Updated for 2025

Dubai & Abu Dhabi Cost of Living 2025

Complete guide to living expenses, housing costs, and lifestyle budgets in the UAE's most vibrant cities

AED 8,500
Average Monthly Budget
AED 4,200
1BR Apartment Rent
AED 75
Daily Food Budget
View Detailed Breakdown Cost Calculator
Living Expenses

Complete Cost Breakdown

Detailed analysis of monthly living expenses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, from housing and transportation to entertainment and savings

Housing

Rent & utilities

Studio Apartment AED 2,500 - 3,500
1 Bedroom AED 3,500 - 5,500
2 Bedroom AED 6,000 - 9,000
Utilities (DEWA) AED 200 - 400
Internet & Cable AED 300 - 500

Transportation

Getting around the UAE

Metro Monthly Pass AED 300
Taxi (Daily Average) AED 40 - 80
Car Rental (Monthly) AED 1,200 - 2,000
Fuel (Monthly) AED 300 - 500
Parking AED 200 - 400

Food & Dining

Meals & groceries

Groceries (Monthly) AED 1,200 - 1,800
Restaurant Meal AED 50 - 150
Fast Food AED 25 - 40
Coffee AED 15 - 25
Fine Dining AED 200 - 500

Entertainment

Leisure activities

Gym Membership AED 300 - 600
Cinema Ticket AED 35 - 50
Beach Club (Day Pass) AED 100 - 300
Spa Treatment AED 200 - 800
Theme Park Ticket AED 300 - 400

Monthly Budget Overview

Budget Living
AED 6,000
  • • Shared accommodation
  • • Public transport
  • • Home cooking
  • • Basic entertainment
Comfortable Living
AED 12,000
  • • 1BR apartment
  • • Mix of transport
  • • Regular dining out
  • • Active social life
Luxury Living
AED 25,000+
  • • Premium location
  • • Private transport
  • • Fine dining
  • • Premium experiences
Neighborhoods

Where to Live in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

From budget-friendly communities to luxury waterfront properties, discover the best neighborhoods in both emirates for your lifestyle and budget

Premium Areas

Luxury
Dubai Marina AED 6,000+
Downtown Dubai AED 7,000+
Jumeirah Beach AED 8,000+
Palm Jumeirah AED 10,000+

Key Features:

  • • Waterfront lifestyle
  • • World-class amenities
  • • Premium dining & shopping
  • • Tourist attractions nearby

Mid-Range Areas

Popular
Business Bay AED 4,000+
JLT (Jumeirah Lakes) AED 3,500+
Dubai Silicon Oasis AED 3,000+
Discovery Gardens AED 2,800+

Key Features:

  • • Good connectivity
  • • Family-friendly
  • • Modern amenities
  • • Growing communities

Budget Areas

Affordable
International City AED 1,800+
Deira AED 2,200+
Al Nahda AED 2,500+
Sharjah Border AED 2,000+

Key Features:

  • • Affordable housing
  • • Diverse communities
  • • Good public transport
  • • Value for money

Interactive Neighborhood Map

Explore Dubai and Abu Dhabi neighborhoods with our interactive map showing rental prices, amenities, and commute times to major business districts

Budget Planning

Personal Cost Calculator

Calculate your personalized monthly budget based on your lifestyle preferences and needs

Customize Your Budget

Housing

Transportation

Dining & Lifestyle

Your Estimated Budget

Total Monthly Budget
AED 8,500
Based on your preferences
Housing & Utilities AED 4,500
Transportation AED 800
Food & Dining AED 2,200
Entertainment AED 1,000

Money-Saving Tips

  • • Cook at home to save 40-50% on food expenses
  • • Use Dubai Metro for cost-effective transportation
  • • Look for happy hour deals and promotions
  • • Consider shared accommodation to reduce housing costs
Smart Living

Money-Saving Tips & Guides

Insider secrets and practical advice to help you live comfortably in Dubai and Abu Dhabi while managing your expenses

Housing Hacks

  • Negotiate rent payments in 1-2 installments instead of 4 checks
  • Look for inclusive rent deals that include utilities
  • Consider areas near metro stations for better value
  • Shared accommodation can cut housing costs by 50%

Transport Smart

  • Get a Nol card for metro and bus discounts
  • Use Careem/Uber during off-peak hours
  • Walk or cycle for short distances
  • Company shuttle services can save thousands

Dining Deals

  • Shop at local supermarkets like Lulu, Carrefour
  • Try affordable cuisines in Deira and Bur Dubai
  • Use apps like Zomato and Talabat for discounts
  • Happy hours at restaurants offer 30-50% savings

Fun for Less

  • Free events at Dubai Mall and City Walk
  • Public beaches are free and beautiful
  • Group discounts for theme parks and activities
  • Ladies' nights offer free drinks and entry

Smart Shopping

  • Dubai Shopping Festival offers huge discounts
  • Outlet malls for branded items at lower prices
  • End-of-season sales offer 50-70% discounts
  • Traditional souks for authentic and affordable goods

Financial Tips

  • No personal income tax in the UAE
  • Set up automatic savings with local banks
  • Use cashback credit cards for daily expenses
  • Track spending with budgeting apps

Complete Dubai Living Guide

Download our comprehensive 50-page guide covering everything from visa requirements to finding the perfect neighborhood in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about cost of living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

What is the average salary needed to live comfortably in Dubai?

Is Dubai more expensive than other major cities?

What are the hidden costs of living in Dubai?

How much should I budget for housing in Dubai?

What's the best way to save money in Dubai?

How much does it cost to have a car in Dubai?

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