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What Is The Cost Of Living In Dubai

Updated: May 16, 2022

Dubai is a popular tourist destination and is increasingly a choice for those looking to relocate. But what is the cost of living in Dubai? Prices for everyday items such as food, transportation, housing, and utilities can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.


In this article, we'll take a look at some of the prices you can expect to pay in Dubai and give you an idea of what your monthly expenses might be.


The cost of living in Dubai is expensive, but with a little bit of research and planning, you can find affordable accommodation, transportation, and food options.


What Is The Cost Of Living In Dubai




Housing Costs in Dudai

In Dubai, the cost of living for ex-pats is high. Housing is one of the main expenses, and it's important to factor this into your budget when planning to move to Dubai.


The cost of an apartment or villa in a good location can be expensive, with prices starting at around Dh60, 000 per year.


If you're looking for lower-cost housing, you'll need to be willing to live further away from the city center.


Popular neighborhoods for affordable housing include International City, Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Muhaisna. Rental prices in these areas start at around Dh30, 000 per year.


Keep in mind that rental prices can vary depending on the size and amenities of the property, as well as its location. If you're looking for a furnished apartment or villa, expect to pay more than if you were to find an unfurnished property.


If you're planning on purchasing a home in Dubai, be prepared to spend a lot of money. The average price for a villa in a good location is Dh4 million, while apartments start at around Dh1 million. However, there are some cheaper areas available if you're willing to compromise on location.


Dubai is an expensive city to live in, but with careful planning, it's possible to find housing that fits within your budget. By understanding the cost of living here, you can make sure you can save money and have the funds to cover your expenses.



Utility Costs in Dubai

The cost of living in Dubai is high, but there are ways to reduce your expenses. One of the most expensive costs is utilities. The cost of electricity, water, and gas can quickly add up, so it’s important to know what your options are.

· Electricity

Electricity rates vary depending on your consumption level. The average price for a 1,000-kilowatt-hour consumption per month is about Dhs2.27 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). If you use more than 5,000 kWh per month, the rate goes up to Dhs3.67 per kWh.

· Water

The cost of water in Dubai varies depending on your meter size. For example, the cost for a 20 cubic meter per month meter is Dhs210, while the cost for a 50 cubic meter per month meter is Dhs420.

· Gas

The price of gas in Dubai also varies depending on your consumption level. The average price for a 1,000 kWh consumption per month is about Dhs1.59 per kWh. If you use more than 5,000 kWh per month, the rate goes up to Dhs2.51 per kWh.

· Internet

The cheapest option for internet access in Dubai is usually prepaid broadband. This type of service doesn't require a contract, so you can cancel or switch plans at any time. However, the speeds are usually slower than postpaid options.


Postpaid broadband plans typically offer faster speeds and more data allowances than prepaid plans. However, they do require a contract, so you'll need to be sure that you're happy with the plan before signing up.


If you only need internet access for a limited amount of time, you can also rent a modem or router from one of the many internet service providers in Dubai. This is a great option if you're only in town for a short period of time.


No matter what type of broadband plan you choose, be sure to compare prices and features to find the best deal for your needs.


If you’re looking to save money on your utility bill, there are a few things you can do. For starters, make sure you’re taking advantage of your municipality’s low-consumption tariff plans.


You can also install energy-saving appliances and devices in your home, and reduce your usage during peak hours.


And finally, compare prices for utility providers before signing up for a plan. By taking these steps, you can help keep your utilities costs under control.



Transportation in Dubai

If you’re moving to Dubai, you’ll want to factor in the cost of transportation. Like most things in Dubai, transportation can be expensive. Here is a breakdown of the different costs associated with getting around Dubai.

· Taxi Fares

Taxis are a great way to get around Dubai, but they can be expensive. The base fare for a taxi is 3 Dirhams, and then it’s 2 Dirhams per kilometer after that. There is also a surcharge of 5 Dirhams for rides taken between 11 pm and 6 am. So, a trip from the airport to downtown Dubai will cost about 60 Dirhams.

· Metro Fares

The metro is the cheapest way to get around Dubai. A single ride costs just 3 Dirhams, and you can use the metro for transfers between different lines. There are also discounted rates for students and senior citizens.

· Bus Fares

The bus is another cheap way to get around Dubai. A single ride costs just 2 Dirhams, and there are discounts for students and senior citizens.

· Car Rental

If you plan on doing a lot of traveling in Dubai, it might be worth renting a car. Car rental rates vary depending on the company, but you can expect to pay around 150 Dirhams per day.

· Parking Fees

If you’re driving in Dubai, you’ll need to pay for parking. Fees range from 2 Dirhams per hour to 20 Dirhams per day, depending on the location.


So, as you can see, transportation can be quite expensive in Dubai. But with a little planning, you can find ways to get around that fit within your budget.

· Food Costs

Dubai is a city located in the United Arab Emirates. The cost of living in Dubai is high, especially when it comes to food prices.


Dubai is home to a wide variety of restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. Eating out can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options available if you know where to look.


A standard meal at a restaurant in Dubai will cost you around $25. If you want to eat like a local, your best bet is to purchase food from one of the cities many grocery stores or markets.


A basic dinner for two at home can be had for as little as $10. However, if you're looking for something more upscale, expect to pay closer to $50.


Dubai is also home to some of the world's most expensive restaurants. A meal at one of these establishments can easily set you back $200 or more. If you're on a tight budget, it's best to avoid these places altogether.


Overall, the cost of living in Dubai is high, but there are plenty of ways to save money on food. Whether you're eating out or cooking at home, be sure to do your research and compare prices before making any purchases.


Entertainment Costs in Dubai

Dubai is a city located in the United Arab Emirates and is home to over 2 million people. The cost of living in Dubai can be expensive, but there are plenty of things to do in the city to keep you busy.


If you’re looking for some free entertainment, then check out the beach or one of the many parks in the city.


If you’re looking for something a bit more expensive, then take a trip to one of Dubai’s world-famous shopping malls or catch a show at one of the city’s theaters.


Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular entertainment options in Dubai and how much they cost:


· Movies

Admission prices for movies vary depending on the theater, but typically cost between 15 and 25 AED.

· Theme Parks

Admission to most theme parks in Dubai costs around 175 AED.

· Sporting Events

Tickets to see a sporting event in Dubai can range from 30 to 1,000 AED, depending on the event.

· Concerts

Ticket prices for concerts in Dubai vary greatly, but typically start at around 100 AED.

· Nightclubs

Entry to most nightclubs in Dubai costs around 100 AED.

· Shopping

Most shopping malls in Dubai are free to enter, but you will likely have to pay for parking.

· Tourist Attractions

Admission prices for tourist attractions in Dubai vary, but many of them are free. Some of the more popular tourist attractions that charge an admission fee include the Burj Khalifa, the Ferrari World Theme Park, and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.


Dubai is a city that has something for everyone, so whether you’re looking for a fun day out or a night in the town, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Dubai.


Final verdict on What Is The Cost Of Living In Dubai


Dubai is an expensive city to live in, but with a little bit of research and planning, you can find affordable accommodation, transportation, and food options.


If you're looking for a luxurious lifestyle complete with all the trimmings, Dubai is definitely the place for you. However, if you're on a tight budget, there are other cities in the UAE that may be more suited to your needs.



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