Monthly Cost of Living in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Dubai attracts millions of students, professionals, and entrepreneurs from all over the world, including over 500,000 Indians. The city offers high salaries, modern infrastructure, and a tax-free income system. But what is the cost of living in Dubai? That depends on where you stay, how you travel, and where you shop.

• Expect to spend AED 42,000–AED 84,000 (₹9.6L–₹19L) per year on basic expenses like rent, food, and transport. 
• Rent is the biggest expense, with a shared apartment in areas like International City or Al Nahda costing AED 2,500–AED 5,000 per month (₹57K–₹1.1L). 
• Groceries from Lulu Hypermarket or Carrefour cost AED 1,000–AED 2,500 per month, while transport with a Student Nol Card stays around AED 250–AED 500 per month.

Dubai offers a high standard of living with plenty of ways to save money. This guide breaks down housing, food, transport, and everyday expenses so you can plan your budget wisely.

Monthly Cost of Living in Dubai for Indian Students

Dubai is a popular study destination for Indian students, but how much do you need every month to live comfortably? Rent, food, transport, and healthcare make up the biggest expenses. Most students spend AED 3,500–AED 7,000 (₹80K–₹1.6L) per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Living in Dubai is cheaper than USA and UK but more expensive than cities like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Students who choose shared housing, meal prep, and public transport can save a lot.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Dubai for Students in 2025

Expense Category	Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)
Rent (Shared Apartment)	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet)	AED 400–AED 800 (₹9K–₹18K)
Groceries & Food	AED 1,000–AED 2,500 (₹23K–₹57K)
Public Transport	AED 250–AED 500 (₹5,700–₹11K)
Health Insurance	AED 300–AED 700 (₹6,900–₹16K)
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	AED 500–AED 1,000 (₹11K–₹23K)
Total Estimated Cost	AED 3,500–AED 7,000 (₹80K–₹1.6L) per month

Tip: Students in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi spend 20–30% less on rent and food than those in Dubai.

Cost of Living in Dubai: Living Alone vs. Shared Housing Accomodation

Rent is the biggest monthly expense for students in Dubai. Living alone gives you privacy but costs more, while shared housing cuts rent costs by 30–50%.

Many students choose shared apartments or university dorms to save money. Some opt for homestays for a family-like environment, though these are less common for MBA students.

Accommodation Cost of Living in Dubai for Students

Accommodation Type	Monthly Rent (AED + INR Equivalent)	Pros	Cons
University Dorms	AED 2,000–AED 4,000 (₹46K–₹92K)	Affordable, close to campus	Limited availability, shared facilities
Shared Apartment	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)	Lower cost, social environment	Less privacy, varying roommate quality
Private Studio (1BHK)	AED 4,500–AED 9,000 (₹1L–₹2L)	Complete privacy	Expensive, utility costs extra
Homestay (With Meals)	AED 3,000–AED 6,000 (₹69K–₹1.4L)	Family environment, includes food	Less independence, limited availability

Best Budget Option? University dorms and shared apartments save students up to AED 2,500 (₹57K) per month.

Rent Costs in Different Areas of Dubai

Some areas are cheaper for students than others. The closer you live to top universities, the higher the rent. Budget-friendly locations offer shared apartments at lower costs.

Area in Dubai	Average Rent (Shared Apartment, AED + INR Equivalent)	Proximity to Universities
Dubai Silicon Oasis	AED 2,500–AED 4,000 (₹57K–₹92K)	Near universities, affordable
International City	AED 2,000–AED 3,500 (₹46K–₹80K)	Cheapest student-friendly area
Al Barsha	AED 3,500–AED 5,500 (₹80K–₹1.3L)	Near Dubai Internet City & universities
Downtown Dubai	AED 5,000–AED 9,000 (₹1.1L–₹2L)	Luxury area, high living costs
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)	AED 3,000–AED 5,000 (₹69K–₹1.1L)	Upcoming student-friendly area

Tip: Renting in Dubai Silicon Oasis or International City can save up to 30% on housing costs.

Finding Affordable Student Housing in Dubai

Many students struggle to find affordable housing when they first arrive. Knowing where to look and what to expect can help them get the best deals.

• Apply for university dorms early—they are cheaper but fill up fast.
• Use websites like Dubizzle, Bayut, and Property Finder to find rentals.
• Check for roommate listings—splitting rent can cut costs by 40%.
• Avoid high-rent areas like Downtown Dubai unless you have a big budget.
• Look for furnished apartments to avoid spending extra on furniture.

