Cost of Living in Dubai in 2025: A Complete Breakdown
Dubai, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, is renowned for its modern architecture, luxurious lifestyle, and thriving economy. However, as the city continues to grow, so does the cost of living. Whether you are an expat looking to move to Dubai or a local resident, understanding the cost of living is essential for managing your finances effectively. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the costs you can expect in Dubai in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Renting in Dubai is one of the largest monthly expenses, particularly in popular areas. The cost of housing depends on the neighborhood, type of property, and size. As of 2025, rental prices have seen some fluctuations, but there are still a range of options.
One-bedroom apartment: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a central area like Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah could cost between AED 60,000 and AED 120,000 per year. For more affordable areas like Al Nahda or Dubai Silicon Oasis, the cost can range from AED 30,000 to AED 60,000 annually.
Three-bedroom apartment: For a three-bedroom apartment in a premium area, you may expect to pay anywhere between AED 120,000 and AED 250,000 per year. In more budget-friendly locations, it may cost between AED 70,000 and AED 120,000.
Utilities: Monthly utilities (electricity, cooling, water, garbage, etc.) typically cost between AED 500 to AED 1,500, depending on the size of the apartment and usage.
2. Food and Groceries
Grocery costs in Dubai can vary depending on your shopping habits and where you shop. International and organic brands may be more expensive, but there are also many affordable options available.
Supermarket shopping: A weekly grocery bill for one person is likely to be around AED 250 to AED 500, depending on what you buy. This includes essentials like milk, bread, fruits, vegetables, and meat.
Dining out: Eating out can be as affordable or as luxurious as you desire. A budget meal at a casual restaurant may cost around AED 30 to AED 60 per person, while dining at a mid-range restaurant could cost between AED 150 and AED 300 for a three-course meal for two.
Takeaway and delivery: Ordering food for delivery can cost anywhere from AED 40 to AED 100 for a basic meal, depending on the restaurant and delivery charges.
3. Transportation
Dubai’s public transportation system is well-developed, but many people prefer to drive due to convenience, especially with the city’s hot weather. Here’s what you can expect for transportation costs in 2025:
Public transport: The Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis are affordable and widely accessible. A Nol card (used for all public transport) costs about AED 30 for a day pass, and monthly passes range from AED 300 to AED 400, depending on the zones you use.
Car ownership: If you own a car, costs can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model. For fuel, expect to pay about AED 2.5 per liter of petrol. Monthly car insurance typically ranges between AED 1,000 and AED 2,500, while parking can be an additional expense in certain areas, with monthly rates around AED 300 to AED 800.
Taxis: A typical taxi ride within the city can cost AED 12 to AED 30 for a short ride, with additional charges depending on distance and time of day.
4. Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare costs in Dubai are high but are of excellent quality. As an expat or resident, health insurance is crucial, and many employers provide it as part of the employment package. Without insurance, medical expenses can be significant.
Health insurance: Basic health insurance premiums start from around AED 1,500 to AED 3,500 per year, depending on the level of coverage.
Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses: For those without insurance or who require additional treatments, a doctor’s consultation can cost anywhere from AED 200 to AED 600 per visit, depending on the specialist.
5. Education and Childcare
For families living in Dubai, education and childcare are major costs to consider. Dubai is home to a range of international schools offering curricula like British, American, and IB.
School fees: Annual tuition fees for international schools range from AED 25,000 to AED 90,000 or more per year, depending on the school and grade level.
Childcare: If you need daycare services for young children, expect to pay anywhere from AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 per month for a full-time nursery or daycare service.
6. Entertainment and Leisure
Dubai offers a wealth of leisure and entertainment activities, from shopping at high-end malls to dining in world-class restaurants and visiting theme parks. These costs can vary based on your lifestyle.
Gym membership: A monthly gym membership can range from AED 200 to AED 700, depending on the type of gym and the services it offers.
Cinema tickets: Movie tickets typically cost between AED 40 and AED 80, with luxury cinemas charging higher rates for premium experiences.
Theme parks: Visiting Dubai’s popular theme parks, such as IMG Worlds of Adventure or Aquaventure Waterpark, typically costs AED 200 to AED 400 per entry.
7. Miscellaneous Costs
Internet: A standard home internet connection typically costs between AED 300 and AED 500 per month.
Mobile phone plans: Mobile phone plans with data packages cost between AED 100 and AED 500 per month, depending on the provider and the plan.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Dubai continues to be a vibrant and exciting city, but the cost of living can be high. Expats and locals alike need to carefully plan their budgets to accommodate the various expenses, from rent and groceries to healthcare and entertainment. While Dubai offers world-class amenities and a luxurious lifestyle, the cost of living varies based on personal choices and lifestyle preferences.
To make informed decisions, it’s important to weigh all costs involved before committing to living in Dubai.