What Salary Do I Need To Live In Dubai?

Rent is usually your biggest monthly bill. In 2026, the market is maturing. While some areas see growth new supply is helping prices stay steady.

• Studio Apartments: Expect to pay AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 in areas like JVC or Silicon Oasis.
• 1-Bedroom Flats: These range from AED 6,000 to AED 8,500 in mid-range neighborhoods.
• 3-Bedroom Villas: Families often pay AED 15,000 to AED 22,000 per month in suburban hubs like Mirdif.

If your annual rent is AED 100,000, you do not just pay that amount. You need roughly AED 25,000 to AED 30,000 ready in cash for your first month.

Upfront "One-Time" Costs

These are the fees you pay before you even get the keys:

• Security Deposit: Usually 5% for unfurnished and 10% for furnished homes. This is refundable when you leave.
• Agency Commission: Standard is 5% of the annual rent plus 5% VAT.
• Ejari Registration: This is the government contract fee. It costs about AED 220.

Connection Deposits

You must pay these to start your services. They are generally refundable.

• DEWA Deposit: This covers water and electricity, It is AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas.
• Chiller/Cooling Deposit: If your building uses "District Cooling," you may need to pay an extra AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 deposit to the provider.

Once you are living in the home, your "monthly rent" has a hidden twin: The Dubai Municipality (DM) Housing Fee.

• The 5% Rule: Every expat pays 5% of their annual rent back to the city.
• How it works: This is not a separate bill. It is added to your monthly DEWA bill in 12 parts.
• Example: If your rent is AED 100,000/year, your DM fee is AED 5,000. You will see AED 416 added to your utility bill every single month.

Dubai South has a standard rule for repairs. Read your contract carefully.

• Minor Repairs: Usually defined as anything under AED 1,000. The tenant pays for these (e.g., a leaky tap or a broken light switch).
• Major Repairs: Anything over AED 1,000 (e.g., AC motor failure or structural leaks). The landlord must pay for these.

This is the biggest secret to saving money in Dubai.

• Chiller-Free: The landlord pays for the AC usage. You only pay for your lights and water. This can save you AED 500 to AED 1,500 per month.
• District Cooling: You pay a separate "capacity charge" and "consumption charge" to a company like Empower or Emicool. This is often more expensive than standard AC.

Your bills vary with the season. During the summer, the cost of electricity may increase due to cooling expenses.

• Utilities (DEWA + Cooling): Budget AED 700 to AED 1,200 for an apartment.
• Groceries: A single person spends about AED 1,200 A family of four needs AED 4,000 to AED 5,000.
• Connectivity: High speed internet and mobile plans cost roughly AED 500.

If you have children education is a significant cost, Healthcare is mandatory and often covered by employers.

• School Fees: British or American schools cost between AED 4,000 and AED 9,000 per month per child.
• Indian Curriculum: These are more affordable, starting at AED 1,500 per month.
• Insurance: A private family plan costs about AED 1,500 per month if not provided by your job.

Dubai has a world-class metro but many residents prefer a car.

• Public Transport: A monthly pass for all zones is AED 350.
• Car Ownership: Leasing a small car costs around AED 2,500 per month including fuel and insurance.

Expense Item Single Person (AED) Family of Four (AED)

Your ideal salary depends on your choices. To save money and enjoy the city, aim for the higher end of these ranges. Dubai offers an incredible lifestyle when your numbers align.