Cost of Living in Dubai

As an educational hub, Dubai is becoming increasingly popular; at present, over 30,000 foreign students are having classes within the city.

On average, living expenses for one person will cost from AED 8,883 to AED 12,525 (INR 2,03,000-2,86,500) monthly, taking into account lifestyle and accommodation. An individual can spend between AED 4,858 to AED 12,500 (INR 1,11,000-2,86,000) each month on the rent of only one apartment.

On the other hand, food costs an average of around AED 1,700(INR 39,000), whereas transport costs around AED 700(INR 16,000) each month.

These figures reflect the pulsating urban landscape of Dubai, where quality of life comes at a higher cost. Consequently, given the fact that more students are opting to study in Dubai, planning for a comfortable, sustainable experience in this vibrant city will be essential.

The cost of living depends significantly on accommodation expenses. Accommodation cost in Dubai will vary based on the area; upscale apartments in areas like the busy Downtown will be costlier than suburban and relatively more affordable ones.

Rent will range from very cheap to very expensive, depending on the location, amenities available, and proximity to key areas. On top of these are other expenses like utilities, legal considerations, and practical tips while scouting for accommodation.

The following table breaks down the monthly expenses in Dubai for Indian students so that you can plan well and make informed decisions.

Living expenses in Dubai for international students are somewhat expensive. Therefore, you need to understand how to minimise the cost. Here is a detailed breakup of some important expenses that you must understand and budget for:

• Transportation

  The mode of transport in Dubai is efficient and well-connected, so going around would be slightly easier for a student.

  Monthly metro passes cost around AED 100 to 500 (INR 2,300-11,400), depending on the covered areas. For those who don't travel frequently, taxi charges would be about AED 2 to 3 (INR 46-69) per kilometre.

  In the case of owning a vehicle, fuel costs stay pretty low at AED 2.67 (INR 61) a litre, but remember to budget for parking and service.

• Basic Utilities

  Utilities in Dubai including electricity, water, and cooling are extremely important given the hot city climate. All of these facilities per student will cost anywhere from AED 100-500 (INR 2,300-11,400) per month.

  You can keep these costs at bay if you manage your utilities intelligently, like using energy-saving appliances or being wary of your water consumption.

• Mobile Phone Plans

  Dubai has various attractive mobile phone plans. You may expect a pay-as-you-go mobile plan to cost between AED 50 to 150 (INR 1,150-3,400), based on the data and call needs.

  If you are a heavy internet user, then packages with 5GB of data will cost between AED 10-15 (INR 230-343) a month. You should choose one that satisfies your communicative needs but doesn't go over budget.

• Internet Plans

  High-speed internet is needed for both academic research and staying in touch with family and friends. Decent internet with 60 Mbps or above speed will cost AED 300-500 (INR 6,900-11,434) per month in Dubai.

  Most accommodations have an internet allowance within the rent. Otherwise, make sure you opt for a package that would suit your study needs accordingly.

• Entertainment Costs

  Entertainment here ranges from cinemas to gym facilities and restaurants. A movie ticket is about AED 35-50 (INR 800-1,145), while a gym subscription is around AED 200-400 (INR 4,600-9,150) per month.

  Dining out is anywhere between AED 50-150 (INR 1,150-3,400) for a meal in a mid-range restaurant.

  Entertainment is pretty good, provided one takes the initiative to know how to save oneself from over expenses.

• Food Prices

  Food expenses in Dubai can be quite subjective, depending on one's eating habits and lifestyle, and where one shops.

  Groceries would cost about AED 1,000-1,500 (INR 23,000-34,000) per month for basic needs. Indeed, Dubai offers a really wide range of cuisine, and dining out in most local places will cost around AED 50-150 (INR 1,150-3,400) per meal.

  Whether one dines out or cooks at home, meal planning is the key to managing food expenses effectively.

• Healthcare Costs

  Healthcare is a high-quality feature of Dubai, but this comes at a cost. A visit to the doctor could cost anywhere from AED 200 to 400 (INR 4,600-9,150) for an appointment, depending on the clinic and services needed.

  Health insurance is mandated for everybody residing in the country and includes students. It can be quite expensive, especially when someone pays AED 500–1,000 (11,400-23,000) a month for basic coverage.

  Be sure to cover yourself with a good insurance package to save yourself from unwanted expenses.

• Rent

  Rent is perhaps one of the biggest expenditures for students in Dubai. Most of the students prefer shared accommodation with classmates, which is cheaper.

  The prices start from AED 2,000 to 4,000 (INR 46,000-91,500) per month. If you prefer staying alone, you may want to opt for a studio apartment. Prices for studios start from AED 6,000 (INR 1,37,000) and can go up to AED 10,000 (INR 2,29,000) a month.

  Consider location, ease of access to the university or public transport, and safety while choosing your accommodation.

There are various scholarship options that can help reduce the cost of living in Dubai for Indian students.

• Most universities in Dubai offer merit-based scholarships providing partial tuition fee coverage. This indirectly eases financial pressure on students and makes more funds available for living expenses. For example, the University of Dubai offers scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition fees for academically outstanding students.
• The Ministry of Education in Dubai also offers a "National Scholarship Program" that provides full scholarships to outstanding students, including stipends, which will cover living expenses.
• Private institutions and foundations also offer financial aid to international students. One very important example is the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation scholarships for students from specific regions. Tuition fees are covered under this particular scholarship together with living expenses.
• Another example includes some global scholarships, such as the Al Qasimi Foundation's scholarships for Arab students, which can be used at universities in Dubai.

These scholarships can drastically lower the cost of living and hence, studying in Dubai can be made more within reach. Students need to research these scholarships and apply within the stipulated deadlines to reap maximum benefit from them.

Living cost in Dubai for Indian students varies to a great extent depending on location and the type of accommodation. A shared apartment in places like Deira and Al Nahda would cost, on average, AED 2,000 to 4,000 (INR 46,000-91,500) per month.

If you desire some form of privacy, studio apartment rent in places like Dubai Marina and Downtown would run from AED 6,000 to 10,000 (INR 1,37,000- 2,29,000) per month. These prices may be a little higher in city centre locations and fully furnished apartments.

In this regard, students must pay attention to their budgetary allocation and consider proximity to university and public transport to reduce commuting expenses.

Just being able to pay your expenses is not enough to survive in a place like Dubai. It also involves interacting with others and sharing a good atmosphere while fully immersed in the different working cultures.

Because of this, we've included some extra survival tips for Dubai below to minimise the living cost in Dubai for international students.

• Acquire some basic Arabic language skills to establish relations with locals and possibly bargain for better terms.
• Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, stunning scenery, and rich culture. Thus, behave appropriately, shake hands with new acquaintances, take off your shoes outside of houses and mosques, and abstain from spitting and littering in public areas.
• Benefit from all of Dubai's year-round bargains and promotions, particularly during shopping events like Dubai Summer Surprises.
• Take into consideration obtaining a Dubai resident's card, which provides savings on a range of facilities and services.
• Recall that creating a budget is an ongoing effort. To make sure you stay within your means, keep track of your spending and modify your lifestyle as necessary.