Cost of Living in Dubai 2022

People may think that Dubai, the city of luxury lifestyle, is all about spending money with no possibility of saving, and that is not true! If you received a job offer in Dubai and wonder what's the cost of living in Dubai! Find out in this article all about living costs in Dubai.   

Living Cost in Dubai

To calculate living costs in Dubai, you must divide the average costs by essential expenses on a monthly basis. To help you calculate living costs in Dubai, below is a list including the cost of each life essential:   

*Note: All costs are approximate, and it’s taken from numbeo.com  the world's largest cost of living database.    

Housing Cost in Dubai 

When looking at the average cost of life in Dubai, housing is one of the most important expenses to consider. Dubai offers a wide range of housing options that differ in price according to the area, size, building or compound utilities, and additional services. The rent range per month in Dubai is: 

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: 3,500 AED - 7,500 AED 

• Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre: 2,300 AED - 5,000 AED 

• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre: 7,000 AED – 15,000 AED 

• Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre: 5,000 AED – 11,000 AED 

Groceries Prices in Dubai

When calculating the cost of living in Dubai or any country you'll move to, it's crucial to consider the cost of groceries. Dubai has an abundance of supermarket options, either getting the best deals and offers from local supermarkets and grocery stores or importing products from the US and Europe for high-end supermarkets.  Here is a list of grocery essentials approximate prices in Dubai: 

• Milk (regular), (1 liter): 5.89 AED  

• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): 4.52 AED  

• Rice (white), (1kg): 6.89 AED  

• Eggs (regular) (12): 9.52 AED  

• Local Cheese (1kg): 33.81 AED  

• Chicken Fillets (1kg): 23.33 AED  

• Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat): 39.46 AED 

• Apples (1kg): 8.11 AED  

• Banana (1kg): 6.09 AED  

• Oranges (1kg): 5.99 AED  

• Tomato (1kg): 4.90 AED  

• Potato (1kg): 3.63 AED  

• Onion (1kg): 3.04 AED  

• Lettuce (1 head): 6.43 AED  

• Water (1.5-liter bottle): 2.02 AED  

• Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro): 22.00 AED 

Transportation and fuel Cost in Dubai 

Transportation in Dubai is not an issue since it has one of the world’s best public transport networks providing the public with many options. People living in Dubai can travel through Metro, Tram, Public Buses, and Taxis that can be ordered through public transport apps in Dubai. How Much Does Transportation & Fuel Cost? Have a look at the approximate transportation cost in Dubai:

• One-way Ticket (Local Transport): 5.00 AED  

• Monthly Pass (Regular Price): 300.00 AED 

• Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): 12.00 AED  

• Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff): 2.48 AED  

• Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff): 30.00 AED  

• Gasoline (1 liter): 2.46 AED  

You can reduce transportation costs by living next to one of Dubai’s metro stations, and make sure to get Nol Card that allows you to pay and use all local transportation options in Dubai. Have a look at how to recharge Nol Card. 

Utilities Cost in Dubai

Utilities in Dubai include Electricity and water, Mobile credit, and internet. Compared to other countries, utilities cost in Dubai are higher, but it is appropriate compared to salaries in Dubai. Utility expenses in Dubai are as follows: 

•  Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment: 500 AED – 1,200 AED 

• 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans): 0.30 AED – 0.77 AED 

• Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL): 250 AED – 450 AED  

Healthcare Cost in Dubai

In Dubai, health insurance is mandatory, and companies must provide coverage to their employees once the work visa is issued. Sponsors are required to get insurance cover for their resident dependents. Most of the companies in Dubai provide health insurance to the employee and his wife and children, while if not, the health insurance in Dubai can start from 1000 AED. 

Education Cost in Dubai

With the different education curriculums in the UAE, it’s possible to find schools with affordable tuition fees, and the range of children education in Dubai is:  

• Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child: 1000 AED - 4000 AED  

• International Primary School "Yearly for 1 Child": 25,000 AED – 75,000 AED 

Restaurants Cost in Dubai

Restaurants in Dubai vary from fast food & budget restaurants to the most expensive restaurants in Dubai. Eating at restaurants in Dubai will ring as the following:   

• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: 20 AED – 75 AED 

• Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: 150 AED – 550 AED  

• McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal): 25 AED – 32 AED 

• Cappuccino (regular): 10 AED – 30 AED 

Entertainment Cost in Dubai

Even though your goal is to save money, you must keep an amount for entertainment, especially when living in Dubai. You can enjoy visiting many free attractions in Dubai such as parks, beaches, malls, and historical areas. A Cinema ticket in Dubai will cost you 45 AED per ticket, while GYM fees for 1 adult range from 125 AED – 500 AED per month. 

Can I Save Money in Dubai? 

People may ask, is it possible to save money living in Dubai? The answer is yes, no matter how much your salary is according to UAE Salaries! You can by applying the best methods that help reduce expenditure and grow your investable income. Saving is all about what you do with your money and how you determine spending cash based on your specific financial goals. For Example, you can register your child in one of the most expensive schools in Dubai or choose an affordable one to save money, and all options are available in Dubai.    

Check UAE Moments for more similar articles in Business, such as Cost of Doing Business in Dubai and much more. 

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