Wondering about the cost of living in Dubai compared to the UK? You’re not alone. Dubai remains one of the most attractive destinations for British expats, with over 80% of its population made up of foreigners. Thanks to zero income tax, golden visa options, and a luxurious lifestyle, it’s no surprise that more people from the UK are considering a move to the UAE.
In this guide, we explore the cost of living in Dubai in 2025, how much you’ll really need, and how it stacks up against living in the UK. Whether you’re planning your removals to Dubai for work, lifestyle, or financial reasons, we break down everything from rent and groceries to education and healthcare, so you can decide if Dubai is really cheaper than the UK.
Table of Contents
Is it Expensive to Live in Dubai?
It is becoming increasingly more expensive to live in Dubai, with a recent report from ranking Dubai the 15th most expensive place to live in the world and the costliest in the Middle East. Rent is the most expensive cost when it comes to living in Dubai, especially if you’re living in areas like Downtown, Marina, or JBR. In fact, monthly year-on-year, with luxury apartments seeing the biggest hike by 25-30%.
Whilst living costs are on the rise, salaries have remained flat. A survey by found that despite the economic growth, average salaries are projected to remain flat in 2025. Around 26% of businesses have stated that they won’t be increasing salaries in 2025, either. This stagnation, coupled with a hefty rent increase, poses financial challenges for middle-income professionals.
How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Dubai?
The amount of money you’ll need to live in Dubai will depend on your lifestyle, location, preferences, and family size. It’s estimated that a family of four need around , whilst a single person needs approximately £849 (AED 4,106). This looks at factors such as groceries, education, and transport, but doesn’t include housing.
Our experts at 91ÁÔÆæ estimate it will cost between £10,000 and £20,000 to move to Dubai from the UK. This includes everything from visa costs, flights, and shipping your belongings. For a detailed breakdown on how much it costs to move to Dubai, read our in-depth blog post.
Cost of Living in Dubai vs the UK
Whilst the cost of living in Dubai is high, it remains more affordable than London, which ranks the in the world, compared to Dubai at 15th.
Rent, restaurant and grocery prices are all significantly more affordable in Dubai compared to the UK’s capital. It’s important to remember that although Dubai benefits from being income-tax free, you’ll have to factor in healthcare costs, unlike in the UK where this is generally free.
The price of olive oil in London has shot up by in the last year, compared to just 7% in Dubai. Egg prices have risen by 7% in Dubai, and just 3.6% in London. Haircut costs have gone down in Dubai by -1.2% and increased by 7.2% in London. Gasoline prices have dropped in both Dubai and London by -7.5% and 3.2%, respectively.
Below we compare the cost of living in Dubai with London so you know what to expect.
| Item | Dubai | London |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | 8,756.68 AED (£1,838) | £2,152.50 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre | 17,859.33 AED (£3,781.70) | £13,403.96 |
| Monthly salary after tax | 12,841.11 AED (£2,719.09) | £3,737.85 |
| 3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant | 300.00 AED (£63.52) | £80 |
| 1 litre of milk | 7.26 AED (£1.54) | £1.31 |
| 1kg chicken fillets | 31.07 AED (£6.58) | £7.34 |
| Monthly travel pass | 300.00 AED (£63.52) | £200 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | 722.09 AED (£152.90) | £289.67 |
| Monthly gym membership | 320.90 AED (£67.95) | £45.49 |
| Monthly private preschool | 2,885.29 AED (£610.96) | £1,815.85 |
Rising Rent Costs in Dubai
Rent in Dubai varies depending on where exactly you want to live. With rising costs over the last year and typical bulk payments, this is typically more expensive than in the UK. To rent a 3-bedroom city centre apartment in Dubai, it’ll cost (£3,640.31) per month. If you are paying annually or biannually, this will cost AED 203,070 (£43,700.66) or AED 101,535 (£21,850.33) upfront.
Typically, the further away from the city centre and popular locations, the cheaper rental prices become. Here are some costs for monthly, biannually, and annual rents in popular locations for 2-bedroom properties.
| Location | Monthly Rent Cost | Biannual Rent Cost | Annual Rent Cost |
| Palm Jumeirah | AED 20,731.33 | AED 124,388 | AED 248,776 |
| Dubai Marina | AED 11,517.33 | AED 69,104 | AED 138,208 |
| Business Bay | AED 11,503.92 | AED 69,023.50 | AED 138,047 |
| Downtown Dubai | AED 15,656.67 | AED 93,940 | AED 187,880 |
| Dubai Hills Estate | AED 11,451.42 | AED 68,708.50 | AED 137,417 |
| Dubai Sports City | AED 6,149.25 | AED 36,895.50 | AED 73,791 |
| Dubai Creek Harbour | AED 11,854.33 | AED 71,122 | AED 142,244 |
| Jumeirah Beach Residence (1-bedroom) | AED 11,503.92 | AED 69,023.50 | AED 138,047 |
There are some key areas that have become popular for the large expat community. If you want to be close to a thriving expat community, then look at Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence, where you should expect to pay around 140,000 AED (£30,128) annually. If you head out further to the Al Qusais or Mirdif areas, you can cut that rental price in half for a two-bed flat, making the cost of living in Dubai much better.
