Dubai, UAE

In 2026, a single person living in Dubai needs approximately AED 12,471/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AED 23,919/month. Dubai is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.

A 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai costs approximately AED 9,017/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AED 16,974/month. Rent has changed +2.5% vs 2025.

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Dubai are approximately AED 1,697 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

A monthly public transport pass in Dubai costs AED 440 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

Monthly utility costs in Dubai average AED 764 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Dubai is located in UAE (Middle East). With a 1-bed rent of AED 9,017/month and total single-person expenses around AED 12,471/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Dubai costs approximately AED 69 in 2026. Budget around AED 552/month if dining out a few times a week.

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.

To live comfortably in Dubai in 2026, a single person needs approximately AED 12,471/month. This covers rent (AED 9,017), groceries (AED 1,697), transport (AED 440), utilities (AED 764) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AED 23,919/month.