Dubai is attracting more and more Germans who are fascinated by the opportunities, the modern lifestyle and the international atmosphere. But how expensive is life in Dubai really? In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current cost of living in Dubai - perfectly tailored for anyone thinking of moving here.
Living in Dubai: Rents and purchase prices
One of the biggest issues for new arrivals is the cost of housing. Rental prices in Dubai vary greatly depending on the location, size and facilities of the flat. Central neighbourhoods are particularly popular, such as Downtown, Dubai Marina or Business Bay - There, spectacular views and a vibrant city life beckon. Those looking for a quieter and more affordable place to live will find neighbourhoods such as Jumeirah Village Circle or Dubai Silicon Oasis are attractive alternatives. The following table gives you an overview of the average rental prices and purchase prices for different types of flats - an ideal basis for your flat search.
| Description of the | Average costs* |
|---|---|
| 1-room flat in the centre | 1,750€ - 2,750€ per month. |
| 2-room flat in the centre | 2,375€ - 3,750€ per month. |
| 3-room flat in the centre | 3,375€ - 5,750€ per month. |
| 1-room flat outside the city centre | 1,250€ - 2,000€ per month. |
| 2-room flat outside the city centre | 1,875€ - 2,875€ per month. |
| 3-room flat outside the city centre | 2,500€ - 3,750€ per month. |
| Purchase price per m² (centre) | 6.425€ - 8.075€ |
| Purchase price per m² (outside the centre) | 3.450€ - 4.575€ |
Service charges & Internet
In addition to the rent, utility costs should not be underestimated - especially in a hot climate like Dubai, where air conditioning systems run around the clock. There are also costs for water, electricity and waste disposal. Another important factor is the internet connection: many new arrivals attach great importance to a reliable connection so that they can always be reached when working from home or in their free time. The following table gives you an overview of the average utility costs in Dubai - so you can plan your budget realistically.
| Description of the | Average costs per month* |
|---|---|
| Service charges (electricity, water, cooling, rubbish) for 85m² | 125€ - 250€ |
| Internet landline + mobile | 75€ – 125€ |
Food prices in Dubai
Food prices in Dubai are somewhat higher than in Germany, especially for imported products. There can also be big differences in the supermarkets. The popular Spinneys supermarket chain is similar to an Edeka in Germany and is very modern. Less modern and nicer supermarkets are cheaper.
| Description of the | Average price* |
|---|---|
| Water (1.5 litres) | 0,50€ - 0,75€ |
| Milk (1 litre) | 1,25€ - 1,75€ |
| Eggs (12 pieces) | 3,00€ - 3,75€ |
| Bread (500 g) | 1,25€ - 1,50€ |
| Rice (1 kg) | 2,00€ - 2,50€ |
| Chicken (1 kg) | 6,25€ - 8,25€ |
| Apples (1 kg) | 2,00€ - 2,50€ |
| Courgette (500g) | 2,00€ – 3,00€ |
Transport costs
Dubai is a city known for its excellent infrastructure and mobility. Public transport such as the metro and bus are not only reliable, but also comparatively cheap. Taxis are also widely available in Dubai and affordable thanks to low petrol prices. The table below shows you the current transport costs in Dubai - ideal for planning your daily journeys.
| Description of the | Average costs* |
|---|---|
| Single journey by public transport | 0,75€ - 2,00€ |
| Monthly pass for public transport | 50€ - 88€ |
| Taxi (basic fee at start) | 3,00€ |
| Taxi (per km) | 0,63€ |
| Petrol (1 litre) | 0,70€ |
Education & Health
Dubai is not only known for its impressive architecture, but also for its high-quality education and healthcare system. International schools offer excellent educational opportunities for children, while private health insurance provides security. However, these standards come at a price - so good planning is crucial, especially for families. The following table provides an insight into the average costs.
| Description of the | Average costs* |
|---|---|
| International School | 625€ - 1,700€ per month. |
| Private health insurance | 60€ – 500€ |
Leisure & Entertainment
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles - from relaxed beaches to trendy cafés and luxurious rooftop bars. There's something for every taste! To help you plan your budget for leisure activities, you can find the current costs for typical leisure activities here.
| Description of the | Average costs* |
|---|---|
| Gym (monthly) | 62,50€ - 250€ |
| Cinema ticket | 8,75€ - 12,50€ |
| Eating out at a restaurant | 15€ - 25€ |
| Eating out in an upscale restaurant | 50€ - 250€ |
| Brunch at the hotel | 40€ – 100€ |
Conclusion: Total monthly costs
To give you a quick overview, we have compiled the typical total monthly costs for individuals and families in Dubai. These estimates take into account rent, utilities, food, transport, education and leisure.
| Life situation | Average costs* |
|---|---|
| Individual | 3,000€ - 5,000€ per month. |
| Family with 2 children | 6,000€ - 10,000€ per month. |
Dubai offers an impressive quality of life - from modern living comfort to an unrivalled range of leisure activities. However, for newcomers in particular, a realistic assessment of the cost of living is crucial in order to feel comfortable in the long term. Our experience shows: With good preparation and the right budget planning, the dream of living in Dubai becomes a reality.
Would you like to delve deeper into Dubai's property market or find your dream flat right away? Feel free to contact us - We accompany you every step of the way!
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