Cost of living in Dubai
Dubai, a bustling metropolis in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Understanding the cost of living in Dubai is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10.89 on average, with a range between $5.45 and $25.66.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $78.49, with prices ranging from $54.45 to $136.13.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.53, with a range between $8.17 and $10.89.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6.81 to $14.97, imported beer $9.53 to $16.34, cappuccino $3.27 to $8.17, and Coke/Pepsi $0.82 to $4.08.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.36 and $2.86 per liter, averaging $1.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.82 and $3.27, with an average price of $1.45.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.63 to $4.9, averaging $3.31.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.36 to $3.81 per kg, while oranges range from $1.09 to $3.27 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.54 and $1.63 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.82 to $2.98 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.82 and $2.18, with a monthly pass priced between $54.45 and $98.01.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $1.09 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.18, with a cost of $0.53 to $1.36 per km and $8.17 to $13.61 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1633.55 to $3403.23, averaging $2279.91.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1089.03 to $1905.81, averaging $1418.59.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2994.84 to $6806.46, averaging $4208.06.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1905.81 to $4083.88, averaging $2786.15.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3516.68 to $8791.7, averaging $6305.24.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2586.46 to $4395.85, averaging $3465.16.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $127.28 and $326.71, averaging $209.84.
- Internet - Internet services range from $68.06 to $136.13, with an average cost of $101.23.
Cost of Living Rankings
Dubai ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in United Arab Emirates. The cost of living indices for United Arab Emirates are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United Arab Emirates, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Dubai offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Dubai are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport and fuel prices, although taxi fares can add up.
Housing in Dubai can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but more affordable options are available outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dubai presents a unique blend of luxury and affordability, with a cost of living that varies widely depending on lifestyle choices.
While housing and dining can be costly, especially in the city centre, there are opportunities to save on groceries and transportation.
Understanding these costs can help potential residents and visitors plan their budgets effectively, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this vibrant city.