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ποΈ 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.
π‘ 5 Key Takeaways:
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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 (β¬1,610β2,760 / $1,890β3,240), 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 (β¬2,691β4,140 / $3,159β4,860) 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 (β¬5,750β10,350 / $6,750β12,150).
Typical Monthly Budget in Dubai (AED):
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Housing is the largest expense in Dubai, typically accounting for 40β50% of the monthly budget. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 AED (β¬1,380β2,760 / $1,620β3,240), depending on the district and quality.
In suburban areas, prices are lower, with one-bedroom units starting at 4,000 AED (β¬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 (β¬3,450β5,750 / $4,050β6,750). These typically include a private pool, garden, and multiple bedrooms.
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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Grocery costs in Dubai vary depending on consumption habits. Staples like bread and eggs remain affordableβbread around 5 AED (β¬1.15 / $1.35), and a dozen eggs for 8 AED (β¬1.84 / $2.16).
Local and Asian-imported produce is reasonably priced (e.g., apples at 8 AED/kg, seasonal vegetables from 3β5 AED/kg).
European imports, however, are 30β50% more expensive than in France. A 1L water bottle costs 2β3 AED, and local beer in supermarkets is around 12β15 AED.
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Dubaiβs dining scene suits all budgets. Fast food chains offer meals from 25β35 AED, while local eateries serve dishes between 15β30 AED.
A mid-range meal costs 80β150 AED per person (with drinks), while upscale restaurants may charge 200β500 AED depending on the cuisine and location.
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Expats must enroll their children in private schools. British and American schools are the most expensive (60,000β80,000 AED/year), but offer high standards and experienced staff.
French curriculum schools (e.g., LycΓ©e FranΓ§ais International) cost 35,000β55,000 AED/year, allowing continuity with the French education system.
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Daycare centers charge between 2,000 and 4,000 AED/month, while after-school activities (sports, music, language) add 500β1,500 AED/month to education expenses.
Annual School Fees (AED):
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Public transport is efficient and affordable, with unlimited monthly metro/bus passes around 300 AED (β¬69 / $81). Taxis start at 5 AED and cost 2β3 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 60,000β120,000 AED.
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Health insurance is mandatory and often covered by employers. Freelancers must budget 3,000β8,000 AED/year for basic coverage.
Private healthcare is costly: GP visits cost 200β400 AED, and specialists 500β800 AED.
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Unlimited mobile plans range from 100β200 AED/month. Home internet starts at 300 AED, with premium packages up to 800 AED.
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Downtown Dubai is 20β30% 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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Experienced expats save money with delivery app deals (20β40% 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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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 30,000β35,000 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.
π 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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A single person needs at least 15,000 AED/month to live comfortably. For couples, 20,000β25,000 AED/month is recommended, while families should earn 35,000β50,000 AED or more.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Health insurance is compulsory and usually provided by employers. Freelancers or self-employed individuals must pay between 3,000β8,000 AED/year for coverage.
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