Just because Dubai is a tax haven doesn't mean it's an affordable or expensive destination.
In my article, I tell you about the real cost of living in Dubai!
Cost of living in Dubai: article summary
What's the currency in Dubai?
The official currency in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is the dirham or AED. Of course, the exchange rate is variable and this value can fluctuate. If you'd like to find out more about currency in Dubai, I suggest you read the article I wrote on the subject here!
How much does it cost to live in Dubai?
The cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai is comparable to what you would pay for a similar property in central Paris. You can count on average rent of around AED 7,400 (€2,040) per month. If you have a family, the cost of a three-bedroom house is approximately double that of a one-bedroom apartment.
Costs are more affordable when you choose to leave the city center. Naturally, if you want more space or a popular neighborhood, you'll pay the price. If you want to live in a trendy expatriate neighborhood like Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence, expect a shock. There, the annual housing starts at AED 100,000 (€27,500), rising to AED 140,000 (€38,600)according to the property.
One of the most complicated things about renting in Dubai is that many landlords charge the equivalent of a year's rent in advance. That's a big bill to run up!
Household costs
You'll be responsible for your own Internet costs and utilities (gas, electricity and water). There are usually connection fee of AED 1,000 (approx. €280) per apartment to open your account and configure your services.
You can count on spending around AED 1,000 per month on your utility bills. It could be a little less if you're very frugal, or a lot more if you have a big house. Remember that even if you have the best environmental interests at heart, it's extremely difficult to live without air conditioning.
The cost of home help, such as a maid or gardener, is relatively affordable. However, families who choose to employ home help, such as a maid, are responsible for the cost of this person's residence permit and healthcare premiums, in addition to his or her salary.
How much does it cost to shop in Dubai?
Common household foods such as apples, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and rice are affordable. You can expect these products to sell for about at less than AED 10 per kilo (about €2.80). Bread, eggs and milk are also affordable. However, cheese costs average AED 40 (€11).
Almost every imaginable product is available in Dubai, but watch the prices! French cheese, Russian caviar and Scottish smoked salmon are easy enough to find if you're feeling homesick. Just be prepared to pay a lot of money in international grocery stores!
The cost of transport in Dubai
Dubai has a wide range of public transport options. In general, the cost of a monthly pass, which is usually less than AED 300 (about €82)is less expensive than most other major cities. A single-use bus ticket starts at 5 AED.
If you wish to rent a medium-sized car, you can expect to pay around AED 2,500 (€690) per month for your rental. This price includes vehicle insurance. The cost of fuel is very reasonable at approximately 2 AED (€0.55) per liter. For just a few hundred AED a month, you can refuel and explore the city at your leisure.
How much do you charge for outings?
At around AED 35 (€9.60)The cost of an inexpensive meal in a small restaurant is not much higher than that of fast food in an international chain.
In the evening, if you fancy a more substantial meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay, on average, approximately AED 250 (about €68). However, it would not be uncommon to easily spend twice as much.
When it comes to high-end restaurants, few destinations offer the luxury you'll find in Dubai. You could easily spend several thousand dirhams in no time at all.
Non-alcoholic drinks, such as cappuccino, are affordable and easy to prepare. cost around AED 15-20 (€5.50). However, beer is much more expensive, and you'll have to pay for it. costs between 45 and 60 AED (€16) depending on the bar.
If you go to the cinema, a ticket costs around AED 43 (€11).
What's the minimum wage in Dubai?
There is no minimum wage in the United Arab Emirates. Salaries vary considerably in Dubai. Depending on demand and market conditions, there are certain industries where wages can be very high, particularly in technology and hospitality. On the other hand, wages in areas such as manufacturing are extremely low - among the worst in the world.
Although there is no minimum wage, since 2013 the Ministry of Labor has approved certain guidelines. University graduates must receive at least AED 12,000 per month (about €3,300). Qualified technicians, on the other hand, are grant AED 7,000 (€1,900). Finally, skilled workers with a secondary school certificate should receive a monthly salary of AED 5,000 (€1,370). In November 2020, the average monthly salary in Dubai was just under AED 11,000 (about €3,000).
What to do in Dubai in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Dubai guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Dubai guide!
Leave a Reply