Updated: May 2022
Dubai is a city that is constantly growing and changing. In 2022, it is estimated that the cost of living in Dubai will be higher than ever before. It won’t be wrong to say that Dubai is a luxurious haven for residents and tourists looking to enhance their lifestyles.
The city has not only retained its heritage but has also emerged into a highly desirable city for many to live and play in. Hence, it’s praiseworthy how Dubai has raced at breakneck speed to achieve much in a relatively short amount of time.
I lived in Dubai until recently and lived my version of “The Dubai Life” and therefore qualified to break down the cost of living in Dubai
. This article aims to give you an idea of the cost of living in Dubai in 2022 if you’re thinking of moving to the city.
It is essential to know what to expect before moving to Dubai, and I hope this article will help you make an informed decision about whether or not Dubai is the right place for you.
Keep in mind that these are just approximate costs, and they may vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Nevertheless, here is an overview of some of the most important costs you will need to consider when moving to Dubai in 2022.
Cost Of Housing In Dubai In 2022
Purchasing a Home in Dubai
The cost of living in Dubai is expected to rise in the next few years. The cost of housing is one of the main factors contributing to this increase. In 2022, the average cost of a home in Dubai is expected to be between $350,000 (1 bedroom) to $600,000 (3 bedrooms).
Housing prices are expected to rise, due to the influx of people moving to Dubai and the limited housing available. According to the National News website, in accordance with the Dubai 2040 projected growth plan, “the emirate’s population will surge from 3.3 million to 5.8 million in the next 20 years.” If you are considering moving to Dubai, it is important to factor in the potential increased cost of living as the more people move in and competition for housing and resources increases. Despite future growth plans, Dubai remains an attractive option for many people due to its potential high salaries and low taxes.
If you are considering moving to Dubai, it is important to research the cost of living in advance to budget accordingly.
Renting a House In Dubai
in 2022, rental rates increased by around 10% due to a strong economic recovery from the pandemic and an influx of new residents due to Expo 2020 and other lucrative opportunities. A 1-bedroom apartment around Downtown Dubai will cost you between $1570-$2000 per month. Similarly, a 3-bedroom apartment will cost around $2700. Keep in mind, that rent is usually paid in 1-6 installments throughout the UAE. let’s say you were to pay your rent in 1 installment upfront, your average cost per month could be significantly reduced.
In case you’re looking for a cheaper option, I recommend looking for a place further out such as Dubai Town Center, Sport City, Mirdiff, etc. Further out, a 1-bedroom apartment starts at around $920 per month. If you’re looking for accommodation for multiple people, then a 3-bedroom apartment will cost you about $2000 per month. It’s always best to negotiate, depending on the current market and your willingness to pay in fewer installments(cheques).
If you’re into a more luxurious lifestyle and prefer a villa over an apartment, expect to spend $5500 per month in some of the popular areas.
Cost Of Transportation In Dubai 2022
If you are planning to move to Dubai, one of the first things you will need to consider is the cost of transportation. I honestly considered not owning a car in Dubai, but you’ll find that’s unrealistic if you don’t live exactly where you work. I thought living in Downtown Dubai would eradicate the need for a car. Although I did walk around Downtown, during the summer that wasn’t realistic. Additionally, as you start meeting people, and wanting to go further out, it’s much more convenient to have a car than trying to catch Careem/Uber/Hala taxi everywhere. Here is a breakdown of the average cost of transportation in Dubai for 2022.
- The average cost of a single bus ticket in Dubai is $1.36. For a monthly bus pass, the cost is $81.68.
- The average cost of a taxi ride (1km) in Dubai is $0.68.
- The average cost of a train ticket on Dubai Metro is around $1 (less than 3 zones). A monthly train pass(Nol Card) will cost you $95.
- The average cost of a car in Dubai is $10,000. If you’re into luxury, then your cost can drastically shoot up(I avoided this). I paid $20,000 for a used GCC spec Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, fully loaded.
Cost Of Food In Dubai in 2022
I visited Dubai in 2019, and the cost of food was a bit of a shock at first. I come from a country where food is relatively cheap. In Dubai, the cost of food is much higher. The average meal in a restaurant will cost you around AED20-75 ($5.5-20 USD). If you want to eat out every day, it will cost you a lot of money.
