Living in Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the UAE destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Dubai city center rents for around AED 8,500/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages AED 5,500/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about AED 1,200 for groceries (single person) and AED 300 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Dubai scores 135, which makes it one of the more expensive cities in the region.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Dubai starts at roughly AED 10,000/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost AED 90 for a mid-range meal and AED 18 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around AED 45. Owning a car adds approximately AED 2,200/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Dubai skip this in favour of public transport or the AED 300/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Private health insurance for a single expat in Dubai costs around AED 600/month, with a family plan at AED 1,800. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about AED 300, while specialists charge around AED 500. Families should budget AED 6,000/month for international schooling, or AED 3,500/month for a local private school.
Who does Dubai suit best?
Dubai works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.