Cost of living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Summary of cost of living in Dubai

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: Dirham 18,470
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: Dirham 10,852
  • Dubai is the 2nd most expensive city in Middle East (2 out of 7)
  • Cost of living in Dubai is more expensive than in 78% of cities in the World (43 out of 189)
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List of prices in Dubai
Current as of Mar 2024.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district Dirham 50
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) Dirham 34
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast Dirham 18
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk Dirham 6
12 eggs, large Dirham 15
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes Dirham 4.88
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese Dirham 31
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples Dirham 8
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes Dirham 4.16
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket Dirham 9
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality Dirham 78
2 liters of coca-cola Dirham 8
Bread for 2 people for 1 day Dirham 5.57
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area Dirham 10,266
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area Dirham 5,786
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat Dirham 854
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area Dirham 6,608
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area Dirham 4,550
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio Dirham 605
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) Dirham 287
40” flat screen tv Dirham 791
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) Dirham 328
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) Dirham 41
Hourly rate for cleaning help Dirham 37
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) Dirham 221
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) Dirham 200
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) Dirham 338
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes Dirham 373
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new Dirham 121,769
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas Dirham 2.78
Monthly ticket public transport Dirham 324
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) Dirham 50
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) Dirham 22
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) Dirham 37
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) Dirham 273
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) Dirham 23
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) Dirham 16
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) Dirham 21
4 rolls of toilet paper Dirham 12
Tube of toothpaste Dirham 17
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city Dirham 39
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub Dirham 174
2 tickets to the movies Dirham 102
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) Dirham 275
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert Dirham 321
1 cocktail drink in downtown club Dirham 87
Cappuccino in expat area of the city Dirham 25
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) Dirham 41
Ipad wi-fi 128gb Dirham 2,079
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) Dirham 0.53
1 month of gym membership in business district Dirham 263
1 package of marlboro cigarettes Dirham 19
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 704 prices entered by 185 different people.
Latest price update: March 18, 2024

Moving to Dubai with your children?

International Schools in Dubai

Dubai position in our World Ranking

the world
43rd
out of 189
middle east
2nd
out of 7

Cheapest and most expensive products in Dubai compared to other cities:

the world
3rd
the world
3rd
the world
4th
the world
5th
middle east
1st
middle east
1st

Do you live in Dubai? We need your help!

What is the price of

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new

in Dubai?

Dirham

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International Cost of Living Index

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