Cost of Living in Dubai for Couples: Your Guide for 2025

Thinking about moving to Dubai? It’s an exciting journey, but it can be a bit scary too, especially when you start to think about how much everything will cost.

If you’re planning to move there with your partner as a business owner, you might be wondering about the expenses involved. The good news is that the cost of living in Dubai is actually around 38% cheaper than in London, which can make your shift to Dubai a bit easier.

Before making your move, you might want to check out this blog for moving to Dubai from the UK, which covers everything from work to family life.

Dubai is a city full of opportunities and amazing experiences, but living there comes with its own set of costs. Don’t worry, though!

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know. We'll look at average rent for apartments, how much utilities might cost, and what to expect for groceries and dining out.

With this information, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to budget for your new life in Dubai. So, let’s jump in and explore the cost of living in Dubai.

Housing: Average Rent in Dubai

Let's talk about the accommodation first. The rent you pay can vary quite a bit depending on the area you choose, so let’s break it down.

For instance, if you're looking at a 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai Creek Harbour , you can expect to pay around AED 100,000 per year - this amounts to approximately $27,000 for the entire year. Not too great for a space of about 1,400 square feet, right?

It's important to consider your surroundings when selecting a location, especially if you have a family. A place that offers a wholesome environment and easy access to key locations can make all the difference in your daily life. You can learn more about the types of houses in the UAE to match your needs and preferences.

One thing to keep in mind is that renting every month can be pricier compared to paying yearly. If you can, it's usually better to settle the rent in one go for the year. This can save you some money in the long run. While renting, it will be beneficial for you to be familiar with the RERA Rental Index, which gives you a fair estimate of what your rent should be.

If you’re open to exploring options outside the city center, townhouses and apartments in those areas tend to be more affordable. They often offer a bit more space and a calmer environment, which can be a great alternative. And if you’re considering real estate as an opportunity, check out this guide to investing in rental properties in Dubai .

For a point of comparison, if you look at Downtown Toronto, the monthly rent for a similar setup can reach around 3,500 CAD. That’s quite a jump!

Dubai has plenty of options to fit different lifestyles and budgets. Looking for a long-term place? Consider checking out the Mortgage for Off‑Plan Property in Dubai to see how you can turn your rental expenses into a smart investment.

Property Type	Bedrooms	Average Annual Rent (AED)
Apartment	1	54,305
Apartment	2	98,000
Townhouse	2	101,915
Townhouse	3	139,159
Villa	3	170,000
Villa	4	193,168

Utilities & Internet

Living in Dubai comes with its own set of utility costs that many factors can influence.

Let’s break it down so you can get a clearer picture of what to expect for your monthly expenses. To get started with electricity and water, you'll first need to complete your Ejari registration , which is a legal requirement for setting up a DEWA account.

Electricity and Water (DEWA)

If you're renting a typical 2-bedroom apartment, your monthly utilities can vary significantly.

You might find that your electricity and water bills range quite a bit, typically anywhere from AED 300 to AED 800, depending on how much you use and the time of year.

It’s important to keep an eye on your consumption, especially during the hotter months when you’ll likely be using more cooling.

Cooling Fees (Chillers)

Speaking of cooling, if you're in a building with a centralized air conditioning system, you'll need to account for chiller fees as well. These can add another AED 400 to AED 600 to your monthly expenses.

Gas Charges

Gas prices in Dubai are generally lower than in Canada. You can expect to pay around AED 50 for your monthly usage, which is pretty affordable compared to other places.

Health Insurance

If you’re a business owner, budgeting for health insurance is important. It can cost about AED 15,000 a year for a couple, which is roughly USD 4,000.

One thing to note is that in Canada, health insurance is typically covered through taxes, which is a big relief for employees there. If you’re working for a company here, don’t worry too much about health insurance - your employer often covers that for you. For those planning a longer stay, you may also want to learn more about the Dubai Golden Visa for property owners, which offers long-term residency benefits.

Car Insurance

When it comes to car insurance, you’ll find rates to be more budget-friendly in Dubai compared to Canada.

Generally, you should budget around AED 2,000 annually, which is okay to pay for a couple who owns a business in Dubai.

Gas Stations

You might notice that gas stations are less common in Dubai compared to Canada, where they’re on nearly every corner. Here, you’ll find various fuel types such as 91, 95, and 98 octane.

The 95 octane, known as “special,” costs about AED 3.2 (approximately 0.87 USD), while the 98 octane, labelled “super,” goes for AED 3.3 (around 0.90 USD).

High-Speed Internet

In today’s world, having reliable internet is super important. In Dubai, the cost for internet plans typically ranges from AED 300 to AED 600, depending on which provider you choose and what package you select.

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost (AED)
Electricity and Water (DEWA)	300 - 800
Cooling Fees	400 - 600
Gas	50
Health Insurance	1,250 (based on AED 15,000/year for a couple)
Car Insurance	167 (based on AED 2,000/year)
Fuel (Gas Stations)	Varies by usage (AED 3.2-3.3/litre)
High-Speed Internet	300 - 600

Groceries and Dining in Dubai: What to Expect

Like utilities, groceries, and dining out also depend on what you like to eat and where you choose to shop.

Grocery Costs

For budget-friendly buyers, you might spend somewhere in the lower range of AED 480 to AED 600 a month, which allows you to pick up good basics while saving money.

If you find yourself in the average spending category, expect to spend about AED 500 to AED 900 monthly. However, if you prefer a diet that focuses on premium or organic foods, be prepared to spend between AED 1000 and AED 1,500 or even more.

Dining Out in Dubai

Now, let’s talk about eating out. If you’re looking to grab a bite casually, local cafes and eateries typically charge about AED 25 to AED 50 per meal.

For a nice dining experience at mid-range restaurants, budget around AED 150 to AED 200 for a meal for two. And a delicious three-course meal for two will cost you AED 500 up to AED 1,000 or even more.

Fast food lovers will find combo meals at popular chains ranging from AED 35 to AED 50 per person. For instance, grabbing a Big Mac meal will set you back a convenient AED 35.

The following tablewill help you get a basic idea of the eateries.

Item	Price (AED)
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink)	45
Combo meal in a fast food restaurant	34
500g boneless chicken breast	17
1 liter whole-fat milk	7
12 large eggs	12
1 kg tomatoes	6
500g local cheese	17
1 kg apples	9
1 kg potatoes	4.64
0.5L domestic beer (supermarket)	9
1 bottle red table wine (good quality)	58
2 liters of Coca-Cola	7
Bread for two people	5.13

Average Cost of Living in Dubai - Budget Summary

Category	Estimated Cost (AED)
Housing (2-Bed Apartment)	98,000 per year
Utilities & Internet	1,217 - 2,050 per month
Health Insurance	15,000 per year (for a couple)
Car Insurance	2,000 per year
Fuel	3.2-3.3 per liter (varies by usage)
Groceries (average)	500 - 900 per month
Dining Out (average)	25 -200 per meal (varies by restaurant)

Wrapping it Up!

To sum it all up, living in Dubai can be a fun experience full of new adventures. Just remember that the hot weather can make your utility bills higher, so planning ahead is a smart idea.

By observing how much you use, you can keep your expenses in check and enjoy everything the city has to offer. When it comes to food, whether you’re shopping for groceries or eating out, Dubai has plenty of options for every budget and taste.

Keep in mind that the expense estimates we talked about can change depending on how you live and how often you eat out.