Are you in Dubai? Planning to come? Or maybe already making plans? and asking yourself How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dubai? This article is for you. Before diving in, I want to start with a thoughtful introduction about this blog. Imagine this place as a coffee corner where you go with your laptop or iPad, grab your coffee, and disconnect from the world. We created this virtual space for readers who want to learn from others’ experiences and read about adventures that could become their own as well. Please save this website as a reference when you’re craving a new meal or aiming to visit a new destination.
Today’s article focuses on Dubai, as the author is currently spending time here, making it the perfect opportunity to share real experiences from this famous destination.
Grab your coffee, dim the lights a little, and if you have blue light glasses to protect your eyes from screen glare, that would be ideal. If not, consider getting a pair.
1: Planning to Move to Dubai? and How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dubai?
Recently, we’ve seen many influencers and people promoting this famous place. People are traveling from around the world to this destination. It’s promoted as the land of achieving goals, building a rich career, earning money, and becoming wealthy. The lifestyle here is different, you can feel and smell the richness everywhere, which can motivate you to grow and develop yourself, including how you think, how you present yourself, and how you feel.
I’ve heard many people say that Dubai can seem artificial, and many others leave this place quickly, especially if you’re starting from scratch (and you know what that means). This place isn’t for everyone, it’s for real hustlers, real achievers, people who are serious about their goals. So if you’re one of those people, Dubai might be the best option for you.
Now let’s talk about my first impression when I landed in Dubai. As I’m Moroccan and lived my entire life there, Dubai was my first destination outside Morocco. When I arrived, I felt confused. There were so many people, especially in the massive airport, people from countless nationalities. I felt like I was stuck in a vast ocean. On my first step outside the airport, I felt Dubai’s weather and thought, “Wow, I’m really here.”
After days of adaptation, trying to find food that felt familiar, figuring out where to go, learning how to use transportation, and more.. it was about getting used to their system. After several days to a month, I thought, “This is where I want to be.” You know that sudden feeling that comes from deep within? That’s exactly what happened. Then I realized that Dubai isn’t for everyone. So if you want to move here, especially if you’re starting from scratch, you must have a clear goal.
2: You’re a Tourist and Dubai Is Your Next Destination?
In Dubai, you can find different nationalities: Arabs, Europeans, Africans, Asians, and more. It’s a place where you’ll enjoy every single moment because of the diverse cultures, varied cuisine, and interesting spots and restaurants to try.
Whether you like to enjoy beaches, go hiking and have tea in the desert, or just relax next to a swimming pool, this place can be the right fit for you.
3: The Weather in Dubai
The weather here depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re from cold places where it snows or rains frequently and you really miss summer, you’re going to enjoy the weather 100%. But for those whose countries have four distinct seasons, they often find it a bit hot when they arrive, and some even leave solely because of the weather.
Dubai has some of the best beaches, from Kite Beach to Al Mamzar Beach, and swimming pools are everywhere. You’ll always be near water, so you won’t feel the heat as much. Just prepare your swimsuit and get on that plane!
4: The Cost of Living as a Resident/Tourist
A: Accommodation
You’ve landed in Dubai, and you first need to find a place to stay. There are many options depending on your budget. I’ll outline all the possibilities available to help you find the right accommodation. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the location. If you’re in downtown or nearby areas, prices are higher than in other locations.
The options:
1: Hotels – Hotels start from 50-70 AED per day and can exceed 20,000 AED, depending on the hotel, location, and star rating.
2: Villas – To rent a villa in Dubai, prices start from 90,000 AED yearly for properties within city limits. If you’re living in the center, prices can exceed 300,000 AED.
3: Flat or Studio – Apartments and studios start from 45,000 AED yearly.
4: Master Room – For a master room in downtown/marina zones, expect to pay between 5,500 to 6,000 AED monthly, including electricity, WiFi, and cleaning service. The kitchen is typically shared.
5: Partitions – These are apartments divided into small rooms (large enough for a single bed and wardrobe). The kitchen and bathrooms are shared. Costs range from 1,100 AED to 2,500 AED depending on location.
6: Bed Spaces – A bed space is when a room contains multiple beds (usually starting from 5 beds per room, depending on room size and the owner). Bathrooms and kitchens are shared. Prices range from 300 AED to 800 AED.
B: Transportation
Transportation in Dubai includes buses, metro, and taxis. Many people also use electric scooters.
Once you decide to use public transportation, you’ll need to get a “NOL Card” from metro stations or nearby RTA stands. This card costs 25 AED and comes with an additional balance of around 50 AED so you can start using transportation immediately. The card works for buses, metro, and some taxis. Each trip costs between 3 to 7 AED.
Taxis have different pricing and are more expensive compared to buses and metro, as they use a meter that calculates the fare based on your destination.
C: Food
You can find all kinds of food here, you won’t go hungry, don’t worry! You can buy whatever you like. However, there are some famous dishes you need to try when you visit, from Arabic cuisine like Mandi to Indian dishes like Biryani, and much more.
There are many restaurants to try and places to visit. That’s what we’ll dive into in upcoming articles. Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you in the next chapters. Don’t forget to follow our Instagram page @diariesbloginfo to get notified about our latest articles.
FAQs
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dubai?
The salary needed to live comfortably in Dubai varies depending on individual needs and lifestyle, but I would say starting from AED 15,000 per month is a good benchmark. We’ll dive deeper into salary breakdowns and budget planning in upcoming articles.
Can you live in Dubai without a car?
Yes, you can live in Dubai without a car, especially if you stay near metro stations. However, having a car makes life much more convenient here. If you decide to stay long-term, getting your driving license should be one of your first priorities, as public transportation doesn’t cover all areas efficiently.
Is Dubai cheaper than other major cities?
Dubai is not cheap compared to many cities, but it’s more affordable than places like London, New York, or Singapore. You’ll need a reasonable budget to live comfortably. However, the advantage is no income tax, which means you keep more of your salary compared to other major cities
What are the hidden costs of living in Dubai that nobody talks about?
Some hidden costs include:
– Security deposits (often 1-2 months’ rent upfront)
– Agency fees when renting accommodation (usually 5% of annual rent)
– DEWA deposits (electricity and water connection fees)
– Visa and Emirates ID fees (around AED 3,000-8,000 for residence visa processing)
– Car insurance and registration if you buy a vehicle
– Salik (toll) charges when driving on certain roads
– Cooling charges in some buildings (separate from electricity)
The good news? Petrol is much cheaper here than in most countries, which helps offset transportation costs.
