You’ve seen the videos-skyscrapers glittering at sunset, private beaches, luxury cars parked outside malls that sell gold-plated smartphones. You’re wondering: How much money do you need to live comfortably in Dubai? Let’s cut through the glitz. The truth isn’t about how rich you are-it’s about what kind of life you actually want here.
Quick Answer
If you’re single and want a decent, no-frills lifestyle in Dubai, you’ll need at least AED 6,000 per month. For a couple with one child, aim for AED 15,000-18,000. That covers rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and a little breathing room for weekends out. Go above that, and you’re not just living-you’re living well.
Key Takeaways
- You need at least AED 6,000/month to live without stress as a single person
- Rent eats up 40-50% of your budget in most areas
- Public transport is cheap, but many still drive because it’s easier
- Food costs vary wildly-you can eat for AED 15 or AED 200 per meal
- There’s no income tax, but everything else adds up fast
What Does ‘Comfortably’ Even Mean in Dubai?
Comfort doesn’t mean a penthouse with a view of the Burj Khalifa. It means waking up without worrying about how you’ll pay the electricity bill. It means being able to take your kid to the park on Sunday, grab coffee with a friend midweek, and not have to skip the doctor’s appointment because it’s too expensive.
Here’s what most people actually do: they live in a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, or even Al Quoz. They drive a used car-or use the metro. They cook at home most nights, eat out once a week, and go on one vacation a year. That’s comfort. Not luxury. Just… stability.
Where Does the Money Actually Go?
Let’s break it down, month by month, based on real numbers from people living here right now.
Rent: The Big One
Rent is the biggest shock for newcomers. A one-bedroom apartment in a decent area? Around AED 4,500-6,500. In Dubai Marina? AED 7,000+. In Al Nahda or Discovery Gardens? You can find one for AED 3,800. But here’s the catch: most landlords require you to pay a year’s rent upfront, plus a 5% agent fee. So if you’re moving in January, you’re handing over AED 50,000 before you even unpack.
Utilities: Not as Bad as You Think
Electricity, water, internet, and AC? About AED 600-900 a month. In summer, if you keep the AC on all day, it can hit AED 1,200. Most people learn fast to turn it off when they leave the house.
Transportation
You don’t need a car-but most people get one anyway. A used Toyota Corolla costs AED 35,000-50,000 upfront. Fuel? Around AED 200-300 a month. Parking in Dubai? AED 100-200/month if you’re lucky. Or you can take the metro-AED 4-7 per ride. Monthly pass? AED 250. But the metro doesn’t go everywhere. So if you work in Business Bay and live in Jebel Ali? You’re driving.
Food
This is where you can save-or spend wildly.
- Supermarket groceries (for one person): AED 1,200-1,800/month
- Meal at a casual restaurant: AED 35-60
- Meal at a mid-range place: AED 80-150
- Fast food (burger and fries): AED 20-25
- Meal delivery via Talabat: AED 30-50 per order, plus delivery fee
Most people cook 4-5 meals a week. That cuts the food bill in half.
Healthcare
Health insurance is mandatory. If your employer doesn’t cover it, you’ll pay AED 2,500-4,500/year for basic coverage. A doctor’s visit without insurance? AED 200-400. A trip to the ER? Minimum AED 800. Don’t skip this.
Other Costs
Phone plan? AED 150-250/month. Gym membership? AED 200-500. Kids’ school? That’s a whole other budget. Public schools cost AED 10,000-20,000/year. Private? AED 30,000-80,000. If you have kids, add that to your total.
What Are Your Options for Housing?
Not all neighborhoods are created equal. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Dubai Marina / JLT: Modern, walkable, lots of cafes. Rent: AED 6,000-9,000 for a one-bedroom. Great for singles and couples.
- Al Quoz / Al Nahda: Industrial vibe, cheaper. Rent: AED 3,500-5,000. Good for budget-conscious workers.
