Cost of Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai has a cost of living index of 75/100 (New York = 100). It is 25% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

75/100
Cost Index
$4,500/mo
Median Income
88/100
Safety Index
desert/subtropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 78/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,450/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$950/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,700/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 62/100
Milk (1 liter)$2/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$2.7/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.2/kg
Dining OutScore: 68/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$17/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$70/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$10/meal
TransportationScore: 55/100
Monthly Transit Pass$90/month
One-Way Ticket$1.8/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.8/km
UtilitiesScore: 55/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$150/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$85/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$70/month
HealthcareScore: 72/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$120/visit
Dentist Visit$90/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$25/course
EntertainmentScore: 65/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$16/ticket
Theater Ticket$55/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 62/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$65/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$25/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 58/100
Haircut (Men)$27/cut
Haircut (Women)$50/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$8/bottle
ClothingScore: 62/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$74/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$45/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$105/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai cheap to live in?

Dubai has a cost of living index of 75/100, where New York = 100. It is 25% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,500–$2,100 per month.

How much does rent cost in Dubai?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Dubai costs approximately $1,450/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $950/month.

Is Dubai good for digital nomads?

Dubai has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Dubai?

The median net monthly salary in Dubai is approximately $4,500 USD. The income tax rate is around 0%.

How does Dubai compare to New York for cost of living?

Dubai (cost index 75) is 25% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $625/month by moving from New York to Dubai.

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