Dubai · AED · very high cost city
Cost of living in Dubai — is your salary enough?
Dubai median apartment rent is approximately AED 8,000/month, with strong demand from expat professionals driving prices higher. Dubai's zero income tax significantly boosts take-home pay, and high-earners can save substantially — but mid-income expats face high living costs.
Rent in Dubai
BudgetAED6,000 – AED7,200/mo
TypicalAED8,000 – AED9,200/mo
PremiumAED10,400+/mo
Other monthly costs
Food, transport, bills, going out~AED9,000/mo
Total typical monthly spend~AED17,000/mo
How different incomes stack up
At typical Dubai costs (AED8,000 rent)
AED100,000 – AED160,000→ saving -56.9%
CriticalAED160,000 – AED240,000→ saving -2%
CriticalAED240,000 – AED360,000→ saving 32%
On TrackSee your personal verdict for Dubai
Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from UAE Federal Competitiveness & Statistics Authority 2022. Figures in AED.
Also in the Verdict suite