Tip: Renting directly from landlords saves money on brokerage fees. Always ask for a flexible rental contract in case you need to move.

Living Cost Comparison: Dubai vs. Other UAE Cities

Many students consider living in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi for lower rent and expenses.

City	Monthly Rent (Shared Apartment, AED + INR Equivalent)	Total Monthly Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)
Dubai	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)	AED 3,500–AED 7,000 (₹80K–₹1.6L)
Abu Dhabi	AED 2,000–AED 4,000 (₹46K–₹92K)	AED 3,000–AED 6,000 (₹69K–₹1.4L)
Sharjah	AED 1,500–AED 3,000 (₹34K–₹69K)	AED 2,500–AED 5,500 (₹57K–₹1.3L)

Tip: Living in Sharjah and commuting to Dubai saves AED 1,000+ (₹23K) per month.

Cost of Living in Duba: Food Habits and Grocery

Food is a big part of student life, and in Dubai, what you eat and where you buy groceries can make a big difference in your monthly budget. Many Indian students prefer home-cooked meals because restaurant prices are high. A simple South Indian meal at Sangeetha or Saravanaa Bhavan costs AED 25–AED 35 (₹575–₹805), while a meal at an upscale Indian restaurant like Gazebo can go up to AED 75–AED 120 (₹1,725–₹2,760).

Cooking at home is at least 40% cheaper than eating out. Students who meal prep and buy groceries from Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, or Union Coop save AED 1,000–AED 1,500 per month.

Eating Out vs. Home Cooking: What’s More Affordable?

Food Option	Average Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)	Monthly Cost for Students
Home-Cooked Meals	AED 10–AED 15 (₹230–₹350) per meal	AED 1,000 (₹23K)
Budget Restaurants (Saravanaa Bhavan, Sangeetha, Calicut Paragon)	AED 25–AED 40 (₹575–₹920) per meal	AED 2,000 (₹46K)
Fast Food (McDonald’s, KFC, etc.)	AED 20–AED 30 (₹460–₹690) per meal	AED 1,800 (₹41K)
Mid-Range Dining (Gazebo, Pind Da Dhaba, Biryani Pot)	AED 50–AED 100 (₹1,150–₹2,300) per meal	AED 4,000 (₹92K)

Tip: Buying groceries at Lulu Hypermarket or Carrefour and meal prepping for the week saves AED 1,500 per month compared to eating out.

Where to Buy Groceries in Dubai?

Dubai has a mix of budget-friendly supermarkets, Indian grocery stores, and premium retailers. Knowing where to shop helps cut grocery costs by 30–40%.

Supermarket	What to Expect?	Best for
Lulu Hypermarket	Affordable groceries, Indian brands	Fresh produce, rice, dal, masalas
Carrefour	Mid-range pricing, frequent discounts	Dairy, frozen foods, bulk items
Union Coop	UAE-subsidized prices, bulk offers	Meat, poultry, household essentials
Baqar Mohebi, Viva Supermarket	Discount grocery stores	Canned foods, snacks, basic staples
Spinneys, Waitrose	High-end supermarkets, imported goods	Organic products, gourmet foods

Fact: Lulu Hypermarket in Al Barsha and Bur Dubai has the cheapest prices for Indian groceries.

Cost-Saving Tips for Food & Groceries

Shop at Lulu or Union Coop instead of Spinneys for lower prices.
Use Smiles by Etisalat or Fazaa cards for grocery discounts.
Buy masalas, rice, and dals in bulk from Indian grocery stores.
Use meal prep apps like MealPlan or Homey to organize cooking.
Follow discount offers on Carrefour’s online store.

Cooking at home, shopping smart, and using discount cards can cut food expenses by AED 1,500–AED 2,000 per month.

Public Transport vs. Private Transport: What’s Cheaper for Students?

Dubai has one of the most advanced public transport systems in the Middle East. Students can use Dubai Metro, RTA buses, and taxis, but costs add up if you rely on ride-hailing services like Uber or Careem.

Most students spend AED 250–AED 500 (₹5,700–₹11K) per month on transport using the Student Nol Card, while those using taxis daily spend AED 1,500+ per month.

