Cost of Living in Dubai: Budget Like a Pro for Your Trip

If you are reading this article it is because you said “I want to live in Dubai” and, of course, you have doubts about the cost of living in this city. That’s why we’ve created this article for you to find out the cost of living in Dubai and set your budget.

We cannot tell you exactly how much you will spend living there, as it depends on your lifestyle. However, to give you a general idea, the monthly fixed cost of living in Dubai ranges between 1,000 and 1,100 USD (approximately 4,000 AED)*.

Do you want to know more about the money you need to live here as an international student? Below, we will tell you about the costs of tuition, food, transportation, entertainment, and even some money-saving tips. Get your pencil and paper ready and start reading!

*Disclaimer: All prices in this article are for reference only and are subject to change.

Expenses before travel to the United Arab Emirates

We have already told you why one of the best ways to immigrate to Dubai is through a study trip. So, do you want to know how much is the cost of living in Dubai as a student?

Registration

To begin with, you should know that tuition fees in the United Arab Emirates vary according to the city, the institute, the course, and the hourly intensity. Specifically, in Dubai – the most expensive city in the country – tuition fees usually cost:

• English courses: 900 USD* per month.
• Undergraduate studies: 10,000 to 19,000 USD* per year.
• Postgraduate program: 15,000 to 20,000 USD* per year.

Note that some colleges charge an annual fee for students taking between 12 and 16 credit hours. In other cases, they do not charge an annual fee, but tuition is based on the number of credit hours the student is taking.

Do you want to take the first step to study in Dubai? At GrowPro we support you! Choose your experience, we accompany you in every step of the journey.

Student visa

The price of the student visa varies according to your nationality, the duration of your trip, and whether you intend to work. In addition, depending on the school and the length of the course, the price of the visa will also vary.

In general, the cost of the student visa in Dubai is 800 USD*.

Medical insurance

You may not have considered it, but it is mandatory to have international medical insurance before your trip to Dubai. It guarantees you access to proper medical care without having to worry about expensive assessment and medication costs.

Nowadays, there are many types of medical insurance. Still, the one that is usually perfect for students costs 82 USD* per month of visa. So get out your calculator and do the math!

Airline ticket

The price of airline tickets also varies depending on your place of residence.

Cost of living in Dubai: Price of accommodation, food, transport, leisure and more

Good job! Now that you know what the pre-trip expenses are, we should talk about the cost of living in Dubai, i.e. accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure. By the way, some of these amounts are taken from Expatistan’s Dubai price list.

Lodging and utilities

To answer the question of how much is the cost of living in Dubai, we must talk about accommodation. The good news is that there is a wide range of housing available in this destination, but that’s true! If you are traveling as a student, we recommend you share a room, it will be cheaper!

Now, a private room costs around 900 USD* per month. On the other hand, a shared double room will cost you 490 USD* per month. And if you feel like renting a triple room, the price drops even more, as they are usually rented for 410 USD* per month.

Almost all accommodations usually ask for a deposit of 1 month’s rent in advance as a deposit. But don’t worry, you will get it back when you leave the accommodation.

Food

Dubai is known as “the commercial capital of the Middle East”. For this reason, the food scene is vibrant, diverse, and multicultural. In terms of prices, the average expenditure on food (if you cook yourself) is between 150 to 250 USD* per month.

Some examples of food costs are:

• One liter of milk: 2 USD*.
• A dozen eggs: 4.5 USD*.
• Bread for two people: 1.2 USD*.
• A 2-liter bottle of soft drink: 2 USD*.
• 1kg of apples: 2.8 USD*.
• 1kg of chicken breast: 10.5 USD*.
• 1kg of tomatoes: 2 USD*.
• 2 liters of Coca-Cola: 2.21 USD*.

Now, if you love eating out at restaurants with friends, let us tell you that a set menu (including drinks) in the expensive part of town can cost you 13 USD*. While a full menu at a fast food restaurant will cost you 9 USD*.

Transportation

Public transport in Dubai consists of the metro, bus, tram, and some water transport. A ticket on public transport costs 1.36 USD*, although by paying 80 USD* you can buy a voucher with trips for the whole month.

And, if you like to use the cab service, for 9 USD* you can make a one-hour trip. Regarding the price of gasoline, in Dubai, a liter of gasoline costs 0.64 USD*.

Leisure and entertainment

Not everything will be study and work during your stay in Dubai, right? So, here is a list of some plans that you can enjoy both in company and alone that you should include in the cost of living in Dubai.

• Going to the movies: 12 USD*.
• A coffee in the best area of the city: 7 USD*.
• A cocktail in the expensive area: 26 USD*.
• Going to the theater: 32 USD*.
• A half-liter beer in a neighborhood bar: 11 USD*.
• Monthly gym membership: 75 USD*.

Money-saving tips for your stay in Dubai

Saving money during your stay in Dubai is possible! And while it may be a difficult task at first, with the tips and smart strategies we’ll share with you below, you’ll be able to take care of your wallet. Read on!

Shared accommodation: we already told you above, but we repeat it; it is always a good idea to live with another person to share expenses. In addition, it is also a good idea to live away from the tourist areas.

• Local food: opt to eat at local markets to experience authentic food at lower prices. Also, it is a good idea to cook at home whenever possible.
• Walk: consider walking to accessible areas to reduce transportation costs.
• Discounted entertainment: research deals and discounts on tourist activities and cultural events. Also look for free or low-cost options, such as public beaches and community events.
• Energy and climate: be aware of electricity and water consumption to avoid high bills. Take advantage of the milder season to reduce air conditioning costs.

We are going to Dubai with GrowPro!

At GrowPro we fulfill the dreams of adventurous souls. That’s why you will now find our experiences in Dubai, the top city in the Middle East!

If you want to start your adventure in the UAE, take a look at the available experiences and choose your favorite one! Then, fill out the form with your details. One of our Student Advisors will contact you to answer your questions and start planning your trip.

See you soon on this side of the world, future grower!