Living in Dubai with a family entails a combination of several expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities. Here’s an overview of the monthly costs for a family:
Housing
- Rent for an 85 sqm (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in a normal area is around AED 5,786, while in a more expensive area it could be around AED 10,266 (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons).
- Utilities for a similar flat might range from AED 1,021 to AED 1,249 per month, depending on usage (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons) (One Life Passport).
Food and Dining
- A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant would cost about AED 40, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about AED 300 (Numbeo).
- Monthly groceries for basic items such as milk, bread, eggs, and chicken could cost approximately AED 1,035 to AED 3,319, varying by the family’s consumption patterns (One Life Passport).
Transportation
- If relying on public transportation, a monthly travel pass could cost between AED 415.80 to AED 4,140, depending on the extent of travel and mode of transport (One Life Passport).
- Gasoline prices are relatively lower in Dubai, contributing to more affordable car travel compared to other major cities (Nomad List).
Additional Costs
- Internet costs are about AED 287 per month, which is quite reasonable compared to other international cities (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons).
- Schooling can vary dramatically based on the choice between public and private education, but generally, private schooling is quite expensive (One Life Passport).
Lifestyle
- For leisure and shopping, costs will vary. For instance, gym memberships range from AED 207.90 to AED 1,249 per month (One Life Passport).
- Clothing and shoes also vary, with prices for a pair of jeans around AED 221 and dresses from high street brands like Zara or H&M around AED 102 (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons).
Overall, a family can expect to spend between AED 22,160 to AED 37,460 per month excluding luxuries and discretionary spending (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons) (One Life Passport). This range is highly dependent on lifestyle choices, the specific area of Dubai you choose to live in, and personal spending habits.
