The cost of living in Dubai in 2024 increased with an enhanced quality of life. As per the recent reports, the index of cost of living in Dubai rose from 138th at the beginning of 2024 to 70th at the end of the first half of 2024.
If you are planning to move to Dubai either for further education or to settle down for the rest of your life, you are in the right place. In this blog, we will be taking you through the expenses of all the necessities with the total cost of living in Dubai in 2024. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of contents
Cost of Accommodation in Dubai
The monthly cost of living in Dubai for a family of four people is AED 14,089, as calculated by Numbeo. While the monthly cost of living in Dubai for a single person is AED 4,038 without rent. Many universities in Dubai offer on-campus accommodation. This can range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per semester, depending on the type of room and amenities provided.
- On-campus housing is convenient and a preferable choice and often includes utilities and internet.
- Off-campus housing is another fantastic choice where you can rent an apartment or share a flat with others.
- 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 in 2024. Here we have compiled a list of rented properties with their type.
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 7,964.90 AED |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 4,933.19 AED |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 14,732.62 AED |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 10,174.42 AED |
| Please note that the cost of living in Dubai includes the cost of accommodation. And, this cost may vary as per the choice, locality, and size of the apartment you are choosing. |
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 with their tuition fees and QS Ranking 2025.
| QS World Ranking 2025 | Top Universities in Dubai | Cost of Studying in Dubai(Annually) | |
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | ||
| 851 | University of Dubai | AED 37,500–70,000 | AED 55,000–75,000 |
| 621 | American University in Dubai | AED 37,500-70,000 | AED 85,000 |
| 61 | British University in Dubai | AED 37,500-70,000 | AED 85,000 |
| 256 | Heriot-Watt University Dubai | AED 60,000- 70,000 | AED 50,000-150,000 |
| 167 | University of Wollongong in Dubai | AED 58,000 | AED 57,583-70,000 |
Cost of Food and Restaurants in Dubai
Food and restaurants are another component that is really important to calculate the cost of living in Dubai in 2024. It is always advised to go for homemade food to reduce the cost of living in Dubai drastically. You may end up paying AED 20 to AED 40 per meal at budget restaurants or food courts and AED 60 to AED 120 per meal in mid-range restaurants. A monthly grocery bill for a student can range from AED 800 to AED 1,500, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits. Here, we have compiled a table for you with a list of all the basic expenses you may end up with while dining at the restaurants in Dubai.
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 40.00 AED |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 300.00 AED |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 35.00 AED |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 45.00 AED |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 50.00 AED |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 22.37 AED |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 5.10 AED |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 4.01 AED |
Also, check out the table below mentioning the items you may need on a day-to-day basis in Dubai.
| Food | Cost |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 36.45 AED |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 5.76 AED |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 7.14 AED |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 9.82 AED |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 12.00 AED |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 33.93 AED |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 31.42 AED |
| Banana (1kg) | 6.85 AED |
| Oranges (1kg) | 6.76 AED |
| Apples (1kg) | 8.69 AED |
| Tomato (1kg) | 6.16 AED |
| Potato (1kg) | 4.19 AED |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 6.13 AED |
| Onion (1kg) | 5.37 AED |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 2.23 AED |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 50.00 AED |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | 10.86 AED |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 17.56 AED |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 23.50 AED |
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 Travel and Transportation in Dubai
Transportation is another key component of the cost of living in Dubai in 2024. 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, being a convenient choice, it is also a costly option with fares starting at AED 12 and additional charges for distance travelled. If you plan to drive, you’ll need to budget for car rental, insurance, fuel, and parking.
| Transportation | Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 7.00 AED |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 300.00 AED |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 12.00 AED |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.00 AED |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 30.00 AED |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 3.02 AED |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | 126,500.00 AED |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | 82,450.19 AED |
Cost of Utilities and Internet in Dubai
Managing the cost of utilities is an essential part of managing the cost of living in Dubai. Apart from rent or mortgage 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. It contributes to the overall cost of living in Dubai, Here is the compilation of necessities.
| Utilities and Internet | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 744.55 AED |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 204.10 AED |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 365.53 AED |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 321.54 AED |
Tips for Managing Expenses in Dubai
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
The average monthly cost of living in Dubai for a student ranges from AED 4,500 to AED 8,500. This includes accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
There are various kinds of accommodation available in Dubai. 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.
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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