in Dubai." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/dubai