How Much Indian Money Is Required To Live In Dubai?

Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, but it also comes with higher living costs compared to many Indian cities. Compared to Bangalore or Mumbai, rent and housing form the most expensive part of daily life in the UAE. Still, the city offers strong salaries and a tax-free environment that balances much of the expense. Let’s look at what you can expect if you’re moving from India.

If you’re moving to Dubai on your own, the costs of living in Dubai may vary significantly based on your lifestyle and housing choice.

A single person in Dubai generally spends about AED 7,000 – 10,000 per month on living expenses — excluding rent for most budgets. Converted to Indian Rupees (INR), that’s approximately Rs.1.6 – Rs.2.25 lakh per month.

When rent is included, especially for a small apartment or shared accommodation, your monthly requirement may range from Rs.2.2 – Rs.3 lakh or more for a comfortable lifestyle. This includes food, transport, utilities, groceries, and basic leisure activities.

If you’re willing to share a room or live in more budget-friendly areas, costs can be lower, but rent still makes up a large portion of your expenses.

If you’re moving with your family, the bills can add up pretty quickly. A family of four usually needs between AED 20,000 and AED 35,000 a month to cover the basics like rent, groceries, school fees, and getting around.

In Indian Rupees, that’s roughly Rs.5 to Rs.8.5 lakh every month, depending on how fancy of a lifestyle you choose. Private school fees are usually the biggest wildcard—they can really push that total higher. If you have kids in school, make sure to factor in tuition early on, as international schools in Dubai are often much pricier than what you’d pay back in India.

Here’s a quick look at where most of your money will go each month:

• Rent: This is always the big one. A one-bedroom can cost anywhere from AED 4,000 to over AED 12,000, mostly depending on the neighborhood.
• Food: Budget about AED 1,200 – 2,500 for the monthly grocery run, depending on where you shop.
• Utilities: Your water, electricity, and internet will likely land between AED 800 and AED 1,500+.
• Transport: Between the Metro, taxis, or your own car, most people spend anywhere from AED 300 to AED 2,000 a month.

Note: These components show why rent makes the biggest difference in yearly budgets.

One of the best ways to judge how much Indian money is needed to move and live in Dubai is to look at salary ranges:

For a comfortable lifestyle, many expats aim for AED 12,000 – 18,000 per month, especially if they are singles or young professionals.

For families with children or higher lifestyle expectations, monthly salaries of AED 25,000 – 35,000 or more may be necessary to balance rent, schooling, and living expenses.

Note: These salary ranges help you judge how much Indian money you’ll actually need in hand to cover your expenses each month.

If you’re planning a move from India to Dubai, here are a few practical tips:

• Plan for Higher Rent: Rent is the biggest factor. Even sharing accommodation, expect it to take a large share of your monthly budget.
• Factor in One-Time Costs: Visas, deposits, and relocation costs can add up.
• Compare Salaries to Costs: Before moving, research what salaries look like in your field — often high income offsets higher living costs.
• Explore Outside Dubai: Some people prefer living in nearby emirates like Sharjah or Ajman, which can reduce monthly costs by up to 30-40%.

So, how much Indian money is required to live in Dubai? It depends on your lifestyle and family size. For a single person, you may need around Rs.1.6 – Rs.3 lakh per month remembering that rent will heavily influence your budget. For families, monthly expenses can easily reach Rs.5 – Rs.8.5 lakh or more after rent and schooling. Careful planning and understanding your salary prospects will make the transition smooth and financially manageable.