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Crunching The Numbers: How Much Does It Really Cost To Live In Dubai?

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If you’re thinking about moving to Dubai, it’s natural to have questions about the cost of living. Most people want to have an understanding of how much they can expect to spend on necessary living costs. They also want to see how this measures up to their income and the life they’re leaving behind.

It’s often challenging to provide accurate answers to questions about how much it costs to live in Dubai. Many factors can determine how much a person spends. Everyone is different, and some people may enjoy a much lower cost of living than others.

This guide is designed to give you an idea of what you can expect if you choose to take the plunge and move to dazzling Dubai.

The cost of buying and renting homes

You may be aware by now that Dubai is home to some of the world’s most exclusive developments and extreme examples of real estate in the world. You could spend millions on the house, but of course, this doesn’t have to be the case. Statistics show that the average cost of an apartment in the city centre is 14,519 AED per square meter.

This equates to approximately £2,967 or $3,947. Living outside of the city is cheaper, with an average value of 9,410 AED per square meter. If you’re thinking of renting, you can expect to pay in the region of 7,103 AED for a 1-bedroom flat in the city or 4,781 AED in the suburbs.

This works out at around at £1,453 or $1,933 in the city and £978 or $1,300 outside the urban areas. The location of a property has a significant bearing on the purchase price. Prices are lower in areas like Al Waqaa, while homes located within easy reach of the Palm fetch premium prices.

Food and eating out

The cost of dining out ranges hugely depending on the kind of eateries you visit. You can pay hundreds at the most lavish restaurants in the city, especially if you’re keen to dine with a view, but eating out doesn’t always have to be expensive.

It’s entirely possible to have a meal out for between 80 and 180 AED for two people. At the supermarket, you’ll pay approximately 13 AED (£2.67) for a dozen eggs and 9 AED for a kilo of apples.

Getting around

Many people drive in Dubai, and the good news is that you’re unlikely to get any nasty surprises at the pumps, especially if you’re used to European prices. The price of a litre of petrol is estimated at 1.85 AED, which translates to just 38 pence.

If you’re buying a car, there’s also good news, as Dubai has a buoyant used car market. As you would in any other country, you need to make sure you choose reputable dealerships. Check the details of the agreement carefully and be prepared to negotiate to get the best price.

Taxis are widely available in Dubai, and they are among the cheapest in the world. If you’re travelling from the airport to the city, you can expect to pay in the region of 70-90 AED.

If you have questions about the cost of living in Dubai, hopefully, this guide has provided you with useful information. As with any country, the cost can vary according to your lifestyle.

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