Dubai is the land of expats. People from all over the world migrate to Dubai in search of better prospects. The tax-free income, coupled together with the world-class facilities available, makes Dubai one of the favorite destinations with expats. But do you know that Dubai is one of the costliest cities to live all over the world? In fact, it is the most expensive city in the whole of GCC. The rising cost of housing facilities, transport and schooling have resulted in the increased cost of living in Dubai.
Let us have a look at the average cost of living in different parts of Dubai.
Rent
Rent includes both the annual rent that you need to pay along with the security deposit. The location plays a vital role in determining the rent for both residential and commercial properties.
JBR — The annual rent for a studio apartment in JBR is between AED 58000 and AED 75000. A one-bedroom would cost AED 70,000 to AED 100,000 while two-bedroom costs between AED 80,000 and AED 105,000. If you are looking for a three-bedroom apartment, then you should shell out anywhere between AED 110,000 and AED 150,000. There are also several villas in this area that are available from AED 100,000 to AED 450,000.
Dubai Marina — In Dubai Marina, you can get a studio apartment for AED 38000 to AED 60,000 annually. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment is AED 75000 to AED 100,000, whereas, for a two-bedroom, the rent is between AED 105,000 and AED 150,000. You should shell out an amount between AED 120,000 to AED 180,000 if you want to stay in a three-bedroom apartment.
Bur Dubai — A studio apartment in Bur Dubai is available for AED 35000 — AED 50,000. The rent increases to AED 44,000 — AED 60,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and AED 70,000 — AED 95,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you can shell out anywhere between AED 90,000 and AED 110,000, then you can go for a three-bedroom apartment.
School Fees
Next to rent, school fees form a significant part of the cost of living in Dubai. Fees depend on the type of school you have opted for. Schools that follow international syllabus like IB and British curriculum are more expensive than the ones that follow Indian or Emirati curriculum.
IB curriculum — The fees for the IB curriculum ranges from AED 30,000 to AED 84,000 per annum.
UK curriculum — The fees range from AED 10,000 to AED 80,000 per annum
US curriculum — The fees varies from AED 20,000 to AED 80,000 per annum
Transportation
When compared to the rest of the world, the public transport system in Dubai is cheap. The cost of transport depends on the mode of transportation you use. Dubai is a well-connected city with an excellent public transport system. The public transport consists of taxi, metro, bus, waterbus, monorail, and tram. All public transport, except taxi, can be accessed using nol card. The cost of travel by Dubai public transport ranges from AED 1.80 to AED 11.60 depending on the distance covered and the type of card. The minimum cost of travel by taxi is AED 12.
Utilities
Utilities include electricity and water connection. The utility cost depends on the size of the apartment and your personal consumption. For a small two-bedroom flat, the utility charges come to approximately AED 1200 per month. For large villas, the costs can be anywhere around AED 5000 per month. Utility charges are likely to be high during summer months when the air-conditioner will be used regularly.
Grocery
The total grocery cost depends on the number of members in your family and your personal consumption pattern. There are international brands selling export quality products as well as local grocery stores n Dubai. The cost of groceries depends on the type of store from which you make the purchase. On average, the cost of grocery comes to AED 1500–2000 per month for a family of four members.
Going out and Socializing
Socializing and eating out is the norm in Dubai. For most families, it forms a significant part of their monthly expenditure. The cost of eating out depends on the type of joint you are visiting. The eateries in Dubai Marina and JBR are relatively expensive when compared to the ones in Bur Dubai or Al Qusais. Similarly, international joints charge at a higher rate when compared to Middle Eastern joints.
JBR — The cost of dining for two in a casual restaurant in JBR ranges from AED 150 to AED 420. For a fine dining restaurant, the fare ranges from AED 500 — AED 700.
Dubai Marina — In Dubai Marina, the cost of casual dining ranges from AED 80 — AED 350. For a fine dining restaurant, you should shell out anywhere between AED 500 — AED 650.
Bur Dubai — The cost of casual dining in Bur Dubai ranges from AED 40 — AED 150. Fine dining restaurants in this area are priced at AED 220 — AED 350.
Al Qusais — The cost of casual dine-out for two in Al Qusais comes between AED 50 — AED 120. If you can spend between AED 200 — AED300, you can have a dine-out in any of the fine dining restaurants in this area.
The average cost of living in Dubai depends on the area where you are staying. Accommodation and other facilities in areas like JBR and Dubai Marina are costly when compared to Bur Dubai and Al Qusais.
Originally published at https://higuests.com.
