Dubai is one of the most glamorous cities in the world — known for its ultramodern skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and endless opportunities. But for single expats who move here to build a better life, reality often hits differently.
While the city offers high salaries and tax-free income, the cost of living can quickly climb if you don’t manage your expenses well. Whether you’re an entry-level executive, a mid-career professional, or a freelancer hustling for gigs, knowing how much it actually costs to live solo in Dubai is essential for survival and peace of mind.
Let’s break down the realistic monthly expenses a single expat might expect to pay — with no sugarcoating, just facts, figures, and a few life lessons along the way.
Rent: The Biggest Slice of the Pie
The largest portion of any expat’s monthly expenses is rent. Accommodation in Dubai varies drastically depending on the location, type, and whether you live alone or share.
If you’re renting a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a mid-range area like Al Barsha, Business Bay, or JVC, you can expect to pay between AED 3,500 to AED 6,500 per month. In premium areas like Dubai Marina or Downtown, a single-bedroom flat can easily go beyond AED 7,000–10,000 per month.
Many single expats choose shared apartments to cut costs. In shared flats, rent for a private room ranges from AED 1,500 to AED 3,000, depending on the area and the quality of the building.
Don’t forget — some landlords ask for annual payments upfront, while others accept monthly installments. Agencies may also charge commission fees (5% of annual rent) and a security deposit, which can hit your wallet hard during the move-in month.
Average monthly rent for a single expat:
• Shared Room: AED 1,800–2,500
• Studio/1BHK: AED 4,000–6,000
DEWA (Electricity, Water, Cooling): Unseen But Essential
After rent, your next monthly cost will be DEWA bills, which cover electricity, water, and (often) district cooling. In summer months, especially between May and September, bills spike due to non-stop AC usage.
For a single person in a studio or one-bedroom flat, expect to pay AED 300 to AED 600 per month. If you’re in a shared setup, your share of the utility bill may range between AED 150 and AED 250.
Pro tip: Always check if cooling is included in your building’s maintenance fee. In older buildings, cooling charges can be separate and very expensive.
Internet and Mobile Plans: Staying Connected Costs
In Dubai, you have two major telecom providers: Du and Etisalat. Home Wi-Fi typically costs AED 300–400 per month. Most people sign up for a 12- or 24-month package with installation and router provided.
For mobile, postpaid plans with enough data (10–15 GB) and local calls fall between AED 125 and AED 250 monthly. If you’re a heavy user of international calls or data, the bill can easily cross AED 350.
Many expats opt for internet + TV + landline bundles, which average AED 350–500 a month — though most single people skip the TV part.
Average monthly cost:
• Internet: AED 300
• Mobile: AED 150–250
Transportation: Metro vs Car Life
Getting around Dubai depends entirely on your lifestyle.
If you use the Dubai Metro, buses, and trams, a monthly Nol card (for unlimited travel in 1–2 zones) costs around AED 270–350. Public transport is clean, efficient, and budget-friendly.
But many single expats eventually buy or lease a car, which brings additional costs like petrol, insurance, Salik (toll), and parking. Monthly car expenses can range from AED 1,000 (small car, used) to AED 2,500+ (leased new car).
Fuel is relatively cheap (compared to Europe), but Dubai’s love for driving means you’ll likely end up using more than you think — especially if you live far from work.
Average monthly transport cost:
• Metro user: AED 300–400
• Car owner: AED 1,200–2,500+
Groceries and Food: Cook or Dine Out?
Food is another expense that varies based on personal habits. If you cook at home, groceries for one person cost about AED 700–1,000 per month. Items like rice, chicken, eggs, milk, and vegetables are reasonably priced at places like Carrefour, Lulu, or Union Coop.
However, Dubai is a city where dining out is tempting — and often expensive. A casual meal at a restaurant costs AED 40–60, while a mid-range dinner might set you back AED 100–150. Daily coffee runs, food deliveries, and weekend brunches can quickly balloon your food budget.
Most single expats spend around AED 1,000–1,500 monthly on a mix of groceries and eating out.
Average monthly food cost: AED 1,000–1,500
Entertainment and Lifestyle: The Dubai Temptation
This is where things get tricky — and personal. Dubai offers unmatched nightlife, malls, brunches, gyms, cafes, and beach clubs. If you’re social and active, this category can blow up your monthly expenses fast.
Gym memberships cost AED 200–500 depending on the brand and location. Brunches are typically AED 250–400 per session. Movies, events, concerts, and outings can easily total AED 500–1,000 if you’re going out often.
Some people live on tight budgets and avoid most paid events, while others spend freely on lifestyle. It depends on your priorities.
Average lifestyle cost for singles: AED 700–1,200
Visa, Insurance, and Emergency Funds
Most employers sponsor your residency visa and health insurance, but if you’re a freelancer or on a partner visa, you may need to pay for these annually.
Visa fees (including Emirates ID, medical tests, etc.) can cost AED 3,500–7,000 per year. Divide that into a monthly budget of AED 300–600 if you’re self-funding.
Health insurance plans start from AED 1,000 annually for basic coverage and go up depending on your age, job, and provider.
It’s also smart to keep an emergency fund of at least 2–3 months’ expenses. Many expats fail to plan for this — and it’s one of the reasons people end up leaving when things go wrong.
Miscellaneous: The Little Things Add Up
There are always other costs: salon visits, laundry, home items, Netflix, clothing, medicines, and gifts. These “invisible expenses” can add AED 300–700 per month, depending on how you live.
And if you have family back home, remittances can be a regular outflow too. Always include this in your budget planning.
Sample Monthly Budget for a Single Expat in Dubai
Let’s assume you’re a mid-level working professional in a shared apartment setup.
• Rent (shared flat): AED 2,200
• DEWA: AED 200
• Internet + Mobile: AED 450
• Transport (metro user): AED 300
• Food + groceries: AED 1,200
• Lifestyle (gym, outings, etc): AED 800
• Miscellaneous: AED 400
Total: ~AED 5,550 per month
If you live alone in your own studio, swap rent + DEWA to around AED 5,500–6,000, and your total expenses would land between AED 8,000–9,000 per month.
Final Thoughts: Live Smart, Not Just Large
Dubai can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. The city offers extremes — from budget life to high-end luxury — and as a single expat, your choices shape your financial journey.
The key is awareness. Know where your money is going. Track your expenses. Avoid trying to keep up with Instagram lifestyles that don’t match your income. Build an emergency buffer, be mindful with credit cards, and prioritize needs over trends.
You can live comfortably in Dubai without draining your soul or salary. It just takes planning, discipline, and a willingness to say “no” to the pressure of appearances.
Remember: You didn’t move to Dubai to feel broke in a fancy city. You came to build something better. And you absolutely can — one smart dirham at a time.
Follow us on instagram: UAE STORIES
Is it Possible to Survive in Dubai on AED 3000 Salary?
