Moving to the UAE is an exciting step into a new world. But the nearly limitless opportunities available in the Emirates don’t always come cheap. The cost of living for a single person in the UAE can be high, and creating a clear budget is essential for your financial security and peace of mind.
At Remitly, we’re all about empowering people to make informed decisions about money. And understanding how much you can expect to spend as a solo traveller will help you plan for your new life in the UAE.
In this article, we’ll help you create a realistic budget. Whether you’re a new immigrant or a current resident looking to manage your finances better, these steps will help you take control of your financial well-being.
Accommodation: your biggest expense
When it comes to living costs for a single person in the UAE, rent may be your biggest expense. In fact, like many people here, more than half of your income might wind up going to housing.
However, accommodation costs differ from one Emirate to another. The price tag can also vary widely depending on where you live and the type of house you choose. For example, you’ll see a significant price difference between Downtown Dubai and an outer district like JVC.
Let’s look at the expected cost to rent a one-bedroom flat across the UAE:
Dubai
| Neighbourhood | Average Annual Rents |
| Palm Jumeirah | 153,374 AED |
| Dubai Marina | 95,420 AED |
| Business Bay | 91,901 AED |
| Downtown Dubai | 120,039 AED |
| Jumeirah Lake Towers | 81,965 AED |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | 67,568 AED |
| Dubai Sports City | 53,717 AED |
Abu Dhabi
| Neighbourhood | Average Annual Rents |
| Abu Dhabi mainland | 55,000 AED |
| Al Reem Island | 86,000 AED |
Sharjah
| Neighbourhood | Average Annual Rents |
| Al Nahda | 31,000 AED |
| Al Majaz | 33,000 AED |
| Muwaileh | 35,000 AED |
Upfront costs and additional fees
Besides high rent in the UAE, many landlords also require security deposits that may be equivalent to one month’s payment or more. If you go through a rental agency, you may also be required to cover agency fees—often up to a month’s rent or a percentage of the annual rent. That means you’ll have a lot of upfront costs when you first move into a new place.
For many, sharing accommodation might be a more affordable option. The UAE is home to many expats in a similar situation. Splitting the rent and utilities with someone else can give you some room to breathe.
Forums like Facebook and Reddit, as well as apps like Roomster and Homebook, can help you find people looking for shared accommodation.
Utilities and bills: staying connected
Once you’ve found a place to live, you also need to pay for utilities. Electricity, water, gas, air conditioning, and internet costs are often not included in your rent. In particular, cooling systems are essential in the UAE during the long summer months, but these extras can add up, especially in expensive cities like Dubai or central Abu Dhabi.
Let’s look at these recurring costs more in depth.
Electricity, water, and cooling
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) is the city’s main utility provider. Here, the average cost of utilities for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from about 500 to 1,500 AED per month. Naturally, the less you use, the less you’ll pay. If you have a private pool or a garden, you can expect to pay significantly more.
Meanwhile, under the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC), electricity costs are slightly more expensive than in Dubai. But it won’t make a big difference to your bills: expect to spend 900–1,400 AED per month on utilities.
Other bills
Along with electricity and water payments, you also need to factor in the price of staying connected. Mobile phone and Internet packages can vary in price from one provider to another, so shop around to get the best deal.
Here are some examples from the major UAE providers:
| Provider/Plan | Monthly Price (AED) | What’s Included |
| Etisalat Home Wireless plans (5G, unlimited data) | 199–229/month | Plug-and-play router, unlimited data, 5G (suitable for smaller flats) |
| Etisalat Fibre / eLife / Starter home internet plans | From 99/month | Good for heavier internet use (streaming, remote work, etc.) |
| du – Home Wireless (5G) | 229/month | Unlimited data via 5G router, no landline needed |
| du Entry-level home plan / basic fibre or wireless bundles | 272–279/month | Depends on the package; promo offers may lower the starting price. |
Mobile phone
You can often get a mobile phone from your Internet service provider.
For a standalone cellphone, du offers flexible plans that let you choose how much data you’ll need and how many call minutes you require. For example, 10 GB of data and 120 minutes of local and international calls cost 169 AED per month. You can cut your monthly bill in half by prepaying for a year.
Etisalat offers plans with unlimited local data and some roaming data, combined with both local and international calling minutes. The Non-Stop Data Plan 250 Flexi plan, for instance, gives you 500 local and international flexi minutes along with 200 MB of roaming data. It’s available for 250 AED a month with a 12-month commitment.
Groceries and food: from supermarkets to dining out
Groceries are another cost that we all have to factor into our budget. But they can differ a lot, depending on what you eat and where you shop. For a single person, your grocery bill could be anywhere from 400 to 800 AED or more.
Some example grocery prices:
- 1L regular milk: 6.67 AED
- 1kg of white rice: 8 AED
- 1kg chicken fillets: 31.72 AED
- 500 g loaf of white bread: 5.25 AED
Of course, you can save a lot of money by shopping smart. Sign up for loyalty schemes and weekly communications from local retailers like Carrefour, Lulu and Spinneys, and compare prices regularly to get the best deals.
