How much should I allocate for DEWA and utilities?

For a 1-bedroom apartment, expect AED 600–900/month; for a 2-bedroom, AED 1,000–1,600/month. Villas often exceed AED 2,500–4,000 during peak summer months.

Money & Finance

Updated: November 2026

UAE Monthly Budget Planner

Plan your monthly income and expenses across rent, utilities (DEWA/SEWA), groceries, schooling, and transport in the UAE.

Monthly Household Net Income (AED)

Essential Living Costs (Needs)

Monthly Rent / Mortgage

DEWA, Chiller & Internet

Groceries & Supermarket

School Fees & Childcare

Transport, Fuel & Salik

Lifestyle & Family Commitments (Wants & Remittance)

Dining & Leisure

Home Remittance

Misc & Shopping

50/30/20 UAE Benchmark

Monthly Net Savings / Buffer

AED 4,500 (18%)

Total Expenses: AED 20,500 / mo

Needs (Target 50%):AED 17,200 (69%)

Wants (Target 30%):AED 3,300 (13%)

Savings & Investments (Target 20%):AED 4,500 (18%)

*In Dubai, rent and school fees often require 55%–60% of income. Aim to save at least 15% in AED or send home via remittance.

Calculation Methodology & Legal Basis

Applies the 50/30/20 financial rule calibrated for UAE economic conditions: 50% for Needs (Rent, DEWA, Chiller, Groceries, Schooling, Salik, Telecom), 30% for Wants (Dining, Entertainment, Shopping, Travel), and 20% for Savings, Investments, or Remittances.

Worked Example

Income AED 25,000: Needs (50% = AED 12,500 for rent AED 8,000, DEWA AED 1,200, telecom AED 500, groceries AED 2,800), Wants (30% = AED 7,500), Savings & Remittance (20% = AED 5,000).

Official Government & Regulatory Sources

Dubai Statistics Center — Official household expenditure surveys and consumer price indexVisit Official Portal