Dubai is an alpha+ global city that is well connected with the world. The cost of living in Dubai is amongst the highest in the Gulf region. Yet it is known for its high salaries, zero income tax and zero remittance tax that leads to increased savings for its working population. Its inhabitants include people from all across the globe and come from all walks of life. It is known for a moderate work pace, good work life balance and high standard of living. Most of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Headquarters of various multinational companies (MNCs) are situated in Dubai. Indians who migrate to Dubai not only get a chance to enjoy a high living standard there but also get an opportunity to network with individuals. It is no wonder that many Indians use Dubai as a launchpad to go to third countries like Canada etc. Even then there are many Indians who stay a lifetime in Dubai. All this is made possible by the high salaries and high living standards present in Dubai. Even though the cost of living in Dubai is considered the highest in the gulf region yet the salaries given are able to cover that cost, thereby ensuring significant savings.  

Benefits of living in Dubai:

Apart from high salaries, Dubai provides a clean environment, clear air and top notch infrastructure. There is zero tolerance for crime and discrimination against women in the city. The traffic guidelines are followed to the letter and there are hefty penalties for non compliance. An expat is allowed to own and rent property in Dubai. The income from rent generated from properties are tax free and Dubai’s real estate is booming as its economy and number of inhabitants are growing. This coupled with a growing healthcare sector makes Dubai one of the prime destinations for workers, tourists and High Net Worth Individuals. 

Dubai is a tolerant monarchy with a multicultural, multilingual and multireligious population. Its ruler has taken several steps so that people can live happily in the city. There is a Church, temple, gurudwara, synagogue and mosque. Furthermore, those who own a property in Dubai of more than 2 million AED are entitled to a golden visa. Golden Visa is long term and renewable and provides its holder the right to live and work in Dubai. A person with a Golden Visa can also sponsor his or her family members. 

Cost of Living in Dubai:

The estimated cost of living in Dubai is 173.1% more expensive than Delhi (excluding rent) as of October 6, 2025. For that same date, the estimated rent in Dubai is more than 807.8% higher than in Delhi. The estimated monthly cost for a single person is approximately 4,300 AED while for a family of four is approximately 14,900 AED & all this excludes rent. 

Accommodation cost is considered as the major contributor towards cost of living in Dubai. A typical accommodation can cost as follows on July 1, 2025:

Housing Type	Average Monthly Rent (AED)
Studio Apartment (Dubai Central Area)	4,000+
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outlying Area)	3,000+
3-Bedroom Apartment (Central Area)	11,500+
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outlying Area)	8,500+

Some suggestions to reduce cost of accommodation namely :

1. Share the accommodation with friends or colleagues to reduce cost.
2. Consider outlying areas than central areas as the former are cheaper than latter.
3. Try to find accommodation during off season and negotiate a lease with a landlord.

Apart from accommodation, one needs other amenities as well to cover the cost of living in Dubai. Some of those amenities are groceries whose cost from different supermarkets as on July 1, 2025 are as follows:

Market	Average Weekly Cost for Basic Groceries (in AED)
Carrefour	200
Spinneys	250
Waitrose	400

Some tips for saving groceries store in Dubai are as follows:

1. Buy the groceries in bulk.
2. Cook at Home and avoid dine out
3. Explore local markets for fresh produce and bargain for it and
4. Utilize loyalty programs for discounts and rewards.

Dubai provides various transportation options like metro or taxi. Some of the options along with their costs as on July 1, 2025 are as follows:

Transportation Mode	Average Cost (AED)
Dubai Metro	17 (Per trip)
Dubai Metro Monthly Pass	300
Taxi	25 per km
Ride Hailing App (Uber, Careem)	15 per km

Some tips to reduce transportation costs are as follows:

1. Utilize Dubai metro pass 
2. Walk or Cycle to short distances
3. Carpool with colleagues.

Dubai’s high standard of living is also because of its recreational activities. It has various Michelin Starred Restaurants catering to every palette conceivable in the world. Apart from eateries, it also has cinemas, theme parks and bars etc. Below are the average costs for food and entertainment as on July 1, 2025 which are as follows:

Fooding/Entertainment Industry	Average Cost (AED)
Meal at Mid range restaurant	50
Meal at Upscale restaurant	200+
Movie Tickets	35
Theme Park Entry Tickets	200+

Some tips to reduce recreation costs are as follows:

1. Use Dubai Pass to access attractions at discounted rates.
2. Take advantage of happy hour deals
3. Explore free activities like beach and cultural attractions
4. Use discount vouchers and birthday discounts in restaurants and theme parks

Besides, accommodation, groceries, transportation and recreation costs there are other costs of living in Dubai as well. These costs include utilities, internet and mobile phone which average around AED 500. Apart from this the other significant cost of living in Dubai is that of healthcare and it is advised as of July 1, 2025 that a person should keep health insurance so as to cover the costs of health related contingencies. 

Average Salaries in Dubai:

The average salary in Dubai is 12,000 AED per month. This more than covers the minimum cost of living in Dubai  i.e. 8000 AED as of October 2025. The savings per person then can be remitted back to their home countries by workers without any tax being levied on the same.  

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