Complete breakdown of living expenses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates. Real data from thousands of expat families to help you budget accurately for your UAE relocation.
Housing typically represents 50-70% of your total monthly expenses in the UAE. Here's a comprehensive breakdown by city and property type, based on actual rental data from 2025.
| Property Type | Popular Areas | Premium Areas | Luxury Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | AED 25,000 - 40,000 | AED 45,000 - 65,000 | AED 70,000 - 100,000+ |
| 1 Bedroom | AED 35,000 - 55,000 | AED 60,000 - 85,000 | AED 90,000 - 150,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom | AED 60,000 - 90,000 | AED 95,000 - 130,000 | AED 140,000 - 250,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom | AED 90,000 - 140,000 | AED 150,000 - 200,000 | AED 220,000 - 400,000+ |
| Villa 4+ BR | AED 120,000 - 180,000 | AED 200,000 - 300,000 | AED 350,000 - 1M+ |
Generally 15-25% lower than Dubai - Abu Dhabi offers better value for money, especially for families seeking larger properties.
Pro Tip: Many landlords accept 1-4 cheque payments annually. Paying annually often gets you 5-10% discount on rent.
Transportation costs vary significantly based on your lifestyle and location. Here's a breakdown of all options available in the UAE.
Affordable and convenient transportation options
Tip: Use RTA Dubai app for official taxis with transparent pricing!
Short trip: AED 15-25
Airport to Marina: AED 80-120
Short trip: AED 12-22
Often cheaper than Uber
Negotiate your fare
Can be 20-30% cheaper
AED 12-18
5-7 minutes
AED 8-15
3-5 minutes
AED 70-100
25-35 minutes
Food costs can vary dramatically based on your dining habits. Here's a comprehensive breakdown from budget-friendly to luxury dining options.
AED 1,200-1,800/month
AED 2,000-3,000/month
AED 3,500-5,000/month
Monthly dining out (casual): AED 800-1,500 for a family of 4
Monthly dining out (premium): AED 2,000-5,000+ for a family of 4
Essential monthly expenses for your UAE home
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
Stay connected with reliable providers
Basic Internet (250 Mbps): AED 299/month
Internet + TV Bundle: AED 399/month
Premium (1GB): AED 599/month
Basic Internet (200 Mbps): AED 279/month
Internet + TV Bundle: AED 379/month
Premium (500 Mbps): AED 499/month
Stay connected with affordable mobile plans
AED 55/month
5GB data + unlimited calls
AED 89/month
15GB data + unlimited calls
AED 149/month
50GB data + unlimited calls
AED 199/month
Unlimited everything
Day-to-day living costs and services
Plan your UAE budget based on your lifestyle preferences
AED 5,000-8,000
per month for single person
Perfect for: New graduates, budget-conscious professionals, students
AED 10,000-15,000
per month for single person
Perfect for: Mid-career professionals, small families, expats seeking balance
AED 20,000+
per month for single person
Perfect for: Senior executives, business owners, luxury lifestyle seekers
Additional costs when relocating with family
AED 15,000-20,000/month
Basic accommodation, public schools, economical lifestyle
AED 25,000-35,000/month
Good schools, comfortable home, regular entertainment
AED 40,000+/month
Top schools, luxury accommodation, premium lifestyle
Proven tips to reduce your UAE living costs by 20-30%
Complete breakdown of monthly utility costs including electricity, water, internet, and other essential services across the UAE.
Comprehensive breakdown of healthcare costs including insurance, medical treatments, and wellness services across the UAE.