When renting property in Dubai, payment terms are quite different from what most UK renters are used to. Instead of monthly payments, landlords typically ask for rent to be paid in bulk using post-dated cheques. These are cheques dated for future months, which the landlord deposits on the agreed dates. Common payment schemes include either 1 cheque, 2 cheques, or 4 cheques, paying quarterly for rent. Some landlords may offer 6 or 12 cheques if they are flexible, but be prepared for higher rents.
Transport Costs in Dubai
Travel is much more affordable in Dubai compared to London. A monthly travel pass in Dubai costs AED 300 (£63.52), whereas the same would cost £200 in London. The Dubai Metro is one of the most advanced and efficient rail systems in the world, featuring two lines, the Red Line and the Green Line, and a third line currently under construction. The metro covers many major areas, but it doesn’t yet extend to all neighbourhoods, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, the Dubai Tram system runs in areas like Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and connects directly with the metro.
While the metro and tram systems are great for certain areas, the distances across the city can be quite large. For this reason, many people choose to drive. Owning a car in Dubai can be relatively affordable compared to cities like London, especially when considering fuel costs. Gasoline prices in Dubai are considerably lower, AED 3.06 (roughly £0.65) per litre, while in London, the same litre can cost up to £1.51. This difference makes driving a more cost-effective option for many expats.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Dubai
If you’re moving to Dubai from the UK, then one big cost difference you’ll face is healthcare. Unlike the UK’s free healthcare, the NHS, residents in Dubai must pay for health insurance to access healthcare. Once you have become a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID and residency visa, you can apply for a Dubai that gives you subsidised costs for public healthcare services. The card costs AED 320 per year for UK expats who are residents, and is free for nationals.
For those with a Health Card, you can expect to pay the following for popular services:
- GP Visit : AED 100 or less
- Specialist Visit: AED 150 – 300
- ER Visit: AED 200 – 500
Average Health Insurance Costs
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Fortunately, many employers cover at least a basic insurance plan for their employees. Here are some average costs for a range of healthcare insurance plans in Dubai.
| Insurance Plan | Annual Cost | GBP |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Individual Plan | AED 700 – 2,000 | £150 – £430 |
| Comprehensive Individual Plan | AED 3,000 – 8,000 | £645 – £1,720 |
| Family Coverage (4 members) | AED 15,000 – 25,000 | £3,220 – £5,375 |
Removals to Dubai From the UK
Once you’ve worked out the cost of living in Dubai, the next step in moving overseas and becoming an expat is to think about your removals to Dubai. At 91ÁÔÆæ, we can take care of everything for you. Simply ask for a quote to find out exactly how much it will cost you to move to Dubai and take advantage of our safer packing and faster shipping.
FAQs
Is Dubai cheaper to live than the UK?
Yes, it’s 37.7% cheaper to live in Dubai than in the UK (London). While Dubai offers tax-free income and certain goods and services at lower prices, some expenses, such as housing and schooling, can be higher than in the UK. The overall cost of living depends on individual lifestyle choices and family size. For instance, while groceries and dining out may be more affordable, international school fees and certain imported goods can be costly.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dubai?
Numbeo reports that the average person would need around 23,525.1 AED (£4,985) a month to live the same standard in London with £6,800. The average monthly salary in Dubai is 12,841.11 AED (£2,719.09).
Do I Need to Own a Car in Dubai?
No, you don’t need to own a car in Dubai as public transport is well established and affordable. It’ll cost AED 300.00 (£62.03) for a monthly travel pass, compared to AED 870.61 (£180) in London. Many residents do however prefer to own a car due to the city’s sprawling nature and with much lower petrol prices than the UK, it’s affordable too.
Are Salaries in Dubai Keeping Up with Living Costs?
Despite Dubai’s growing economy, average salaries have remained relatively flat, posing challenges for middle-income professionals as living costs, particularly housing, continue to rise. This disparity can impact disposable income and savings potential for many residents.​
About 91ÁÔÆæ
91ÁÔÆæ are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping and shipment protection cover for shipping household goods and personal effects overseas. We have a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6500 worldwide destinations. You can get an international removals quote here or find more information on our international removals UK to Dubai service here.
