Dubai, the land of opportunity, beckons thousands of expatriates every year. And while the glitz and glamour of this vibrant city entice many, you may wonder what it would take to move here. Well, look no further than this article, your comprehensive expatriate guide to the cost of living in Dubai 2025.

Here, we’ll break down the expenses you’ll face when living in this city. Whether you’re single, a couple, or a growing family of 4. Dubai living could be perfect for you.

Cost Of Dubai 2025

What are the Expenses to Keep in Mind When Relocating to Dubai?

When you move to Dubai, there are essentially 3 categories to keep in mind when creating your budget:

1. The Bare Necessities- The absolute musts that need to be taken on a routine basis. These are expenses that are sure to prop up, such as rent, utilities, groceries, etc.

2. Travel and Transportation Costs- Dubai may seem like a small city, but in reality, most places are quite distant from one another. And so, you'll spend a lot of your time traveling. This can add up if you are not wise with how you travel.

3. Leisure and Entertainment Costs- Dubai has an abundance of events throughout the year, ranging from free to premium. With so much to do, you will never get bored. However, apart from setting aside time, you will also need to set a budget to keep track of these expenses.

The Bare Necessities to Live in Dubai 2025

Cost of Housing in Dubai

Dubai has a variety of projects, from apartments and townhouses to luxurious sprawling villas and mansions. Rent in Dubai has steadily increased post-pandemic. Yet, the rents in this city remain competitive with other top metropolises, such as London, Hong Kong, and New York. Your monthly expenses will range from AED 800 (USD 218) to AED 160,000 (USD 43,500) depending on the location, lodging, and tenancy contract type.

Based on the number of cheques you pay throughout the year, you can negotiate your rental costs in Dubai. You will find that the lower the number of cheques you pay, the more leeway you may have to negotiate the annual rent. There are several methods of payment for rent in Dubai. These are:

• PDC (Pre-dated Cheques)

• Bank transfers

• Online payments

• Direct debt systems

• Cash payments

Additional Housing Costs (2025 rates)

• Security deposit: Typically, the security deposit amounts to 5% of the annual rent. This amount is fully refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided there is no damage to the property. You will find the specific terms outlined in your tenancy contract.

• Agent commission: Your agent will also be paid 2-5% of your annual rent.

• EJARI (tenancy contract registration): You will need to pay AED 220 (USD 60) to register your tenancy contract with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) of Dubai.

• Maintenance fees: These fees vary and are often covered by the landlord.