Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dubai has rocketed over the last few years. Rents and property prices have seen particularly large increases. Good news for those who bought early but not so welcome for new arrivals.

A 2007 survey ranked Dubai as the 34th most expensive city in the world.

Big housing and educational allowances are becoming increasingly rare. There is simply too much competition in the jobs market. Workers with children should bear in mind that school fees will take a significant chunk of their salary.

The table below shows typical prices in Dubai in 2008. Prices are converted to dollars, pounds, and Euros using live exchange rates.

Item AED USD GBP EUR
Soft drink (can purchased from shop) 1
Newspaper (local) 2
Potatoes (1 kg) 3
Petrol (1 gallon) 6.25
Cigarettes (pack of 20) 7
Eggs (1 dozen) 8
Butter (400g) 8
Milk (1 litre) 10
Big Mac 14
Mineral water (5 star hotel) 20
Beer (pint) 25
Cinema ticket 30
Internet (per month) 200
Ticket Dubai Desert Rock Festival (1 day) 250
Maid (monthly wage) 1500
Rent (annual) – studio – International City 40000
Rent (annual) – 1 bedroom apartment – International City 55000
Rent (annual) – 2 bedroom villa – Mirdif 110000
Rent (annual) – 3 bedroom villa – Mirdif 130000
Rent (annual) – 2 bedroom apartment – Jumeirah Beach Residence 155000
Rent (annual) – 4 bedroom villa – Mirdif 175000
Rent (annual) – 3 bedroom apartment – Jumeirah Beach Residence 175000
Villa – 2 bedrooms – Emirates Hills 1900000
Villa – 2 bedrooms – Arabian Ranches 2000000
Apartment – 3 bedrooms – Dubai Marina 4000000
Villa – 4 bedrooms – Dubai Sports City 5000000
Rent (annual) - 4 bedroom villa Arabian Ranches 250000
Villa – 4 bedrooms – Palm Jumeirah 13000000
Kindergarten (annual fees) 15000 - 30000 - - -
Primary school (annual fees) 25000 - 60000 - - -
Secondary school (annual fees) 40000 - 65000 - - -

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