The Real Cost of Living for Singles, Couples & Families in Dubai

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Dubai is one of the world’s most attractive cities for professionals and families, offering a vibrant lifestyle, modern comforts, excellent safety, and endless growth opportunities. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly lifestyle or a more luxurious way of living, Dubai allows you to choose what suits you best.

This guide breaks down the true cost of living in Dubai for singles, couples, and families—covering housing, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare, schooling, entertainment, and more.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Cost of Living in Dubai
• Housing Costs in Dubai
• Grocery Costs
• Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile)
• Transportation Costs in Dubai
• Healthcare Expenses
• Schooling Costs
• Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses
• House Help
• Total Monthly Cost of Living in Dubai
• Cost of Living for a Single Person: AED 3,500 – AED 5,500
• Cost of Living for a Couple: AED 6,700 – AED 7,700
• Cost of Living for a Family of Four: AED 14,800 – AED 22,300
• Frequently asked questions

Understanding the Cost of Living in Dubai

Dubai offers a wide range of lifestyle choices—whether you want to live affordably or enjoy a more high-end lifestyle. Before moving, it’s important to understand the major expenses that influence your monthly budget.

Here are the key expense categories that shape the monthly cost of living:

• Housing
• Groceries
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Healthcare
• Schooling
• Entertainment
• House Help

While these costs vary depending on lifestyle and preferences, this guide will help you get a realistic idea of monthly living expenses in Dubai.

1. Housing Costs in Dubai

Housing is one of the biggest expenses for anyone living in Dubai. The city offers a wide range of options—from affordable apartments to spacious villas.

Neighbourhood choice plays a major role in monthly rent. Central and premium areas tend to be more expensive, while suburban communities and older districts offer budget-friendly choices.

• Singles often prefer studios or 1-bedroom apartments.
• Couples usually choose 1 or 2-bedroom apartments.
• Families often opt for 2- or 3-bedroom apartments or villas.

2. Grocery Costs

Groceries are a major part of monthly living expenses. Dubai has a mix of premium and budget supermarkets, giving residents the freedom to choose based on preference.

• Shopping at premium stores or buying imported items increases monthly costs.
• Shopping at affordable hypermarkets and buying local produce can significantly reduce grocery bills.

A large portion of grocery spending depends on dietary habits, lifestyle, and preference for local or imported goods.

3. Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile)

Utility bills include electricity, water, air conditioning, TV packages, home internet, and mobile plans.

• Summer bills are usually higher due to heavy air-conditioning usage.
• Villas with gardens or pools have higher utility costs compared to apartments.
• Residents can choose between basic or premium internet and TV packages, depending on speed and channel preferences.

4. Transportation Costs in Dubai

Your transport cost depends on whether you choose public transport or drive your own car.

• Dubai offers buses, metro, taxis, ferries, and monthly passes for easy everyday travel.
• Petrol prices are lower than in many other countries, but car model and daily distance influence fuel costs.
• Those using public transport can lower expenses by choosing monthly travel passes.

Living close to work is one of the best ways to reduce travel time and monthly costs.

5. Healthcare Expenses

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Insurance costs vary depending on the type of plan, level of coverage, and number of dependents.

• Basic plans are budget-friendly.
• Comprehensive plans with extended coverage cost more.
• Families often pay higher premiums due to the number of dependents.

Household staff must also be provided with medical insurance, which adds to overall expenses.

6. Schooling Costs

If you have children, schooling is one of the biggest expenses in Dubai. Fees vary based on curriculum, grade level, and additional requirements like uniforms, transport, and books.

• International curricula generally cost more.
• More affordable options are available for families looking to reduce educational expenses.

7. Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses

Dubai offers endless activities—from beaches and dining to theme parks, cinemas, outdoor adventures, shopping, and weekend getaways.

Your lifestyle choices will determine how much you spend:

• Eating out frequently increases monthly expenses.
• Weekend leisure activities also add to entertainment costs.
• Staying active and exploring the city can be done on any budget.

8. House Help

Many residents choose to hire house help—either full-time or part-time.

• Full-time house help includes salary, visa costs, and annual renewals.
• Part-time cleaners are billed hourly, offering flexibility for residents who don’t require daily assistance.

This adds convenience but must be included in monthly budgeting.

Total Monthly Cost of Living in Dubai

Below is a simplified breakdown of what different household types typically spend each month.

Cost of Living for a Single Person: AED 3,500 – AED 5,500

This includes basic housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and other essentials.

• Studio apartments vary widely in price depending on the district.
• Groceries for one person can be affordable with smart shopping.
• Utilities for a studio are generally manageable.
• Transport costs depend on public transport vs. car usage.

Cost of Living for a Couple: AED 6,700 – AED 7,700

A couple’s expenses include rent for a 1-bedroom apartment, shared groceries, utilities, and transportation.

• Utility bills are slightly higher than for single residents.
• Groceries usually average around AED 1,100 monthly.
• Housing choice affects the overall budget significantly.

Cost of Living for a Family of Four: AED 14,800 – AED 22,300

Families tend to have higher costs due to larger homes, schooling, utilities, and groceries.

• Many families choose villas or spacious apartments.
• Utility bills increase due to larger home size.
• Groceries average around AED 2,400 monthly.
• School fees are the biggest expense for families.

Dubai offers an exceptional lifestyle for all—whether you’re single, newly married, or raising a family. With a wide range of housing options, flexible grocery choices, efficient public transport, world-class healthcare, and vibrant leisure activities, the city allows you to tailor your budget to your lifestyle.

By understanding the cost of living beforehand, you can plan better and enjoy everything Dubai has to offer with confidence and comfort.