Cost of Living in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're there to retire, work, or move to Dubai for good, it’s helpful to have a picture of what life there will cost you. This can be rather tricky as you may not know much about this. To help you out, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article on this subject. If this is something that you want to learn more about, read on as we break down everything you need to consider when it comes to the cost of living in Dubai.

Your monthly expenses will depend on what services you choose, including your internet and TV packages, and your mobile plan. However, there are some things that everyone in Dubai pays for. For example, you have to pay the road tax, or the “Salik” when you buy a car.

Your DEWA bill (standing for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is the most important one of them. DEWA calculates your bill based on the size of your apartment, but the number depends on how much water and electricity you consume. On average, expect to pay around AED 600.

Next, internet service providers in the UAE include Etisalat and du. The base packages offered by these companies cost over AED 300, while the premium packages are around AED 1,000. To get these services, some companies require you to be at least 21 years old.

Your average cellphone bill in the UAE can cost anywhere from AED 125 to over AED 500 a month. Like anywhere else, the price depends on the amount of data and the number of minutes you receive in a month.

Dubai has a well-developed rental sector, so you can find pretty much any sort of housing you could wish for. The city center and ex-pat areas outside the center have always had slightly higher prices in the past. However, housing costs have decreased over the last year.

Here’s what you can expect when it comes to housing costs in Dubai:

One-Bedroom Apartment (City Center): AED 5,431

One-Bedroom Apartment (Outside of City Center): AED 3,642

Three-Bedroom Apartment (City Center): AED 10,613

Three-Bedroom Apartment (Outside of City Center): AED 7,099

In Dubai and throughout the UAE, the healthcare system is very strong. All ex-pats can expect to have access to at least basic care. If an ex-pat works in Dubai or employs someone in Dubai, they are required by law to provide health insurance for their employees, so most ex-pats have access to health care already. Also, since basic health insurance is now mandatory in Dubai, there are certain plans that are available to those that don’t work or have a lower income.

The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) covers major procedures and equipment for about AED 150,000 per year. That includes surgeries, laboratory tests, physiotherapy sessions, emergency care, and other services. It also helps pregnant women with all the expenses associated with their pregnancy and labor, as well as the delivery. In that case, the insured is responsible only for a 10% co-pay.

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to furthering your knowledge on the cost of living in Dubai. Be sure to keep all of this information in mind so that you can make the most informed decision about moving to Dubai.

Since housing is a huge part of the cost of living, you’ll want to make sure you get the best deal possible. If you need help navigating real estate in Dubai, then you’ve come to the right place. Founded in 2004, Dacha is a top property agency in Dubai that provides high-quality real estate for sale and lease in Dubai and comprehensive property management services. For more information on our services, visit our website today.