Dubai, often referred to as the “City of Gold,” is a major business and financial hub in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Known for its luxury lifestyle and towering skyscrapers, Dubai attracts millions of visitors and expats each year. However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the region.
If you’re an Aussie thinking about visiting or moving to Dubai, this guide covers everything you need to know about living costs, from housing and food to healthcare and transport. We’ll also provide tips to help you budget and settle in smoothly.
Is Dubai Expensive?
Compared to other UAE cities, Dubai is on the pricier side. For context:
- A single person needs about AED 3,700 ($1,570 AUD) per month, excluding rent.
- In Abu Dhabi, monthly living expenses are slightly lower at AED 3,100 ($1,320 AUD).
- Ajman, a smaller emirate, offers even cheaper living costs at AED 2,300 ($980 AUD).
Dubai is still more affordable than cities like New York, London, and Sydney. However, your perception of costs will depend on your current city of residence and spending habits.
Key Factors Influencing Costs in Dubai
Here’s a breakdown of major expenses to help you calculate your budget:
Housing in Dubai
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses in Dubai. Renting or buying a home is costly due to high demand for real estate.
- Rent (monthly):
- One-bedroom in the city centre: AED 7,400 ($3,150 AUD)
- One-bedroom outside the city centre: AED 4,100 ($1,740 AUD)
- Three-bedroom in the city centre: AED 12,600 ($5,360 AUD)
- Three-bedroom outside the city centre: AED 7,800 ($3,320 AUD)
- Buying property (per square metre):
- City centre: AED 3,620 ($1,540 AUD)
- Outside city centre: AED 2,390 ($1,020 AUD)
Food Costs
Grocery prices and dining out vary depending on your preferences:
- Dining out:
- Casual meal: AED 37 ($16 AUD)
- Three-course meal for two: AED 300 ($130 AUD)
- Cappuccino: AED 18 ($7.60 AUD)
- Groceries (average prices):
- White rice (1 kg): AED 3.70 ($1.60 AUD)
- Eggs (dozen): AED 11 ($4.70 AUD)
- Milk (3.8 litres): AED 26 ($11 AUD)
Healthcare in Dubai
Dubai mandates health insurance for all residents. If you’re on a work visa, your employer will cover your insurance, but this often doesn’t extend to family members.
For expats on self-sponsored visas, private insurance costs can range from AED 2,400 ($1,020 AUD) to AED 40,000 ($16,800 AUD) annually. Golden Visa holders have access to exclusive health plans with significant perks.
Transportation
Getting around Dubai is relatively affordable compared to other costs:
- Public transport (one-way ticket): AED 6 ($2.50 AUD)
- Petrol (per litre): AED 3.90 ($1.70 AUD)
- Taxi start fare: AED 12 ($5 AUD)
Education Costs
If you’re moving to Dubai with kids, private schooling fees are a significant expense:
- Kindergarten: AED 2,800 ($1,200 AUD) per month
- International primary school: AED 43,000 ($18,300 AUD) annually
Shopping and Entertainment
- Internet (60 Mbps): AED 370 ($160 AUD) per month
- Gym membership: AED 280 ($120 AUD) per month
- Movie ticket: AED 48 ($20 AUD)
Tips for Saving Money in Dubai
- Consider shared accommodation: Renting with roommates significantly cuts costs.
- Cook at home: Groceries are cheaper than dining out frequently.
- Use public transport: Dubai’s metro and bus systems are affordable and reliable.
- Shop during sales: Look out for discounts during the Dubai Shopping Festival or similar events.
Sending Money from Dubai
If you’re planning to live in Dubai and send money home to Australia, services like Remitly make it easy to transfer funds securely and affordably.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s cost of living might feel steep compared to many Australian cities, but the lifestyle, career opportunities, and tax-free income often outweigh the expenses. With careful planning, you can enjoy all that the “City of Gold” has to offer.
