For those considering studying in Dubai, understanding the cost of living in Dubai is crucial, as moving from one region to another for studies can significantly increase living expenses. Therefore, it’s important to explore the living expenses in Dubai for a single person or student. Dubai, known as a vibrant hub of culture, innovation, luxury, and world-class education, offers an enriching experience. However, budgeting effectively is essential to make the most of this opportunity.
In this blog, we will walk you through the expenses of all necessities and provide a comprehensive overview of the cost of living in Dubai for international students. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of contents
What is The Cost of Living in Dubai?
The average cost of living in Dubai (including accommodation and food) for an international students is around AED 8,480 according to LivinCost data. This places Dubai among the top 12% of the most expensive cities globally. The cost of living in Dubai can vary depending on several factors, including food, accommodation, utilities, transportation, education, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the monthly expenses in dubai for single person can also fluctuate based on the specific location, the type of apartment, and the amenities offered. Below is an overview of the essential categories that contribute to the cost of living in Dubai for an international student.
| Cost of Living Category | Approx Costs |
| Total Cost of Living in Dubai with rent | AED 8480 |
| Without rent | AED 2886 |
| Rent & Utilities | AED 5593 |
| Food | AED 1682 |
| Transport | AED 679 |
Cost of Accommodation in Dubai
The accommodation cost for international students is essential as it covers a major portion of their monthly cost of living in Dubai. To help students save money and maintain an educational environment, many universities in Dubai offer on-campus accommodation. The on-campus accommodation for international students can range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per semester, depending on the type of room and amenities provided.
Many students also opt for off-campus housing, which is a great choice for renting an apartment or sharing a flat with other students. Below is an overview of the cost of off-campus accommodation:
- Shared Accommodation: AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 for a room in a shared flat.
- Single Apartment: AED 4,000 to AED 8,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in areas popular with students such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), and Al Barsha.
With a suitable and appropriate choice, you can reduce your cost of living in Dubai.
Cost of Food and Grocery in Dubai
Food and groceries are another component that is really important to calculate the cost of living in Dubai for international students. It is always advised to go for homemade food to reduce the monthly expenses in dubai for single person drastically. You may end up paying AED 20 to AED 40 per meal at budget restaurants or food courts and AED 80 to AED 150 per meal in mid-range restaurants.
If you love cooking at home, this is a great idea as it will help save on expenses and reduce your budget burden in Dubai. To help you understand the cost of groceries, we have compiled a table with a list of basic grocery expenses you may need on a day-to-day basis in Dubai.
| Groceries Items | Approx. Cost |
| Milk (1L) | AED 6.5 |
| Bread (0.5kg) | AED 5.47 |
| Rice (1kg) | AED 7.9 |
| Eggs (12) | AED 11.9 |
| Cheese (1kg) | AED 40.4 |
| Apples (1kg) | AED 8.74 |
| Banana (1kg) | AED 6.87 |
| Oranges (1kg) | AED 6.94 |
| Tomato (1kg) | AED 6.06 |
| Potato (1kg) | AED 4.63 |
| Onion (1kg) | AED 5.58 |
| Water (1L) | AED 1.51 |
Also Read: Do you know about the 5 Incredible Things to Do in Western Australia? This blog will give you an idea about it.
Cost of Transportation in Dubai
For international students transportation is another key component of the cost of living in Dubai. A NOL card, used for metro, bus, and tram services, costs is really helpful when you are living off-campus and need to travel to the campus daily. For those who prefer taxis, it is a convenient choice, but also a costly one. Fares start at AED 12, and for an 8km ride, the cost can increase to around AED 41, with additional charges for the distance traveled.
If you plan to drive, you’ll need to budget for car rental, insurance, fuel, and parking. For your convenience, we have provided an overview of transportation costs in Dubai in the table low:
| Transportation | Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 7.00 AED |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 309.00 AED |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 12.00 AED |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.00 AED |
| Taxi Ride (8km) | 40.76 AED |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 3.01 AED |
Cost of Utilities and Internet in Dubai
Managing utility costs is a crucial part of budgeting for living expenses in Dubai for international students. Apart from rent payments, expenses like electricity, heating, cooling, and internet services can impact the cost of living in Dubai. The utility bill may vary depending on the size of your accommodation, usage habits, and the efficiency of appliances. Here is the compilation of necessities.
| Utilities and Internet | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 1 person | AED 481.10 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | AED 204.10 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | AED 365.53 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | AED 280 |
Cost of Studying in Dubai
The cost of studying is another important component of the cost of living in Dubai. The cost of studying may vary widely by institution and program but generally range from AED 30,000 to AED 80,000 per year. Additionally, students should budget for books, supplies, and other academic-related costs, which can amount to AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 annually.
Here we have compiled a list of some of the top universities in Dubai with their tuition fees:
| Top Universities in Dubai | Cost of Studying in Dubai(Annually) | |
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | |
| University of Dubai | AED 37,500–70,000 | AED 55,000–75,000 |
| American University in Dubai | AED 37,500-70,000 | AED 85,000 |
| British University in Dubai | AED 37,500-70,000 | AED 85,000 |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | AED 60,000- 70,000 | AED 50,000-150,000 |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai | AED 58,000 | AED 57,583-70,000 |
Tips for Managing Cost of Living in Dubai
Managing expenses in Dubai can be challenging, especially with its dynamic lifestyle and high living costs. However, with the right approach, you can maintain a balanced budget and make the most of your financial resources. Here are some basic tips with the help of which you can reduce the cost of living in Dubai.
- Plan and budget in advance.
- Create a detailed budget and track your expenses to avoid overspending.
- Explore student discounts offered at most of the places.
- Always be sure to carry your student ID.
- Cooking at home will reduce the cost of living in Dubai
- Reducing dining out can lower your grocery and dining expenses.
- Prefer using public transport to reduce the cost of living in Dubai.
- Save money by using the metro and bus services rather than taxis or car rentals.
Also Read: Planning to study abroad? Well, check out our blog on the best places to study abroad in the US to avail world-class education.
FAQs on Cost of Living In Dubai
The average monthly cost of living in Dubai for an international student is around AED 8,480. This includes various cost i.e., accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
There are various kinds of accommodation available in Dubai for students. You may choose as per your budget and preferences.
– On-Campus Housing -AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per semester.
– Shared Accommodation – AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 per month.
– Single Apartment – AED 4,000 to AED 8,000 per month.
Yes, utilities (electricity, water, cooling) cost between AED 600 and AED 800 per month, while high-speed internet ranges from AED 200 to AED 400 per month.
Health insurance is a mandatory component of the cost of living for students. If provided by the university, it’s included in the tuition fees. If not, private health insurance costs range from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 annually.
Yes, international students can work part-time while studying in Dubai, generally up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Check with your university and visa regulations for specific rules and opportunities.
Yes, living in Dubai can be expensive, particularly for international students. The average monthly cost of living in Dubai for an international student is around AED 8,480. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other basic living expenses.
Yes, Dubai is significantly more expensive than India when it comes to the cost of living. On average, the monthly living expenses for an international student in Dubai amount to around AED 8,480, whereas in India, the average cost for a student is only about AED 1,854.
The average monthly expenses for a single person in Dubai amount to approximately AED 8,480. This figure covers a range of essential costs, including accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
Hope you liked reading about the cost of living in Dubai in 2024. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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