Living in Dubai Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Dubai is often known as a luxury city, but that does not mean living there is unaffordable. On the contrary, with a good income you can live comfortably here at relatively low cost. Take Dubai Hills, for example, a modern residential community managed by Emaar, centrally located in the city.

For a 1-bedroom apartment in this community, including access to an infinity pool and a gym with views of the golf course, the monthly living costs are surprisingly affordable.

Daily costs are manageable for those on a good income

Although food and alcohol are somewhat more expensive than in Europe, total expenses remain relatively low for a global city. Dining out is included in the monthly grocery budget, which is around 1,500 euros. A cleaner for two hours costs approximately 18 euros, and a live-in helper or a full-time driver is available from around 650 euros per month.

Fuel prices are also advantageous. Filling up a large SUV costs about 37 euros, and car insurance is affordable thanks to low crime rates.

Clothing items are individually more expensive, especially branded items, but the warm climate means fewer garments are needed. Winter coats and thick jumpers stay in the wardrobe, and light clothing is sufficient all year round. This also results in significant, unnoticed savings.

One of the biggest financial advantages in Dubai is the absence of income tax. You keep everything you earn as net income. For people with a well-paid job, this means they have considerably more disposable income than in many European countries. This translates to a higher quality of life, with room for comfort and convenience without financial stress.

Even with a driver, the monthly costs remain around 4,000 euros, a figure that would not be achievable for a comparable lifestyle in many other global cities. In short, those with a well-paid job in Dubai can enjoy luxury, convenience, and financial freedom here.