Budgeting
What will life in Dubai cost each month?
Adults
2
School fees a year, per child
1
Estimated monthly cost
AED 37,904
about £7,735 a month at AED 4.90 to £1Rent (3-bed villa)AED 15,875
Housing fee (5% of rent)AED 794
Electricity and water (DEWA)AED 1,600
Home internetAED 285
Mobile EstimateAED 350
School feesAED 10,000
Groceries EstimateAED 4,200
Car, fuel and tolls EstimateAED 1,800
Eating out and leisure EstimateAED 3,000
Rent is the average asking rent for a 3-bed villa in that type of area, H1 2026. Rent is usually paid a year ahead in 1 to 4 cheques.
Sources and assumptions
- Bayut: Dubai rental market report H1 2026 (average asking rents)
- DEWA: slab tariff (monthly bills are typical winter-to-summer ranges from portal estimates)
- Bayut: the 5% housing fee
- Khaleej Times: 2026–27 school fees
- Mobile, groceries, car and leisure: our own estimates, labelled “Estimate”. We will replace them with a named, dated shopping basket.
Information, not advice. Results are estimates to help you plan. Check your own figures and take professional advice before you commit.
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