How much does a family of four need to live in Dubai?

A family of 4 typically requires AED 28,000 to AED 45,000 per month, driven by private school fees (AED 35,000–75,000/year per child) and 2–3 bedroom housing.

Money & Finance

Updated: November 2026

UAE Cost of Living Calculator

Estimate the real monthly cost of living across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates for singles, couples, or families.

Selected Emirate

Household Composition

Accommodation Type

Spending Style

DUBAI Cost EstimateUSD ≈ $3,050

Estimated Total Monthly Living Cost

AED 11,200 / month

Recommended Minimum Salary: AED 14,000 / mo

Rent (1BED):AED 6,800

DEWA, Chiller & Wi-Fi:AED 900

Groceries & Food:AED 1,500

Transport & Salik:AED 800

Dining & Leisure:AED 1,200

Based on current rental indices & utility tariff structures.

Calculation Methodology & Legal Basis

Aggregates real-time rental market data (Dubai Land Department & Abu Dhabi Tamm), government utility tariffs, telecom standard plans (e&, du), and average food & transportation baskets across UAE emirates.

Worked Example

A single expat in Dubai Marina: Rent (1BR) AED 7,500 + Utilities/Wi-Fi AED 1,000 + Groceries AED 1,500 + Transport/Metro AED 600 + Dining/Leisure AED 2,000 = AED 12,600/month.

Official Government & Regulatory Sources

Dubai Land Department (DLD) — Official Rental Index & Ejari statisticsVisit Official Portal

TAMM Abu Dhabi — Abu Dhabi Government Services & Housing DataVisit Official Portal