Cost Of Living In Dubai 2024

Even though Dubai is one of the few expensive cities in Asia, which meets the living standard and cost of living of cities from the top western countries. But there is no income tax and sales tax makes this city favorable for the expats, regardless of high-cost of living.
 
As we mentioned in the upper paragraph, various expenses come under the term cost of living. So, let’s explore these expenses. 
 

When we talk about housing costs, there are two things that generally come to mind first: the sales price of a residential property and second: rent of a residential property. The cost of these both factors also varies from location to location and property type etc. 

At this time Property prices in Dubai are increasing by an average of 14.5% annually. If we go into the details then, according to reputed property consultancy in Dubai “the average apartment value rose by 14.5% per sq. ft. and the villa value by 15% in the year 2023 to June”. So according to this growth of housing prices in Dubai, the expected cost of Housing in 2024 is given below in the table:-
 

If we talk about the rental market in Dubai then the average rent of villas in Dubai in 2023, then apartment rent surged by approx 25% and villa rent approx 26%, respectively.

So, by analyzing the upper-mentioned tables you can get the estimation of housing & rent prices in Dubai and compare them with your home country. 

Utilities are another expense that is attached to housing, so here we are exploring the average utility cost in Dubai. 
 

Just like housing, the cost of utilities depends on various factors like your lifestyle & uses. Your home internet plan, your TV package, your mobile plan and a number of home appliances will determine your monthly utility cost. Even as there are many things that come under basic necessities and everyone pays for them in Dubai.
 
For example, DEWA (Dubai Electricity And Water Authority) bill, is the most important utility that everyone has to pay. To give you a general idea for 1 Bed Apartment, the DEWA bill is ranging between 550 - 600 AED per month. Obviously, the exact amount depends on the unit consumption. 

TV package & internet is the next important utility in Dubai. There are two main companies  Etisalat and Du that provide these services in Dubai and their plans & offers change frequently. But an economy plan in Dubai will cost you around AED 350 per month and if you choose a premium plan then it will cost you around AED 500 per month. Now comes the most important utility not only in Dubai but in the world and that is your mobile bill. Generally, cell phone bills in Dubai range between AED 125 - AED 500. 

Given below table can give the best & detailed idea about Utility Costs in Dubai.

When it comes to transportation then there are two options in Dubai, first is public transport & taxis and the second option is own a car. Let’s elaborate on all these factors.

As you know, when you are in Dubai then you have to pay more for water and less for fuel. So, public transport here is affordable & well-maintained. Dubai is a big city which is spread over a 35 km square area, so hopping on buses might be the best option for everyone. 

Prices of fuel & gas have been stable in Dubai from the last couple of years, so we can expect the same price of transportation in 2014.

Many residents in Dubai prefer to buy their own car, and you know that a personal vehicle anywhere in this world comes with some fixed cost like fuel refilling, insurance, taxes, and maintenance cost. So, let’s explore all these costs in Dubai.

Expected additional cost of owning a car in Dubai 2024 in AED

There are some fixed charges that every have to pay while buying a car which includes:

Food & Groceries are the most important things for single & families. If we talk about Dubai then here you buy food items & groceries at very reasonable prices, but if we opt for imported products then you have to pay extra. Cost of food & groceries in Dubai is very much depending on the food habits of the individuals & families. So here we are giving you an idea of food & groceries according to the different food habits.
 
General Food & Groceries Price in Dubai 2024

• Bread (1 Packet): AED 5 - 7 
• Milk (1 liter): AED 5 - 8 
• Eggs (1 Dozen): AED 8 - 12 
• Chicken (1 kg): AED 15 - 25 
• Beef (1 kg): AED 40 - 70 
• Fresh fish (1 kg): AED 30 - 60 
• Local cheese (1 kg): AED 50 - 70 
• Bottle of water (1.5 liter): AED 1.5 - 3 
• Soft drink (can): AED 2 - 4 

Vegetarian Daily Food Costs in Dubai (For Single)

Breakfast - AED 11 - 25 
Lunch - AED 25 - 44
Dinner - AED 36 - 55

Non-Vegetarian Daily Food Costs in Dubai (For Single)

Breakfast - AED 11 - 25 
Lunch - AED 18 - 33
Dinner - AED 22 - 40
 

There are many American Fast-food chains available in Dubai like KFC, McDonald’s and Wendy’s where you can enjoy the food at a very affordable price. Even as there are many best restaurants & bars in Dubai that are known for expensive multi-cuisine food. If you talk with local residents of Dubai about dining out then you will get mix feedback, some people will tell you that dining out is very expensive and according to many people dining out is very affordable or reasonable price. Actually it very much depends on where you choose to dine. 

