Using the latest data from late 2025 and 2026 projections, here’s a straightforward look at the monthly budget for a family in Dubai, what it really costs to run a household in Dubai, covering everything from rent and school runs to weekly groceries.
The Big Picture: What Does it Cost in 2026?
Dubai is now the most expensive city in the Middle East for international workers and ranks 15th globally in Mercer’s 2024 rankings. The main reason for this is housing costs.
Without rent, a single person needs about AED 4,085 per month to cover basic expenses. For a family of four, essentials like food, transport, and utilities cost around AED 14,240 to 14,656 each month.
When you include housing, the costs increase a lot. A family of four typically spends between AED 21,000 and AED 43,500 per month, depending on whether you live in the suburbs or in the city centre.
Housing: Your Biggest Expense
Rent is usually your biggest monthly expense. Prices can vary a lot depending on the area and the type of building you choose.
- Apartments: A three-bedroom spot in the city centre averages AED15,266, whereas a similar place further out averages AED10,014. Generally, you’re looking at AED 6,000–10,000 for a standard family apartment.
- Villas: If you want a garden in a family-friendly area like Arabian Ranches or The Springs, expect to pay between AED 12,000 and 25,000 per month.
- Suburban Savings: In areas like Al Nahda or Silicon Oasis, one-bedroom units cost AED 3,000 to 5,000. In Dubai Marina or Business Bay, the same size is AED 6,000 to 9,000.
The Hidden Costs of. Don’t forget the upfront costs. Tenants usually pay a 5% security deposit and a 5% municipality tax on the annual rent. Also, ask about the “chiller” (AC) fees. Some landlords cover these, but often they are separate from your DEWA (electricity and water) bill. If you’re buying, budget for a 4% transfer fee and mortgage registration fees.
Pro Tip: Try to negotiate your payment terms. Rent is usually paid in 2 to 4 cheques per year. If you can arrange more instalments, it will help your monthly cash flow.
Utilities and Connection
Because of the high temperatures, your AC and water bills can go up, especially during the summer.
- Monthly Bills: For a larger family home, expect to pay AED 1,500 to 2,000 for electricity, water, internet, and mobile combined.
- Breakdown: In a smaller one-bedroom, electricity might cost AED 200 to 400, water AED 50 to 100, and cooling AED 150 to 300.
- Internet: A high-speed connection usually costs about AED 340 (approx. USD 92).
Domestic Help
Many families hire help. A full-time live-in or live-out helper earns AED 1,500 to 4,000 per month. If you want a part-time cleaner once a week, it costs about AED 360 to 480 per month.
Food and Dining
Your grocery bill depends a lot on your lifestyle. A family of four typically spends AED 3,500–5,000 a month. Staples are reasonable – a basket with rice, milk, bread, eggs, apples, and chicken is about AED 74.
- Eating Out: This is where expenses can add up. A coffee costs AED 22, a fast-food meal is AED 35, and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is about AED 300.
Saving Tip: Shop at hypermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, or Union Co-op. Imported brands are more expensive, so buy local produce when possible.
Getting Around
Dubai’s public transport is clean and efficient. A monthly pass costs about AED 300, and taxis charge around AED 3 per kilometre.
Still, most families find they need a car.
- Car Costs: A mid-range car starts at over AED 81,000. Fuel costs about AED 3 per litre.
- Total Budget: With insurance (AED 3,700 to 10,000 per year), Salik road tolls (AED 4 per gate), and parking, a family usually spends AED 1,500 to 2,500 per month on transport.
Healthcare
Insurance is required. Employers must cover their employees, but they do not always have to cover spouses or children.
- Cost: The new mandatory Basic Health Insurance Scheme, starting in January 2025, is affordable at AED 320 per year, but the coverage is limited.
- Family Plans: Comprehensive private plans are costly. Expect to pay AED 18,000 to 19,000 per year (about USD 5,000) for good family coverage.
- Out-of-Pocket: Each month, families typically budget AED 1,200 to 2,000 for co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance.
Education: The Other Big Expense
If you have children, this will be a major part of your budget.
- Tuition: Most expats send their children to private schools, which charge between AED 12,723 and 64,903 per year.
- Extras: School buses cost about AED 8,900 per year.
- Early Years: Full-day nursery fees are about AED 2,900 per month.
- Monthly Reality: For two school-aged children, expect to spend AED 5,000 to 15,000 per month on fees, uniforms, and transport.
Leisure and Lifestyle
You can spend as much or as little as you like here. A busy week of museum and cinema visits can cost a family over AED 1,100. Gym memberships are AED 200 to 500, and movie tickets are AED 40 to 60.
But remember, beaches, parks, and community events are often free or very affordable.
Summary: Monthly Costs for a Family of Four
Here’s what a realistic monthly budget looks like for a comfortable life in 2026.
| Housing | 6,000 – 15,000 | Suburban flats start lower; central villas go higher. |
| Utilities | 1,500 – 2,000 | Includes DEWA, cooling, internet, and mobile. |
| Groceries & Dining | 3,500 – 5,000 | Supermarket runs plus occasional meals out. |
| Transport | 1,500 – 2,500 | Car loans, fuel, tolls, or public transport passes. |
| Healthcare | 1,200 – 2,000 | Insurance premiums (if self-paid) and co-pays. |
| Education (2 kids) | 5,000 – 15,000 | Tuition, uniforms, books, and bus fees. |
| Help / Childcare | 2,000 – 4,000 | Full-time nanny salary vs. part-time help. |
| Leisure | 2,000 – 3,000 | Gyms, kids’ activities, and weekend outings. |
| Misc. | 1,000 – 2,000 | Clothes, toiletries, and unexpected costs. |
| TOTAL | AED 22,200 – 45,500+ | (Approx. USD 6,000 – 12,400) |
Can You Afford It?
To comfortably cover these costs, experts recommend a household income of AED 25,000 to 40,000 per month.
Salaries vary hugely by profession:
- Doctors: AED 25k–60k+
- IT Pros: AED 12k–22k
- Engineers: AED 10k–18k
- Teachers: AED 9k–15k
Monthly Budget for a Family in Dubai: Final Advice
Living in Dubai is possible and enjoyable if you plan well. Negotiate for allowances like housing and school fees when you accept a job, as this can make a big difference. You might also consider living closer to work to cut commuting costs, or look at schools in nearby emirates like Sharjah to save on tuition.
With a budget between AED 22,000 and 45,000, a family of four can live well. It all depends on what matters most to you, whether that’s having a villa with a pool or saving for the future.