- Deira / Bur Dubai: Old Dubai. Rent: AED 3,000-4,500. Lots of local shops, cheaper groceries. Less glamorous, more real.
- Dubai Hills / Arabian Ranches: Family zones. Bigger apartments, gardens. Rent: AED 7,500-12,000. Best if you have kids.
Most expats start in JLT or Al Quoz. Then, once they’ve been here a few years and saved up, they move up.
How Do People Actually Make It Work?
I know a guy who works as a delivery driver for Talabat. He makes AED 5,500/month. He shares a two-bedroom in Al Quoz with two friends. Rent: AED 1,800 each. He cooks, uses the metro, doesn’t drink alcohol, and never eats out. He saves AED 1,500/month. He’s not rich-but he’s comfortable.
Another friend, a marketing manager, earns AED 16,000. She lives alone in JLT, drives a Honda, eats out twice a week, goes to the gym, and takes a trip to Turkey every winter. She has zero debt. She’s happy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But there is a formula: Income > Rent + Utilities + Food + Transport + Insurance. If you’re below that, you’re not living comfortably. You’re just surviving.
What About Salaries?
Here’s what you’re likely to earn, based on real job listings from early 2026:
| Job Role | Salary Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Customer Service Rep | 4,000-6,000 |
| Teacher (International School) | 9,000-15,000 |
| Software Developer | 12,000-20,000 |
| Marketing Manager | 14,000-22,000 |
| Restaurant Manager | 8,000-12,000 |
| Delivery Driver | 4,500-7,000 |
If you’re earning under AED 7,000, you’ll need to share housing and cut corners. Above AED 12,000? You can live with ease. Above AED 18,000? You’re doing better than 80% of expats here.
What You Can Skip
You don’t need to buy a luxury car. You don’t need to join a country club. You don’t need to eat at Nobu every Friday. Dubai will tempt you. It’s built to make you feel like you’re missing out.
But here’s the secret: the people who thrive here aren’t the ones spending the most. They’re the ones who know what they actually value.
One woman I know saves every dirham she can because she wants to open a small café back home in the Philippines. She eats cheap, takes the bus, and never buys designer clothes. She’s saving AED 3,000 a month. In five years, she’ll own her own business. That’s comfort. Not the kind you see on Instagram.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Money. It’s About the Balance.
Dubai doesn’t care if you’re rich. It only cares if you’re legal, employed, and paying your bills. You can live well here on AED 6,000. You can live poorly on AED 20,000-if you’re spending on things that don’t matter.
Ask yourself: What does comfort mean to you? Is it peace of mind? Freedom to travel? Time with family? A quiet evening at home?
Figure that out first. Then build your budget around it. Not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you live in Dubai on AED 5,000 a month?
Technically, yes-but only if you’re sharing a two-bedroom apartment with two or more people, cooking every meal, using public transport, and avoiding any extras like gym memberships or weekend trips. You won’t have savings. You won’t have emergencies covered. It’s survival, not comfort.
Is it cheaper to live in Dubai than in London or New York?
Yes, but not by much. Rent in Dubai is lower than in Manhattan or central London, but groceries, transport, and healthcare are similar or higher. The big difference? No income tax. That means your take-home pay is almost 100% of your salary. For most people, that’s the real advantage.
Do I need a car in Dubai?
You don’t need one-but most people get one. The metro only covers certain areas. Taxis are expensive for daily use. If you work outside the main tourist zones, driving is the easiest option. A used car costs less than in Europe, but insurance and parking add up.
How much does it cost to send kids to school in Dubai?
Public schools cost AED 10,000-20,000/year. Private schools range from AED 30,000 to over AED 80,000. If you have one child in a mid-tier private school, expect to pay AED 45,000-55,000/year. That’s over AED 4,000 a month-just for school. Budget accordingly.
Is Dubai safe for single women?
Yes, extremely. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for women. The streets are well-lit, public transport is secure, and crime rates are very low. You can walk alone at night in most areas. Just use common sense-you’re not in a lawless zone, but you’re not in a bubble either.