For example: street foods & small restaurants here are very affordable. You can easily enjoy your meal here within AED 50 - 150. But if you go to any high-end restaurant then this cost can go up to AED 500.

But this is just an estimation of 2023, so prices may fluctuate in 2024. 

Healthcare facilities in Dubai are also very good and it is one of the few cities in the world where health tourism is flourishing, thanks to the high-end medical infrastructure and facilities. Health & medical facilities in Dubai (even if it is public & private) come directly under the Dubai Health Authority. It is compulsory for every resident in Dubai & UAE to purchase medical or health insurance and this cost directly hits your cost of living. 

Even so, there are many companies in Dubai that are paying for medical insurance for their employees and many companies are also paying for their families & dependents. In any case the employer is not sponsoring the medical insurance then employees have to pay for it. And investors or an expat on freelance visas have to buy medical insurance in Dubai. 

Now the question is - how much do we need to pay for medical insurance? 

So, this cost varies depending on the plans & coverage, generally, an essential benefits plan in Dubai is starting from AED 600 per year. On the other hand, a comprehensive insurance plan in Dubai can cost you around AED 15000 - 20,000. The average costs of important healthcare facilities in Dubai are given below:

Whether attending public or private schools in Dubai, students can choose academic curricula from American, British, or French. The education of all children aged 5 to 15 is compulsory, ensuring quality education for all residents.

When calculating the cost of living in Dubai, families with children should factor in school fees. Depending on their home country, they can choose an Indian, British, or American curriculum for their children. But the private school fees in Dubai are very high, especially at the top schools. Schools who are offering British or American curriculum in Dubai have higher tuition fees in comparison to others.  But Indian curriculum schools are the better option in affordable fees for the students. 

Here every parent should also keep one thing in mind, there is not only school fees you have to pay but there are many other expenses like uniforms, school buses, books, and exam fees that add to your monthly expenses. 

Now here is the estimated fees of Dubai schools:

As you know Dubai is a city of entertainment and it is not possible for the residents to avoid these entertainment avenues and sit back in their houses. That’s why we add Entertainment in cost of living in Dubai.

As a resident of Dubai you will find lots of options & activities to enjoy ranging from fine-dine restaurants from cinemas, extreme sport avenues to green parks & aquariums. There is something to explore everyday. If you are going to shift in Dubai and want to know about the entertainment cost in Dubai 2024 then the below table can give you the best idea. 

The best thing about living in Dubai is here you can get affordable price Domestic Help, a much required service for working couples and elite class families. Foreigners property buyers in Dubai can also sponsor their housemaid from their home country to renew their visa. But, here one thing you need to know is this will also add in your cost of living. 

Expats & foreign residences can also hire a full-time maid through a reputed service agency. These agencies will also charge a single time agency fee and salary of the maid. Part time domestic help is one of the better options here and there are many agencies in Dubai that offer their services on hourly or fixed time basis. So you can choose any of these services according to your budget and needs. 

General Idea of Domestic Help Cost in Dubai 2024 is given below:

By keeping all these above mentioned expenses in mind, now we are providing you a general idea of cost of living in Dubai and then wrapping up our blog. So read carefully. 

Economy Class:

High Class:

Economy Class:

High Class:

Economy Class:

High Class:

If you are planning to relocate to Dubai next year then it is very important to know about cost of living and day to day expenses, to make you well-prepared for the financial aspects. By reading this blog individuals can make informed decisions about their budgeting and lifestyle choices in this vibrant city.

Here one thing is clear, many things in Dubai are very expensive and few are very affordable, but Dubai is also a tax friendly city which makes everything reasonable. So, living here is the best decision. If you are also looking for the best property in the best communities in Dubai then we can help you.