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Dubai, UAE

Cost of living · 2025 · Middle East · Rent +3.5% vs 2024

1-Bed Rent AED 8,798 per month
3-Bed Rent AED 16,560 per month
Groceries AED 1,656 per month
Transport Pass AED 430 per month
Utilities AED 745 per month
Restaurant Meal AED 67 per person

Rent trend in Dubai (2022–2026)

Cost breakdown in Dubai (2025)

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Estimated monthly budget in Dubai

Based on 2025 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.

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Single person
AED 12,166
🏠 Rent AED 8,798
🛒 Groceries AED 1,656
🚌 Transport AED 430
💡 Utilities AED 745
🍽️ Dining out AED 538
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Family (3–4 people)
AED 23,335
🏠 Rent 3-bed AED 16,560
🛒 Groceries AED 4,140
🚌 Transport ×2 AED 859
💡 Utilities AED 969
🍽️ Dining out AED 807

Cost comparison — cities in UAE (2025)

City 1-Bed Rent Groceries Transport Utilities vs Dubai
Dubai AED 8,798 AED 1,656 AED 430 AED 745
Abu Dhabi AED 7,452 AED 1,501 AED 393 AED 693 -15.3%

Other Middle East cities (2025)

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Dubai in 2025?

In 2025, a single person living in Dubai needs approximately AED 12,166/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AED 23,335/month. Dubai is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.

How much is rent in Dubai in 2025?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai costs approximately AED 8,798/month in 2025. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AED 16,560/month. Rent has changed +3.5% vs 2024.

How much do groceries cost in Dubai?

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Dubai are approximately AED 1,656 in 2025. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

What does public transport cost in Dubai?

A monthly public transport pass in Dubai costs AED 430 in 2025, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

How much are utilities in Dubai?

Monthly utility costs in Dubai average AED 745 in 2025, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Is Dubai expensive to live in?

Dubai is located in UAE (Middle East). With a 1-bed rent of AED 8,798/month and total single-person expenses around AED 12,166/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.

How much does eating out cost in Dubai?

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Dubai costs approximately AED 67 in 2025. Budget around AED 538/month if dining out a few times a week.

How have living costs in Dubai changed over time?

LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Dubai from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 20.6% over this period (from AED 7,480 in 2022 to AED 9,017 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.

What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Dubai?

To live comfortably in Dubai in 2025, a single person needs approximately AED 12,166/month. This covers rent (AED 8,798), groceries (AED 1,656), transport (AED 430), utilities (AED 745) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AED 23,335/month.

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