What Is the Cost of Living in Dubai in 2025?

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🏙️ Living in Dubai in 2025: An Achievable Dream or a Financial Challenge?

Dubai has established itself as the top destination for French and international expatriates. But what is the real cost of living in this vibrant Emirati metropolis? While the city offers an exceptional quality of life, careful budgeting is essential to fully enjoy its benefits.

💡 5 Key Takeaways:

• A minimum monthly budget of 7,000 AED (€1,610 / $1,890) is needed for a single person living reasonably.
• Housing accounts for 40-50% of the total budget, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from 4,000–8,000 AED (€920–1,840 / $1,080–2,160) per month.
• Private school fees range from 20,000 to 80,000 AED (€4,600–18,400 / $5,400–21,600) per year depending on the institution.
• Food costs are about 30% higher than in France for imported products, but local goods remain affordable.
• A minimum salary of 15,000 AED (€3,450 / $4,050) is recommended for a comfortable lifestyle as a single person.

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Average Cost of Living in Dubai Based on Your Situation

Single, couple, or family: What changes?

The cost of living in Dubai varies greatly depending on your family situation and lifestyle choices. A single person can live reasonably well on a monthly budget of 7,000 to 12,000 AED (€1,610–2,760 / $1,890–3,240), which covers shared accommodation, decent food, and basic leisure activities.

Childless couples should plan for a higher budget generally between 11,700 and 18,000 AED (€2,691–4,140 / $3,159–4,860) per month. This is mainly due to the need for independent housing and increased leisure expenses for two.

Families with children face significantly higher costs, especially due to mandatory private school tuition. A Western-style standard of living requires a monthly budget of 25,000 to 45,000 AED (€5,750–10,350 / $6,750–12,150).

Typical Monthly Budget in Dubai (AED):

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Housing in Dubai: Prices, Rent, and Options

How Much Does an Apartment Cost in Dubai?

Housing is the largest expense in Dubai, typically accounting for 40–50% of the monthly budget. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 AED (€1,380–2,760 / $1,620–3,240), depending on the district and quality.

In suburban areas, prices are lower, with one-bedroom units starting at 4,000 AED (€920 / $1,080). These neighborhoods often offer excellent value with modern infrastructure and efficient public transport.

Family villas are the most expensive option, with monthly rents between 15,000 and 25,000 AED (€3,450–5,750 / $4,050–6,750). These typically include a private pool, garden, and multiple bedrooms.

Renting vs. Buying

Most expats in Dubai prefer renting, as it offers flexibility and lower initial costs. Rental contracts are typically annual, with payments made in one to four installments.

Buying property has tax advantages, such as no property tax and the possibility of obtaining a residence visa. However, this requires a significant investment and is best for long-term stays.

Average Monthly Rent by Area (AED):

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Food and Dining: Monthly Budget

Grocery Prices

Grocery costs in Dubai vary depending on consumption habits. Staples like bread and eggs remain affordable—bread around 5 AED (€1.15 / $1.35), and a dozen eggs for 8 AED (€1.84 / $2.16).

Local and Asian-imported produce is reasonably priced (e.g., apples at 8 AED/kg, seasonal vegetables from 3–5 AED/kg).

European imports, however, are 30–50% more expensive than in France. A 1L water bottle costs 2–3 AED, and local beer in supermarkets is around 12–15 AED.

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Eating Out: From Fast Food to Fine Dining

Dubai’s dining scene suits all budgets. Fast food chains offer meals from 25–35 AED, while local eateries serve dishes between 15–30 AED.

A mid-range meal costs 80–150 AED per person (with drinks), while upscale restaurants may charge 200–500 AED depending on the cuisine and location.

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Education and School Fees in Dubai

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International vs. Local Private Schools

Expats must enroll their children in private schools. British and American schools are the most expensive (60,000–80,000 AED/year), but offer high standards and experienced staff.

