Is Dubai expensive? Living and tourism costs

Is Dubai expensive?

Many people wonder if living in Dubai is expensive. The answer is: it is not expensive, as long as you plan your budget wisely. Dubai offers both luxurious options for those seeking an exclusive lifestyle and more affordable solutions for tourists travelling on a budget.

High prices in Dubai can only be found in exclusive shops and restaurants. If you decide to shop in designer boutiques or have dinner in a prestigious restaurant with a view of the Burj Khalifa, the costs can be high. However, everyday expenses such as public transport, eating at local restaurants or shopping at supermarkets are comparable to prices in European cities.

How much does it cost to live in Dubai?

What are the prices in Dubai? It depends mainly on your lifestyle and the choices you make. You can find exclusive apartments and restaurants as well as more budget-friendly options that allow you to live more cheaply.

The cost of living includes housing, food, transport and entertainment. Renting in prestigious neighbourhoods is more expensive, but you can find more affordable options in less popular locations. The same goes for food – elegant restaurants offer high-end dishes, but there are also places serving tasty and inexpensive meals. Public transport is well developed and can be a favourable solution for people who want to save on travel.

Cost of living in Dubai

Is it cheaper to live in Dubai than in Europe? In many aspects, especially when it comes to petrol, public transport and some services. However, renting a flat in a prestigious neighbourhood or shopping in exclusive stores can significantly increase the cost of living.

The cost of living in Dubai can be more favourable compared to Europe due to the lack of income tax and low fuel and transport prices. On the other hand, imported food products and premium services are often more expensive than in European cities.

The costs of tourism in Dubai

When planning a trip to Dubai, it is worth planning your tourist budget in Dubai well, as the city offers attractions for both budget travellers and those looking for luxury experiences. How much do tourist attractions in Dubai cost? Contrary to appearances, the prices of tourist attractions in Dubai are really not high, especially if you take advantage of tour packages.

It is worth taking advantage of the attractions offered by our travel agency Two Continents, which provides unforgettable experiences such as the ‘Dubai City’ tour, a desert safari, or a yacht cruise.

Cost of living in Dubai

Dubai is a city full of contrasts, offering countless possibilities. Before moving to Dubai, it is worth knowing what to look out for in terms of living costs.

In the following article, you will find out what the typical expenses in Dubai are. You will learn what to consider when planning to live in this dynamic city and how to optimise your budget to enjoy everything Dubai has to offer.

Rental prices in Dubai

What do you need to know about rental prices in Dubai? First of all, the choice of neighbourhood has a huge impact on the rental cost – in prestigious locations, prices are much higher than on the outskirts of the city. What are the rental prices for apartments in Dubai? In central districts such as Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai, a one-bedroom apartment starts at around AED 5,000 per month (EUR 1200). In contrast, in cheaper areas such as International City or Al Nahda, you can find properties for up to half the price.

Rental prices in Dubai are relatively high compared to other cities, but still competitive with metropolises such as London or New York.

Food prices in Dubai

Dubai offers a wide range of dining options, from luxury restaurants to affordable eateries serving cuisine from all over the world. What are the prices in Dubai's restaurants? It depends on the type of restaurant. You can expect higher bills in exclusive places, while restaurants serving Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine often offer affordable dishes for up to AED 50 (EUR 12).

How much does food cost in Dubai? Average food costs vary. Prices are really low in the VIVA supermarket. You will pay about the same for basic groceries as in your home country. Fruit, drinks and ready meals can be cheaper. Meat and dairy products are unfortunately a bit more expensive.

The prices of food and drinks in Dubai also depend on the location – in shopping centres and near popular tourist attractions, they can be higher, while in less touristy neighbourhoods, it is easier to find cheaper options.

Transport prices in Dubai

Is public transport in Dubai expensive? No, compared to many large cities in the world, public transport in Dubai is relatively cheap and well developed. The metro, trams, buses and water taxis are popular options that allow you to move around the city comfortably.

What should I know about transport costs in Dubai? The metro is one of the cheapest options to travel – ticket prices start at a few AED and the maximum fare is around a dozen AED, depending on the zone. The NOL card system allows for convenient payments for the metro, trams and buses.

Taxis are also competitively priced compared to other cities. A taxi from Dubai Marina to the airport will cost around AED 100, while a trip to Downtown Dubai will cost around AED 50 (EUR 12).

Prices in Dubai for tourists

Is a holiday in Dubai expensive? Contrary to popular belief, a holiday in Dubai does not have to be expensive. The city offers a wide range of options for both luxury travellers and those planning a budget stay.

The costs of a holiday in Dubai depend mainly on individual preferences. In Dubai, you can find both five-star hotels in prestigious locations and cheaper apartments or hostels. Public transport is cheap, and many attractions, such as beaches or traditional souks, can be visited for free or for a nominal fee.

Hotel prices in Dubai

What are the average hotel prices in Dubai? It all depends on the location and standard of the hotel. Luxury hotels in prestigious areas such as Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah can cost up to several thousand AED per night. On the other hand, in more budget-friendly locations such as Deira or Al Barsha, you can find comfortable accommodation at a lower price.

How much will you pay for accommodation in Dubai? Standard hotel prices range from AED 150 (EUR 37) to AED 250 (EUR 62) per person per night. If you want to save money, consider renting an apartment. By booking our accommodation in Dubai Marina through the Two Continents platform, you avoid additional fees while enjoying a comfortable and well-located place to stay.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• Is life in Dubai cheaper than in Europe?

In many aspects, yes, especially when comparing the prices of fuel, public transport and some services. However, renting apartments in prestigious neighbourhoods and shopping in exclusive stores can significantly increase the cost of living.

• How much does food cost in Dubai?

Average food costs vary. In the VIVA supermarket, prices are really low. You will pay about the same for basic groceries as in Germany. Fruit, drinks and ready meals can be cheaper. Meat and dairy products are unfortunately a bit more expensive.

• How much will you pay for accommodation in Dubai?

Standard hotel prices range from 150 (EUR 37) to AED 250 (EUR 62) per person per night. If you want to save money, consider renting an apartment.