Moving to Dubai is exciting but expensive upfront. Many newcomers are caught off guard by costs they didn’t anticipate. This guide provides a realistic financial plan for your first year — from arrival day to year-end.
One-Time Setup Costs
| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent deposit + agent fee | 10,000–25,000 | 1 month advance + 5% commission |
| Ejari registration | 220 | Mandatory for all rentals |
| DEWA (deposit + activation) | 2,110 | 2,000 deposit + 110 fee |
| Furniture | 5,000–20,000 | Or pay more for furnished |
| Total | 18,000–48,000 |
Monthly Budget: Three Scenarios
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 2,500 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| DEWA + Chiller | 450 | 800 | 1,400 |
| Food & Groceries | 1,200 | 2,500 | 4,000 |
| Transport | 350 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Total | ~5,150 | ~10,750 | ~21,000 |
Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
- Chiller fees: AED 150–500/month extra on top of DEWA
- Salik (toll): AED 4 per crossing, adds up to AED 200–400/month
- Municipality housing fee: 5% of annual rent, split monthly via DEWA bill
- Parking: AED 500–800/month in central areas
The Modified 50/20/30 Rule for Dubai
- 50% — Essentials: Rent, utilities, food, transport, insurance
- 20% — Lifestyle: Entertainment, dining, shopping
- 30% — Savings: Savings, remittances, emergency fund
End-of-Service Gratuity
Under UAE labor law: 21 days’ basic salary per year for the first 5 years, then 30 days per year thereafter. Maximum: 2 years’ salary.
FAQ
What’s the minimum salary to live in Dubai?
AED 5,000–6,000/month for bare minimum (shared housing, home cooking, metro only). For comfortable living: AED 10,000+.
Last updated: March 2026. Costs are approximate. Always budget a 10–15% safety margin.
