I did the math on a napkin. No tax? I’d be rich! I imagined weekends on yachts and driving a Lamborghini to the grocery store.
Then I actually moved here.
Don’t get me wrong. Dubai is an incredible place to live. It’s safe, clean, and full of energy. But my first trip to the supermarket was a shock. Why were the strawberries 40 dirhams? Signing my first rent cheque was painful, too.
The tax-free paycheck is real, but so is the cost of living. If you’re browsing LinkedIn job offers or thinking about moving to the UAE in 2025, don’t get distracted by flashy Instagram posts. Focus on the real numbers.
After years of living here, here’s my honest breakdown of a good salary in Dubai and what you really need to earn to have a good life in Dubai.
The “Golden Numbers”: What Should You Ask For?
When friends ask if 15k is a good salary, I always say it depends. Are you single, or do you have three kids and a Golden Retriever?
Here’s the guideline I share for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. This means you can save, eat out sometimes, and live in a nice area.
| Household Type | The “Survival” Zone | The “Comfortable” Zone | The “Thriving” Zone |
| Single | AED 8k – 10k | AED 12k – 15k | AED 20k+ |
| Couple | AED 14k – 16k | AED 18k – 25k | AED 30k+ |
| Family (2 Kids) | AED 20k – 22k | AED 25k – 35k | AED 45k+ |
Insider note: If a recruiter says the average salary is 15k, remember that averages can be misleading. Focus on the Comfortable Zone column if you want to enjoy your time here.
Where Does the Money Actually Go?
Let’s look at a typical monthly budget. I’m leaving out rent for now because it can change a lot depending on whether you want a view of the Burj Khalifa or a quieter place in the suburbs.
If you’re single, expect to spend about AED 4,200 a month on things like groceries, AC bills, transport, and weekend brunches.
If you have a family of four, expect to spend about AED 14,700 a month before rent. Kids eat a lot, and family activities add up quickly.
The “Big Three” Expenses That Will Shock You
Housing is the most significant expense. Rents have gone up a lot in the last two years.
Bachelor Pad: A decent 1-bedroom in a fun area like the Marina or Downtown will set you back AED 6k–9k a month.
Family Villa: If you want a garden for the kids, expect to pay at least AED 12k to 15k a month.
My advice: Check out the suburbs like JVC, Silicon Oasis, or Town Square. You get much more space for your money, and the communities are great.
Schooling can be a big challenge for families. This is what often surprises new expat parents. Private international schools are common here and expensive.
Fees: Expect to pay AED 20k to AED 80k+ per child, per year.
Negotiation tip: If you have kids, don’t just look at the base salary. Try to get an education allowance. It’s extremely valuable.
The setup costs in your first month can be a surprise. To get an apartment, you usually need to pay a 5% security deposit, a 5% agent fee, and utility deposits. You can easily spend AED 25,000 in your first week just getting your home ready. Make sure you have savings.
Real-Life Scenarios: What 20k Actually Looks Like
Let’s put this into perspective.
Take Sarah, a Project Manager earning AED 20,000 a month. She’s single and rents a lovely one-bedroom in the Marina for 8k. She spends 4k on bills and food, leaving her with 8,000 dirhams each month. She travels, saves, and enjoys the Dubai lifestyle.
Now consider Dave, a married dad earning AED 25,000. It sounds like a lot, but he pays 10k for a townhouse in the suburbs. School fees are about 6k a month, and family living costs are 8k. He only has 1,000 dirhams left each month and feels stressed, living paycheck to paycheck.
The lesson: What counts as a good salary depends entirely on how many people rely on you.
What is a Good Salary in Dubai? My Final Take
Dubai can be a great place to boost your career and savings, as long as you do the math first.
Don’t let the idea of tax-free income distract you from the real cost of living. If you’re negotiating a job offer, open Excel, enter the rent prices from Property Finder, add school fees, and see what’s left. The numbers work, pack your bags. The sun is shining, the food is fantastic, and despite the rent prices, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Are you working on a job offer? Share your package details and family size in the comments, and I’ll let you know if it’s realistic.