Dining out
The UAE is known for offering some of the most lavish dining experiences anywhere in the world. There’s no limit to what you can spend on meals here.
But besides the glitzy high-end restaurants the Emirates are known for, there are plenty of more down-to-earth places where you can get a good meal.
- You can eat at an inexpensive restaurant for around 30 AED.
- Meanwhile, if you want something more upscale, dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant could set you back around 230 AED, excluding drinks.
Transportation: getting around the Emirates
You’ll also need a plan for how you’ll navigate the UAE. Getting to work, the grocery store, or running errands doesn’t have to be a big part of your budget, but it’s worth considering all the same.
To use public transit in Dubai, you need the Nol card. The fare for a ride on the metro, tram, or bus is based on how many city zones you travel across. A one-zone ride costs 3 AED, while crossing into another zone will cost 5 AED.
If you use public transportation regularly, consider getting a pass. For example, an all-zone pass costs 110 AED for seven days, and 350 AED for 30 days.
Taxis
Taxis in Dubai start at a base fare of 12 AED, then charge another 2.50 AED for each kilometre travelled. That means a trip of 10–20km could cost you anywhere from 50 to 70 AED.
They’re significantly more expensive than public transit, so if you’re on a budget, it’s better to avoid taking a taxi unless you absolutely have to.
Owning a car
Thanks to the vast oil reserves in this part of the world, fuel is very affordable here. For example, a litre of petrol currently costs around 2.50 AED. That makes driving in the UAE much cheaper than in most other countries.
Beyond fuel, however, you also need to consider costs such as insurance, maintenance, parking, and tolls. It’s difficult to put a number on these, as they depend on how much you drive. However, keeping a car on the road can cost hundreds of dirhams per month. Still, given the low price of fuel, it might be a good option if you travel a lot.
Leisure and entertainment: enjoying your downtime
There’s more to life than work. Leisure and entertainment are usually the first things you cut when trying to stick to a tight budget. But experts agree you’ll have a much better quality of life if you set aside a little extra to treat yourself and have some fun occasionally.
Let’s take a look at some of the costs of entertainment and lifestyle purchases you may want to make:
- Gym membership: 250–400 AED per month
- Cinema ticket: 50 AED
- Cappuccino at the coffee shop: 20 AED
Of course, there are lots of free things to do to enjoy yourself. Visiting museums, cultural centres, public beaches, and parks doesn’t have to cost you a thing. In fact, it can be a great way to enjoy the best of living in the UAE while protecting your savings.
Sample monthly budget
Now that you have a clear idea of what things cost here, you can think about creating a budget.
Your financial plan will depend on the kind of lifestyle you want to live. So, we’ll break down both a budget-conscious lifestyle and one that’s more mid-range to give you a clear idea of the cost of living in the UAE for a single person.
| Expense | Budget-conscious | Mid-range |
| Rent
(one-bedroom) |
2,583 AED | 7,952 AED |
| Utilities
(electricity, water, gas, AC) |
400 AED | 600 AED |
| Home Internet | 199 AED | 299 AED |
| Mobile phone | 84 AED | 250 AED |
| Groceries | 400 AED | 800 AED |
| Dining out | 120 AED
(4 inexpensive meals) |
460 AED
(2 mid-range dinners for two) |
| Public transport | 60 AED
(occasional metro rides) |
350 AED
(30-day all-zone Nol pass) |
| Taxis/ride-hailing | 50 AED
(1 short ride) |
140 AED
(2–3 short trips) |
| Leisure & Entertainment | 70 AED
(1 movie + 1 cappuccino) |
400 AED
(gym + cinema + cafés) |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | 3,966 AED | 11,251 AED |
The cost of living in the UAE
Just like anywhere else, you have a lot of control over how much it will cost you to live in the UAE. While rent, utilities, and entertainment can be expensive here, with proper financial planning, a single person can live quite comfortably without needing a high income.
Understanding where your money goes is the first step to living within your means. Separate the purchases you need to make from the things you want, so that you have a more realistic idea of what your lifestyle actually costs. Then, take a look at how much you earn. You may find that your money will go further than you think.
A move to the UAE can be a rewarding experience. Now that you have a good idea of what life here will cost, you can decide whether this step is the right choice for you.
FAQs
What is a good salary for a single person in the UAE?
A good salary for a single person in the UAE is around 12,000 to 18,000 AED per month. Such an income allows you to live a comfortable lifestyle, with room for entertainment and savings.
Is it cheaper to live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is slightly cheaper than Dubai, but the difference isn’t substantial. Grocery and utility costs are priced similarly, but rents tend to be higher in Dubai, especially in popular areas like Dubai Marina.
How can I save money while living in the UAE?
While living costs in the UAE are higher than in some other parts of the world, adopting various strategies could help you save money. For example, you can choose to cook at home instead of relying on restaurants, use public transport whenever possible, and live in budget-friendly neighbourhoods or consider shared accommodation.
What can we expect for the cost of living in the UAE by 2026?
The cost of living in the UAE is expected to rise gradually due to inflation. However, the Emirati government continues to invest in housing and infrastructure to help prevent any dramatic increases. 2026 will likely see slight increases rather than huge spikes.