More and more people want to emigrate to Dubai, but one of the first questions they ask themselves is: Can I afford it? How much does it cost to live in Dubai?
In major European cities, prices for housing, food, transportation and more are often similar, but what about Dubai? In this comprehensive article, we look at the cost of living in Dubai and answer the question with practical examples.
How expensive is life in Dubai?
Broadly speaking, life in Dubai can definitely be more expensive in certain aspects, but also significantly cheaper in others. Therefore, here's a breakdown of costs by expense items such as housing, car, groceries, etc., that occur in everyday life.
Living
Arguably, one of the most exciting points is definitely housing. Because in hardly any other city is the range as wide as in Dubai. Where cheap studio apartments on the outskirts cost a few hundred euros per month, up to luxury villas on the Palm that cost more than €100,000 per month.
However, if you take the average as a basis, you can say that an apartment in Dubai with the following criteria:
- 1 bedroom
- 1-2 baths
- Close to the city center (15 minutes by car)
- New building
- Parking lot
- Pool & Gym in the building
- Balcony
usually around €2,000 per month. This includes the costs for internet, DEWA (water and electricity), as well as maintenance costs for the building. Below is an example of such an apartment in the building “The Grand” in the popular Creek Harbour district. This even includes a tennis court.
For a 2-bedroom apartment in the same building, you pay approximately €3,500 per month. Prices in the same building can vary significantly depending on the orientation (view) and layout.
Another example, a bit cheaper, in the popular Dubai Hills area. Here you live close to a large park, a beautiful [blank] and a golf course. Generally, Dubai Hills is suitable for everyone due to its location, as it is in the middle of the city. Midway between Downtown and Marina/JBR, the two biggest hotspots in the city. The total costs, including service charges, electricity, and internet, are around €3,500 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Apartment prices generally vary greatly, depending, as already mentioned, on location, but also on orientation and, logically, size. Location is the main factor here, because exclusive locations like Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, DIFC, and the like cost accordingly much more.
Food
Another important cost in life is food. Here, too, there is a wide range in Dubai. As a general rule, however, it can be said in advance that food in Dubai is definitely more expensive than in Europe. Especially when it comes to high-quality organic food.
Below is an example of food prices from the large supermarket chain Carrefour in Dubai for fruit and vegetables in AED. Simplified you can divide by 4 and you get the euro prices for the following organic foods:
- 2.50 € per 1 kg of bananas
- 2 € for 500g cucumbers
- €5.50 for 170g of blueberries
- 5 € for 170g raspberries
Looking at the meat, you can also see that the prices are somewhat higher than those in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, or Austria. Here, again, are the following European prices for various types of organic meat:
- 10 € for 500g ground meat
- 12.50 € for 500g steak
- 12.50 € for 500g of chicken breast
- $6.50 for 1kg whole chicken
Of course, if one doesn't buy organic and buys in larger quantities, the prices naturally decrease. However, these target prices are realistic for high-quality food in Dubai. Only local products like dates are significantly cheaper than in Europe. One should expect to spend around €600 or more per month on groceries in Dubai.
Restaurants
It's similar with restaurants in Dubai. If you skimp on quality and eat cheaply in an Indian neighborhood, you can get lunch for under €10. However, if you dine in DIFC, the Palm, or generally in a hotel restaurant, you'll definitely pay over €50 per person. For a fancy dinner for two, you'll usually expect to pay €150.
Anyone ordering through food delivery apps naturally gets a better deal, even if the quality of the food can be debated again. As a rule, you can order a bowl for around €20 per person.
Phone & Internet
An essential point is telephony and internet. In Dubai, you usually have to dig a little deeper into your pockets for this. Depending on the speed or data volume for mobile contracts, you'll be looking at €50 or more for mobile service and €100 and up for fast fiber optic internet.
This means that as an individual, you can expect to pay a solid €150 or 600 AED for a mobile phone contract and a stable home internet connection.
Car
Cars are definitely cheaper in every respect in Dubai than in Germany, and especially Austria and Switzerland. Both in terms of purchase price and maintenance, cars are significantly cheaper in Dubai than in Europe. This is because the value-added tax is only 5 % and fuel is also cheaper. In addition, there is no vehicle tax or Standard consumption tax as in Austria. Insurance is also much cheaper.
The following brand new RSQ 8 Performance with carbon package, ceramic brakes, and much more, costs approximately €155,000 to purchase.
