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Dubai is a constantly growing and developing country with the potential for rapid social, economic and political development in the Arabian Gulf region. If you are looking to study abroad and a new place to call home then Dubai is a perfect option. The cost of living in Dubai is lower than in various other countries. But what is the cost of living in Dubai, UAE?
Dubai has been working and developing its own strategies to upgrade the education system in recent years. If you want to move here, you need to know the updated cost of living in Dubai in advance. So, in this blog, we will see an update on the average living cost in Dubai. Let’s jump straight into our discussion without any further delay.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Cost of Living in Dubai?
- Costs of Dining in Dubai
- Cost of Grocery in Dubai
- Costs of Accommodation in Dubai
- Cost of Utility in Dubai
- Cost of Transportation in Dubai
- The Cost of Living in Dubai Compared to Other Countries
- Average Tuition Fees in Dubai
- How to Manage the Cost of Living in Dubai?
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Dubai
Also Read: Cost of Living in Cambodia: A Guide on Expected Expenses
What is the Cost of Living in Dubai?
The average cost of living in Dubai for a single person is around AED 4,025 without rent according to the Numbeo data. If we consider the single apartment rent it is around AED 4,858 to AED 12,500 in Dubai. Food expenses are about AED 1668 per month, and transportation costs are around AED 689 per month. However, the overall cost of living in Dubai per month can vary according to a person’s preferences.
It is very important to understand the cost of living in Dubai for international students especially those who have a limited budget for living in Dubai. Let us now examine in detail how much you have to pay for the average Dubai cost of living for a single person across various categories such as rent, utilities, food, health, transportation, groceries and others.
Costs of Dining in Dubai
Dining in Dubai can be as affordable or as luxurious as you make it. By understanding the costs associated with different types of dining experiences and exploring budget-friendly options, you can enjoy the city’s culinary delights without overspending. Eating out regularly can affect the student budget and the overall cost of living in Dubai, UAE.
For students and budget-conscious individuals, dining out regularly can quickly add up. On average, a student might spend around AED 1,668.65 per month on food in Dubai. To save money, many students opt to cook at home, which is a more economical choice. It will help you save you a lot of money. However, if you enjoy eating out, here’s a look at the average cost of meals at various types of restaurants in Dubai.
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
| Lunch Menu | AED 36.36 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person | AED 264.17 |
| Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s | AED 34.56 |
| Cappuccino | AED 22.26 |
Cost of Grocery in Dubai
Most groceries and foods are imported into Dubai, meaning higher prices can be expected compared to other countries. However, home-cooked meals can be more budget-friendly than eating out. Grocery costs can affect your cost of living in Dubai as it is a daily expense here.
In Dubai, it’s a smart thing to compare prices across different grocery stores and vendors. Grocery prices in Dubai can vary according to the product’s quality and quantity, as well as the location and availability of the store. The table below summarises the lists of average grocery costs in Dubai:
| Grocery Items | Approx Cost |
| Apples (1kg) | AED 8.65 |
| Banana (1kg) | AED 7.08 |
| Oranges (1kg) | AED 6.89 |
| Tomato (1kg) | AED 6.17 |
| Potato (1kg) | AED 4.04 |
| Onion (1kg) | AED 5.05 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | AED 6.15 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | AED 2.32 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | AED 2.32 |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | AED 7.26 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | AED 5.74 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | AED 8.94 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | AED 12.14 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | AED 35.5 |
Costs of Accommodation in Dubai
This is undoubtedly the most costly thing you need to consider while calculating the cost of living in Dubai. However, this depends on the location, size and type of the room or apartment. A one-bedroom in the city centre area can cost around AED 7800.
It is important to carefully examine and compare living options that fulfil your needs and fit according to your budget. For your convenience, we have arranged together some data on the average cost of housing in Dubai for various flats located inside and outside the city centre.
| Apartment | Location | Average Monthly Cost |
| Apartment of One-bedroom | in the City Centre | AED 7,927 |
| Apartment of One-bedroom | Outside of Centre | AED 4,858 |
| Apartment of Three-bedroom | in the City Centre | AED 14,937 |
| Apartment of Three-bedroom | Outside of Centre | AED 10,435 |
Cost of Utility in Dubai
The average Utility cost in Dubai can be around AED 716 per month. But in the summertime, these bills can shoot up as the people of Dubai rely on air-conditioning. It is important to consider these utility expenses when estimating your total cost of living in Dubai, as they can have a substantial impact on your budget.