The cost of food at the grocery store is also higher than what I was used to. A gallon of milk costs around $6.81, a dozen eggs will cost you $2.57, 1 pound of rice is around $0.8, and a kilo of chicken breasts costs around $5.98 – $12.29.
Here are some of the most essential grocery items you’ll be needing:
- 1 kg round beef/ leg red meat – $10.74
- 1 kg apples – $2.21
- 1 kg oranges – $1.63
- 1.5 liter Water bottle – $0.55
- 1 kg cheese – $9.20
- 1 kg Tomato – $1.33
- 1 kg Potato – $0.99
- 1 kg Onion – $0.83
- 1 head Lettuce – $1.75
- 1 kg banana – $1.66
- 500 grams white bread – $1.23
The cost of food can really add up, especially if you are feeding a family. Despite the higher cost of food, I have found that there are ways to save money on food in Dubai. If you cook at home, you can save a lot of money. Meal delivery services like Carriage and Talabat are also becoming more popular and can help you save money on food.
Overall, the cost of living in Dubai is higher than in many other places in the world, but there are ways to save money if you are smart about it. With a little bit of planning, you can still enjoy all the amazing food that Dubai has to offer without breaking your bank.
Cost Of Entertainment
When I first visited Dubai, I remember I was completely blown away by the cost of living. Everything was so expensive! I thought to myself, “How am I ever going to afford to live here?” Fast forward a few years later, and I’ve found that the cost of living in Dubai is actually quite reasonable. Sure, it’s not cheap, but it’s definitely doable.
Currently, the cost of entertainment is $15-$20 per person for a single day. This can include tours, sightseeing, attractions, and museum visits. However, if you prefer elite entertainment such as movies, visits to Burj Ul Khalifa, desert rides, water sports, and spending time in luxury resorts, then consider burning $200-$600 easily in a single day.
So, it’s no secret that entertainment is one of the biggest expenses in Dubai. Going out to eat or drink can also quickly add up. However, there are plenty of ways to have fun in Dubai without spending a lot of money. Here are a few tips:
- Check Groupon for deals on activities and attractions.
- Take advantage of happy hours and ladies’ nights.
- Visit one of Dubai’s many free attractions, such as the Dubai Museum or the Jumeirah Beach Park.
- Spend time with friends and family instead of going out. Cooking at home is a great way to bond and save money.
Following these tips, you can enjoy everything Dubai offers without spending too much. So go out and explore, and don’t forget to have fun!
Cost Of Clothing
When you land in Dubai and visit a mall, you’ll easily notice how expensive the clothing is. A simple t-shirt can cost upwards of $50, and a pair of jeans can cost over $100. Even basic, everyday items like socks and underwear are quite pricey. The same goes for jewelry and other wearables.
Here’s a price list of clothing in Dubai:
- Plain sweater – $47.68
- Boots – $90 – $220
- Pants – $70
- Polo shirt – $26
- Women’s jeans – $90
- Garments – $25 – $100
- Women’s dress – $50 – $1000
Cost Of Healthcare
If you’re on a work/employment visa, your employer is responsible for the cost of your healthcare. However, if you are a freelancer or on any other kind of visa where an employer is not covering you, the cost may be quite high if you’re not financially secure…you could have millions in the bank and an unfortunate accident or rare condition can quickly deplete your savings and investments.
Several factors contribute to the cost of healthcare in Dubai. First, there is the cost of medical care itself. Medical care in Dubai is some of the best in the world, but it is also very expensive. Second, there is the cost of insurance. Insurance in Dubai is very high if you’re not covered by an employer.
The average cost of a hospital stay in Dubai is between $300 to $1000. For a short routine check-up visit to a doctor, expect to pay between $75-$100. In October 2021, I injured my knee training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I didn’t have time to check which hospitals I was covered under and went to the nearest hospital. I paid $217 for that visit, although I filed for reimbursement.
If you’re looking forward to staying in Dubai for an extended visa and you won’t be covered by an employer, I’d suggest buying health insurance. It can cost between $4000 – $10,000 per year.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re moving to Dubai in 2022, make sure you do your homework on your potential expenses. The cost of housing, transportation, food, and healthcare can add up quickly, and you don’t want to spend more than you earn. Many people are attracted by the opportunities and lifestyle, so if it makes sense go for it!