In Austria or Spain, you'll pay well over €200,000 for a car like that, and in Germany, you'll also get close to the 200,000 mark. Driving in Dubai is therefore significantly cheaper, especially when it comes to luxury cars with a lot of horsepower.
Upper mid-range cars like a Mercedes C-Class, BMW 5 Series, or an Audi A5 in used, but very good condition, can be found for around €30,000–€40,000. These would cost almost double in many European countries.
Aside from the affordable purchase price, comprehensive insurance, fuel, and any potential repairs are also generally much cheaper than in Europe. Thus, driving in Dubai is comparatively inexpensive.
Parking at home is also free, as every house and residential building is required to provide sufficient parking spaces (for each residential unit). Those who park publicly usually only have to expect €1-2 ($4-8 AED) per hour. It usually only gets more expensive on the Palm Jumeirah or in luxury resorts.
Cab & Uber
However, those who wish to travel by taxi or Uber will also save, as the prices here are also much lower. This is also because the labor costs for taxi drivers are lower, as are the purchase and maintenance of cars. A trip of over 10 km usually costs less than €10.
School
Whoever their children in a good school in DubaiAnyone who wants to accommodate their children here will definitely have to pay. Most schools in Dubai are private schools, and the costs are correspondingly high. Good primary schools start at €500 per month, and for higher levels (secondary school or high school), you pay €1,000 or more per child per month. In return, you get an internationally recognized, high-quality education for your children. They usually speak several languages fluently before they graduate.
In general, life is significantly more expensive for families in Dubai, as the main costs (housing, groceries, and education) are most felt here. This should be kept in mind before one considers Family with children emigrates to Dubai. However, those who can afford it get a lot and provide their children with an excellent education.
Insurance
Basically, it is mandatory in Dubai to insure yourself for illness and accidents. If you are not employed and your employer covers it, you must get your own Health insurance in Dubai concluding. The costs for this are significantly lower than in many European countries. Depending on age, pre-existing conditions, and choice of coverage, you can get solid insurance for around €100-€150 per person and use the best hospitals in Dubai.
It only gets more expensive with international health insurance that covers you beyond Dubai. This is highly recommended for all those who travel a lot.
Sport & Leisure
Another important point, of course, is sports and leisure. Generally, the costs here are individual, but comparatively low. Above all, sports can be done in Dubai with little to no cost.
Gym
Every residential building or community generally has a swimming pool and its own gym. These are free or included in the rent. Thus, in theory, one would not have to account for any costs for sports.
Beach
Even public beaches like Kite Beach are free. You only have to pay for transportation, unless you live nearby.
Padel
Those who enjoy playing the trend sport Padel will also find that there are affordable courts to rent in Dubai. If you avoid Instagram spots like Matcha Padel & Co., you can still get a court for €20 per hour (80 AED).
Tennis, on the other hand, is relatively expensive. Here, a private lesson costs a good 300 AED, which is about 75 €.
Return flights
An important point that many forget is flights back home. Typically, many expats fly home 1 to 2 times a year to celebrate Christmas or Easter with the rest of their family. This should be factored in, as long-haul flights are not always cheap, and it can really add up for a family with several members.
Total cost of living in Dubai
The overall cost of living is more expensive than in most European cities, with the exception of Switzerland and London. Below are two living situations and their monthly costs for comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Below is an overview of the most frequently asked questions regarding the cost of living in Dubai.
How much money do I need to earn to live in Dubai?
Given the increased cost of living in many areas, especially rent and groceries, one should definitely earn more than in numerous European cities. For individuals, we generally recommend €5,000 net, and for couples with a child, it should be €7,500 household income per month.
Is Dubai more expensive than Germany?
Overall, Dubai is more expensive than Germany, especially when it comes to rent, groceries, and education. Only Munich or parts of Hamburg can compete with Dubai's rental prices. Only personal employees like cleaning ladies or nannies are cheaper.
Summary
The cost of living in Dubai is more expensive in several areas, but also significantly cheaper in certain areas. How much you need to live on depends heavily on your personal lifestyle and the level of comfort you wish to enjoy. As a general rule, we recommend emigrating with a (gross) income of around €5,000 or more. For couples or families, this figure would be between €7,500 and €10,000, as school and childcare must be paid for privately. Additionally, you should factor in regular flights, as it's usually not possible to stay in Dubai for the entire year continuously.