Monthly Transport Cost of Living in Duba for Students

Transport Option	Monthly Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)	Best For
Dubai Metro + Bus (Student Nol Card)	AED 250–AED 500 (₹5,700–₹11K)	Budget-friendly, unlimited travel
Taxi (Regular Use, 3–5 trips per week)	AED 1,500–AED 3,000 (₹34K–₹69K)	Convenient but expensive
Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Careem, Hala Taxi)	AED 1,200–AED 2,500 (₹28K–₹57K)	Good for occasional trips
Car Rental (Long-Term Lease)	AED 1,500–AED 3,500 (₹34K–₹80K)	Only for students who drive
Fuel Costs (If Owning a Car)	AED 400–AED 800 (₹9K–₹18K)	Extra cost for car owners

Fact: A student Nol Card saves AED 1,500 per month compared to using taxis or Careem daily.

Dubai Metro vs. Taxis vs. Car Rentals: Which One is Better?

Factor	Dubai Metro & Bus	Taxis & Ride-Hailing	Car Rental & Fuel
Monthly Cost	AED 250–AED 500 (₹5,700–₹11K)	AED 1,500–AED 3,000 (₹34K–₹69K)	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)
Convenience	Fixed routes & schedules	Anytime travel	Flexible but costly
Best For	Budget-conscious students	Occasional trips	Students who prefer driving

Tip: Metro and buses save AED 1,500+ per month, while taxis should only be used when necessary.

How Students Can Save Money on Transportation in Dubai

Get a Student Nol Card – Metro & bus passes cost 50% less for students.
Use ride-sharing options like Hala Taxi instead of Uber for cheaper fares.
Live near a metro station – Saves time and taxi fares.
Use the Careem Bike subscription for short-distance travel.

Fact: Students in Al Barsha, Bur Dubai, and Deira spend 20–30% less on transport due to easy metro access.

Cost of Living in Dubai: Health Insurance and Medical Services

Healthcare in Dubai is world-class but expensive without insurance. Student health insurance is mandatory, and universities require proof of coverage before issuing a visa. Most students pay AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L) per year for a basic plan.

Dubai has both public and private healthcare options. Public hospitals like Rashid Hospital and Latifa Hospital offer affordable treatment, but private hospitals like Mediclinic, Saudi German Hospital, and Aster Hospital provide faster service at a higher cost.

Student Health Insurance Costs in Dubai (2025)

Insurance Type	Annual Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)	Coverage
Basic Student Health Insurance	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)	Covers doctor visits, hospitalization, lab tests
Comprehensive Private Insurance	AED 6,000–AED 12,000 (₹1.4L–₹2.8L)	Includes dental, vision, specialist consultations
Emergency Doctor Visit (Without Insurance)	AED 300–AED 700 (₹6,900–₹16K)	One-time consultation
Hospital Stay (Per Night, Without Insurance)	AED 3,000–AED 10,000 (₹69K–₹2.3L)	Includes treatment & accommodation

Fact: Dubai’s mandatory health insurance law (ISAHD) ensures every resident has medical coverage, including students.

What’s Covered by Student Health Insurance?

Doctor consultations at clinics and hospitals.
Lab tests, X-rays, and diagnostic procedures.
Emergency hospitalization and surgeries.
Prescription medications (partial coverage).
Specialist consultations (in some plans).

Tip: Students should check if their university offers group health insurance, as these plans often cost less than private ones.

Private vs. Public Healthcare in Dubai: What’s the Difference?

Factor	Public Healthcare	Private Healthcare
Cost	Lower, subsidized by the UAE government	Expensive, premium pricing
Hospitals	Rashid Hospital, Latifa Hospital	Mediclinic, Saudi German, Aster
Waiting Time	Longer	Shorter, priority service
Insurance Requirement	Basic coverage sufficient	Comprehensive insurance needed

Tip: Students with basic insurance should visit public hospitals for affordable care.

Which Areas in Dubai are Most Affordable for Students?

Rent in Dubai varies depending on the area. Some locations offer budget-friendly apartments, while others cater to high-end professionals. Most students stay in International City, Al Nahda, or Silicon Oasis for lower rents and metro access.

For students looking to save money, rent in these areas costs 30–40% less than in Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah.

