Cost of Living in UAE for Expats in 2025 – A Realistic Breakdown
🏙️ Overview
The United Arab Emirates remains one of the top destinations for expats, offering a high quality of life, tax-free income, and vibrant cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. But as we move into 2025, the cost of living in the UAE for expats is changing.
With new lifestyle trends, revised government fees, inflation, and global economic shifts, expats need to be better informed than ever. In this guide, we provide a realistic, detailed breakdown of monthly expenses—from rent and groceries to school fees and healthcare.
Whether you’re planning to move to the UAE or already living here, this article will help you manage your finances smarter.
🏠 1. Accommodation Costs in UAE (2025)
Housing is the largest monthly expense for most expats.
| City | Studio Apartment | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 3,500–6,000 | AED 5,000–8,500 | AED 8,000–14,000 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 3,000–5,500 | AED 4,800–7,500 | AED 7,500–12,000 |
| Sharjah | AED 2,200–4,500 | AED 3,200–6,000 | AED 5,000–9,000 |
🔹 Tip: Sharjah and Ajman offer more budget-friendly housing compared to Dubai. However, commute times can increase.
🛒 2. Grocery & Food Expenses
Grocery costs depend on your preferences—local or imported goods. Here’s a basic monthly grocery estimate:
| Category | Average Monthly Spend |
|---|---|
| Singles | AED 800 – 1,200 |
| Couples | AED 1,300 – 2,000 |
| Family (4) | AED 2,500 – 3,500 |
✅ Affordable grocery stores:
- Lulu Hypermarket
- Carrefour
- Union Coop
- Nesto
🍽️ 3. Dining Out & Entertainment
Eating out is common in UAE, with options ranging from street food to fine dining.
| Meal Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget restaurant meal | AED 25 – 40 |
| Mid-range restaurant (2 people) | AED 120 – 250 |
| Coffee (Starbucks/Costa) | AED 18 – 25 |
🛍️ Weekend leisure (cinemas, attractions, outings):
Budget around AED 300–600/month per person depending on lifestyle.
🚗 4. Transport & Car Expenses
A. Public Transport (Monthly):
- Dubai Metro, Bus & Tram: AED 300–350
- Careem / Uber: AED 15–30 per ride
B. Owning a Car (Monthly):
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Fuel (10,000 km) | AED 300 – 450 |
| Car loan installment | AED 800 – 1,500 |
| Salik (Toll) | AED 100 – 200 |
| Insurance + RTA | AED 200 – 400 |
🔧 Note: Electric vehicle usage is rising in UAE due to government incentives.
🏫 5. Schooling & Education
If you’re relocating with kids, school fees are a major expense.
| Type of School | Annual Fees (Range) |
|---|---|
| British Curriculum | AED 25,000 – 90,000 |
| Indian Curriculum | AED 9,000 – 35,000 |
| IB / International Schools | AED 40,000 – 120,000 |
💡 Tip: Schools in Sharjah and Ajman are more budget-friendly.
🩺 6. Healthcare Costs
Healthcare in the UAE is high-quality but private. Insurance is mandatory.
| Healthcare Expense | Average Monthly |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance (Individual) | AED 300 – 700 |
| Doctor Visit (Without Insurance) | AED 200 – 500 |
| Medicines / Prescriptions | AED 100 – 300 |
📝 Dubai Health Authority offers an online price checker for hospitals and treatments.
📱 7. Utilities, Internet & Mobile Plans
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity & Water (DEWA) | AED 300 – 600 |
| Internet (Etisalat/Du) | AED 350 – 450 |
| Mobile Package (10–15GB) | AED 100 – 150 |
👕 8. Clothing, Shopping & Personal Care
UAE has plenty of shopping festivals and outlets, but routine costs vary:
| Category | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Clothing | AED 200 – 500 |
| Salon/Barber | AED 50 – 250 |
| Household Items | AED 200 – 400 |
📊 9. Estimated Monthly Cost Breakdown (2025)
| Category | Single (AED) | Couple (AED) | Family of Four (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 4,500 | 6,500 | 9,500 |
| Groceries | 1,000 | 1,800 | 3,200 |
| Transport | 400 | 800 | 1,200 |
| Dining/Leisure | 500 | 1,000 | 1,500 |
| Utilities/Internet | 400 | 600 | 800 |
| Education | – | – | 3,500 |
| Healthcare | 400 | 700 | 1,000 |
🔎 Total Estimate:
- Single: AED 7,000 – 9,000/month
- Couple: AED 10,000 – 12,000/month
- Family of 4: AED 18,000 – 22,000/month
✅ Final Thoughts
The cost of living in UAE for expats in 2025 is manageable—but requires smart budgeting. While cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a luxurious lifestyle, nearby emirates like Sharjah and Ajman offer cost-effective options.
Whether you’re an expat looking to relocate or a long-time resident adjusting to price changes, planning ahead helps make life in the UAE both affordable and enjoyable.