French curriculum schools (e.g., Lycée Français International) cost 35,000–55,000 AED/year, allowing continuity with the French education system.

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Nurseries and After-School Services

Daycare centers charge between 2,000 and 4,000 AED/month, while after-school activities (sports, music, language) add 500–1,500 AED/month to education expenses.

Annual School Fees (AED):

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Transportation, Healthcare, and Other Daily Costs

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Transportation Costs

Public transport is efficient and affordable, with unlimited monthly metro/bus passes around 300 AED (€69 / $81). Taxis start at 5 AED and cost 2–3 AED/km. Apps like Uber and Careem are widely used.

Cars are cost-effective for families. Fuel is around 2.50 AED/liter, and a new mid-range car costs 60,000–120,000 AED.

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Health Insurance and Medical Care

Health insurance is mandatory and often covered by employers. Freelancers must budget 3,000–8,000 AED/year for basic coverage.

Private healthcare is costly: GP visits cost 200–400 AED, and specialists 500–800 AED.

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Internet and Mobile Subscriptions

Unlimited mobile plans range from 100–200 AED/month. Home internet starts at 300 AED, with premium packages up to 800 AED.

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Comparison: Is Dubai More Expensive Than France?

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Downtown Dubai is 20–30% more expensive than central Paris for housing, though suburban Dubai is more affordable. Local food and restaurants are generally cheaper, while imported goods are pricier.

Public transport is around 50% cheaper, and fuel costs less than half the French price.

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Recommended Salary to Live Comfortably in Dubai

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Average Salaries by Sector

• Finance: 20,000–35,000 AED/month
• Tech: 15,000–28,000 AED/month (especially for developers and cybersecurity experts)
• Commerce & Marketing: 8,000–18,000 AED/month + commissions

Recommended Income by Family Situation

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Budgeting Tips from Expats in Dubai

Experienced expats save money with delivery app deals (20–40% discounts), off-peak transport, free events at malls, and seasonal festivals like the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Buying in bulk, especially through expat group orders for European imports, also saves money.

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Neighborhoods by Budget:

• Affordable: Sharjah, Ajman, International City, Dubai South
• Mid-range: Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Sports City, Motor City
• Premium: Downtown, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills

Useful Apps & Communities:

• Apps: Dubizzle (renting), Noon (groceries), Talabat (food delivery)
• Groups: Dubai Expats Network, French Community Dubai

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Conclusion: Is Living in Dubai Really That Expensive?

Living in Dubai in 2025 indeed requires a significant budget, especially for families. However, the absence of income tax, competitive salaries, and high quality of life balance out the expenses for many expats.

Personal lifestyle choices determine costs. A single person can live well on 12,000 AED/month, while families need at least 30,000–35,000 AED to maintain a Western standard of living.

Thanks to tax advantages, safety, world-class infrastructure, and career opportunities, Dubai remains an attractive destination despite its high cost of living.

🚀 Need help relocating to Dubai? Discover our tailored expat support services and benefit from our experts guidance to optimize your budget and ease your move to this dynamic UAE metropolis.

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FAQ (Optimisée pour featured snippets / People Also Ask)

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Dubai in 2025?

A single person needs at least 15,000 AED/month to live comfortably. For couples, 20,000–25,000 AED/month is recommended, while families should earn 35,000–50,000 AED or more.

Is Dubai more expensive than France?

Dubai is more expensive for housing and school fees but cheaper for public transport and fuel. Dining out and local services are often more affordable than in France.

How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Dubai?

Rents for a 1-bedroom apartment range from 4,000 AED/month in suburban areas to 12,000 AED/month in central locations like Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina.

Are school fees high in Dubai?

Yes. Private school fees range from 20,000 to 80,000 AED/year depending on the curriculum and school. International schools are usually more expensive.

Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai?

Yes. Health insurance is compulsory and usually provided by employers. Freelancers or self-employed individuals must pay between 3,000–8,000 AED/year for coverage.

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