Cost of Living
Dubai is an expensive city and the cost of living is relatively high. Living costs will vary depending upon different factors: rent, food, entertainment, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses (visas and residence permits). Choosing student accommodation can often be most cost-effective option.
While Dubai has developed a reputation for the luxury lifestyle, it is possible to live economically if you shop wisely and budget accordingly. Basic products are services are reasonably priced and there are regular sales and promotions on consumer goods. The average cost of some everyday items and services is provided below.
| Restaurants | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 30.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 200.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 25.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 35.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 40.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 17.82 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.76 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.45 |
| Markets | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 4.88 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.49 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 25.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 5.50 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | .32 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 36.81 |
| Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) | 19.73 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 28.42 |
| Apples (1kg) | 6.35 |
| Banana (1kg) | 5.43 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 5.17 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 4.33 |
| Potato (1kg) | 2.87 |
| Onion (1kg) | 1.78 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 4.05 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1.49 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 25.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 15.48 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack | 10.00 |
| Transportation | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 5.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price - Metro) | 262.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 12.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1.58 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 15.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 2.37 |
| Car Hire (per week) | 600.00 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Cinema Ticket | 35.00 |
| Entrance to the premium beach | 5.00 |
| Entrance to the big and beautiful Park | 5.00 |
| Desert Safari | 90.00 |
| Helicopter flight over | 740.00 |
| At the Top Burj Khalifa | 210.00 |
| Services | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Dry cleaning (1 shirt/blouse) | 8.00 |
| Domestic cleaner (per hour) | 35.00 |
| Mobile to mobile call (1 minute local) | 0.60 |
| Text message (local) | 0.18 |