Cost of Living in Dubai in Different Areas of Dubai (2025)

Area	Shared Apartment (AED + INR Equivalent)	1BHK Apartment (AED + INR Equivalent)	Best For
International City	AED 2,000–AED 3,500 (₹46K–₹80K)	AED 3,500–AED 5,000 (₹80K–₹1.1L)	Cheapest area, well-connected
Al Nahda	AED 2,500–AED 4,000 (₹57K–₹92K)	AED 4,000–AED 6,500 (₹92K–₹1.5L)	Near metro, affordable rent
Dubai Silicon Oasis	AED 2,500–AED 4,500 (₹57K–₹1L)	AED 4,500–AED 7,000 (₹1L–₹1.6L)	Close to universities
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)	AED 3,000–AED 5,000 (₹69K–₹1.1L)	AED 5,500–AED 8,000 (₹1.3L–₹1.8L)	Good facilities, growing student hub
Bur Dubai / Karama	AED 3,500–AED 6,000 (₹80K–₹1.4L)	AED 6,000–AED 10,000 (₹1.4L–₹2.3L)	Indian community, near markets
Downtown Dubai	AED 5,500–AED 9,000 (₹1.3L–₹2L)	AED 9,000–AED 15,000 (₹2L–₹3.4L)	Premium living, expensive

Best Budget Areas? International City, Al Nahda, and Dubai Silicon Oasis offer the lowest rent.

Most Expensive vs. Most Affordable Student Areas

Category	Most Expensive Areas	Most Affordable Areas
Best for Students	Downtown Dubai, JLT	International City, Al Nahda
Rent for 1BHK (Monthly)	AED 9,000–AED 15,000 (₹2L–₹3.4L)	AED 3,500–AED 5,000 (₹80K–₹1.1L)
Shared Apartment Rent	AED 5,500–AED 9,000 (₹1.3L–₹2L)	AED 2,000–AED 3,500 (₹46K–₹80K)
Metro Access	Limited (more taxis needed)	Well-connected with metro stations

Fact: Students save up to AED 3,000 per month by living in International City instead of JLT or Downtown.

Unexpected Cost of Living in Dubai Expenses You Should Budget for

Most students plan for tuition, rent, and food. What about the costs that sneak up on you? Many students forget about visa renewals, student fees, flight tickets, and utility bills when budgeting for Dubai. These extra costs can add AED 5,000–AED 15,000 (₹1.1L–₹3.4L) per year.

Planning ahead prevents last-minute stress and keeps your budget under control. Here’s what students in Dubai often forget to account for:

Unexpected Expenses Indian Students Face in Dubai

Expense	Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)	Why It’s Important?
Student Visa Renewal (Annual)	AED 3,000–AED 7,000 (₹69K–₹1.6L)	Mandatory for staying in Dubai
Health Insurance Renewal	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)	University-provided or private plans
University Activity Fees	AED 500–AED 2,000 (₹11K–₹46K)	Covers sports, library, and student events
Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, WiFi)	AED 400–AED 1,000 (₹9K–₹23K) per month	Summer months can push bills higher
Flight Tickets (India-Dubai Round Trip)	AED 800–AED 2,000 (₹18K–₹46K)	Varies by airline and season
Student Registration Fees	AED 1,000–AED 3,000 (₹23K–₹69K)	Required by most universities

Tip: Flight prices double during peak travel times. Book home visits at least 2–3 months in advance to save money.

How Indian Students Can Reduce the Cost of Living in Dubai

Studying in Dubai doesn’t have to be expensive. Small budgeting changes can save students AED 2,000–AED 4,000 per month. Many Indian students cut costs by choosing affordable housing, cooking at home, and using student discounts.

Here’s how students reduce their monthly expenses without sacrificing quality of life.

Smart Budgeting Tips for Students in Dubai

Expense	How to Save?	Potential Savings (AED + INR Equivalent)
Accommodation	Share an apartment instead of living alone. Rent drops by 30–50%.	AED 1,500–AED 3,000 (₹34K–₹69K)
Food & Groceries	Buy essentials from Lulu Hypermarket or Union Coop. Cook at home instead of eating out.	AED 1,000 (₹23K)
Transport	Get a Student Nol Card for AED 250 per month instead of spending AED 800+ on taxis.	AED 500 (₹11.5K)
Shopping & Discounts	Use apps like Smiles by Etisalat and Fazaa for student discounts.	AED 200 (₹4,600)
Part-Time Work	Find a paid internship, tutoring gig, or on-campus job.	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L) per month

Tip: Students who budget well and work part-time cover 50–70% of their living expenses.

How Much Can Indian Students Save Per Month?