Utility services in Dubai include essential amenities that contribute to the quality of life of residents. Here in the table, an overview of the average cost of utility bills in Dubai is given below:
| Rent and Utility | Approx. Cost of Rent and Utility |
| Electricity, Water, Heating, Cooling, Garbage(for 1 bedroom Apartment ) | AED 716 |
| Mobile Phone Calls with 10GB+ Data(Monthly Plan) | AED 209 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps, Cable/ADSL) | AED 350 |
Cost of Transportation in Dubai
Dubai has an efficient and safe transportation system that includes cabs, buses, and metro. The One-way fare of public transportation here can cost you around AED 7. However, it depends on the distance you are planning to travel. A taxi fare usually starts from AED 3 per kilometre. For a student, facing transportation costs while commuting to college/university will be a regular part of their daily routine.
Moreover, the cost of transportation is covered under the overall cost of living in Dubai for international students. Here, the costs of transportation in Dubai are shown in the table given below:
| Mode of Transportation | Average Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Buses) | AED 7 |
| Monthly Pass (Buses) | AED 300 |
| Normal fare Tariff for Taxi | AED 12 |
| Normal fare Tariff for Taxi for 1 hour Waiting | AED 30 |
| Gasoline per litre | AED 3.07 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Argentina: A Guide on Expected Expenses
The Cost of Living in Dubai Compared to Other Countries
Dubai can offer an amazing living experience compared to other countries around the world. Although Dubai is considered an expensive country, when the cost of living in Dubai is compared to other cities, many factors come into play, such as housing rent, transportation costs, cost of eating out, and entertainment costs.
So to give you an idea of how the average cost of living in Dubai compares to other cities like London, Toronto, Amsterdam, Paris, The US, New York, Belfast, Cork, and Versus London. We’ve given the cost of living (not including rent) in other countries. Please have a look:
| Cost of Living City/Country Wise | Average Cost of living (Without rent) | Comparison with Cost of Living in Dubai, UAE |
| Cost of Living in the UK | AED 3853 | Lower than Dubai |
| Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi | AED 3434 | Lower than Dubai |
| Cost of Living in Qatar | AED 3319 | Lower than Dubai |
| Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia | AED 2948 | Lower than Dubai |
| Cost of Living in Singapore | AED 4077 | Higher than Dubai |
| Cost of Living in Canada | AED 3882 | Lower than Dubai |
| Cost of Living in the USA | AED 4299 | Higher than Dubai |
| Cost of Living in Australia | AED 4070 | Higher than Dubai |
Average Tuition Fees in Dubai
Along with the average cost of living in Dubai, the other essential expense is the average tuition fee there. Course fees at Dubai Universities can be affordable or expensive depending on the university and the course you choose.
Please note that tuition fees at Dubai universities may vary depending on the university, level of study and field of study. See the table below for a summary of some tuition fees at selected Dubai universities:
| Name of University | Approx Tuition fees for 1st year |
| American University of Sharjah | AED 101000 |
| Abu Dhabi University | AED 42520 – AED 235000 |
| BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus | AED 32000 – AED 49800 |
| Westford University College | AED 17000 – AED 36000 |
| Amity University, Dubai Campus | AED 13920 – AED 64580 |
| Middlesex University Dubai | AED 58480 – AED 111000 |
| Gulf Medical University | AED 110000 – AED 143000 |
How to Manage the Cost of Living in Dubai?
While the cost of living in Dubai is a hurdle for expatriate students, Dubai offers a commendable academic environment to its students. To manage the cost of living in Dubai, international students can follow some strategies which are given below:
- Preferring self-cooked meals,
- Use public transport
- Look for Deals and Discounts
- Availing of student discounts
- Look for a shared rental apartment
- Explore part-time work options
- Utilize university resources
By sticking to these tips, international students can effectively manage living expenses in Dubai and reduce the cost of living in Dubai for single person with rent.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Dubai
The Average cost of living in Dubai for a single person is around AED 4,025 without rent.
The estimated cost of housing rent for a single apartment in Dubai is around AED 4,858 to AED 12,500. Please note that living costs may vary according to an individual’s preferences.
Ans: The average cost of living in Dubai is around AED 4,025 for one person without rent. This shows that living in Dubai can be expensive. Furthermore, Dubai is in the top 17% of most expensive cities.
Ans: Yes, living in Dubai is a good idea as it offers a high standard of living, advanced education, and a safe and recreational environment. However, the average cost of living in Dubai without rent is around AED 4,025.
Answer: To live comfortably in Dubai, the cost of housing rent typically ranges from AED 4,858 to AED 12,500. This amount of housing rent can vary and it may be higher in city centres but can be lower in areas outside the city centre of Dubai.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Dubai. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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