Expense	Without Budgeting	With Smart Planning	Savings Per Month
Rent (1BHK in Dubai)	AED 5,000 (₹1.1L)	AED 3,000 (₹69K, shared apartment)	AED 2,000 (₹46K)
Food & Groceries	AED 2,500 (₹57K, eating out daily)	AED 1,200 (₹28K, home-cooked meals)	AED 1,300 (₹30K)
Transport	AED 1,200 (₹28K, taxis + ride-hailing apps)	AED 400 (₹9K, Student Nol Metro Pass)	AED 800 (₹18K)
Shopping & Leisure	AED 1,000 (₹23K, malls & movies)	AED 600 (₹14K, using discount apps & offers)	AED 400 (₹9K)
Total Monthly Savings	AED 9,700 (₹2.2L)	AED 5,200 (₹1.2L)	AED 4,500 (₹1L per month)

Fact: Budget-conscious students save up to AED 50,000 (₹11.5L) per year by making smart choices.

Where to Find Student Discounts in Dubai?

• Get a Student Nol Card – Saves 50% on metro and bus fares.
• Use Smiles by Etisalat & Fazaa apps – Offers discounts on food, shopping, and entertainment.
• Buy second-hand books and electronics – Dubizzle and Facebook Marketplace offer great deals.
• Join Facebook groups like ‘Indians in Dubai’ – Many people share cost-saving tips and rental deals.
• Shop during DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival) – Best time to buy clothes and electronics at lower prices.

Can You Work While Studying in Dubai? Rules and Earnings Explained

Looking for a part-time job while studying in Dubai? You can work, but only with a university-sponsored work permit. The UAE has strict labor laws, so students must have official approval before taking on any job. Once you have the permit, you can work 15–20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.

Best part-time jobs? Students who tutor, freelance, or intern earn the highest hourly pay. Jobs in retail, cafes, and on-campus roles are also popular. Many Indian students work as tutors, digital marketers, and customer service agents for flexible hours and better pay.

If you plan to work, start applying early. Good jobs in Dubai get competitive, and networking through LinkedIn, university career centers, and industry events increases your chances of landing a role.

Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in Dubai

Job Type	Hourly Pay (AED + INR Equivalent)	Monthly Earnings (15–20 hrs/week)	Where to Apply?
On-Campus Jobs (Library Assistant, Research Assistant, IT Support)	AED 30–AED 50 (₹690–₹1,150)	AED 1,800–AED 4,000 (₹41K–₹92K)	University career center
Retail Jobs (Zara, Carrefour, Starbucks, Mall of Emirates)	AED 35–AED 60 (₹800–₹1,380)	AED 2,100–AED 4,800 (₹48K–₹1.1L)	Mall websites, walk-in interviews
Tutoring (English, Math, Coding, Finance, SAT, GMAT)	AED 50–AED 100 (₹1,150–₹2,300)	AED 3,000–AED 8,000 (₹69K–₹1.8L)	Superprof, MyPrivateTutor, Preply
Internships (Marketing, Finance, IT, Consulting, Hospitality)	AED 50–AED 120 (₹1,150–₹2,700)	AED 4,000–AED 12,000 (₹92K–₹2.7L)	LinkedIn, InternsME, Bayt.com

Tip: Students who tutor SAT, GMAT, or coding earn AED 6,000+ per month working just 15–20 hours a week.

Retail stores conduct walk-in interviews on weekday mornings. Show up well-dressed with a printed CV.

How to Apply for a Part-Time Job as an International Student?

• Get a Work Permit – Your university must approve and sponsor your work permit.
• Prepare a Strong CV – Highlight relevant skills (customer service, tutoring, marketing, or IT).
• Apply Early – Good jobs fill up fast. Start applying at least 2–3 months before you need the job.
• Network at University Events – Many professors and career counselors help students connect with companies.
• Follow-Up – Employers in Dubai prefer candidates who show persistence. Send polite follow-up emails after applying.

Tip: Avoid job scams. If an employer asks for a visa deposit, it’s fake. Only apply to legitimate companies offering work permits.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Study in Dubai

Planning an MBA in Dubai? That’s where upGrad Abroad helps.

• Expense Calculator – Know exactly how much you’ll need for tuition, rent, food, and transport.
• University Shortlisting – Get expert help choosing the best MBA or master’s program in Dubai.
• Scholarship Assistance – Apply for financial aid and tuition waivers.
• Part-Time Job Guidance – Learn where and how to find paid work opportunities while studying.

Plan your MBA budget with the upGrad Abroad Expense Calculator and start your Dubai journey with confidence!