Cost of living in Dubai for a family of 3 (2026)
Short answer
A family of three needs about AED 21,700 (≈ ₹5.6 lakh) a month in Dubai, including a 2-bed flat and one school place.
Updated Oct 2026
A typical month
- Rent (2-bed flat) · AED7,500
- School fees (one child) · AED3,850
- Groceries · AED3,150
- Transport (one car) · AED2,750
- Eating out · AED1,300
- Gym, activities and clothes · AED1,300
- Bills (electricity, water, cooling) · AED900
- Mobile and internet · AED750
- Health insurance for your family · AED200
TotalAED 21,700 ≈ ₹5.6 lakh
Where families of three live
Jumeirah Village Circle
2-bed flat from AED 7,800 (≈ ₹2.0 lakh)
Good valueParksAl Barsha
2-bed flat from AED 7,500 (≈ ₹1.9 lakh)
SchoolsMetro
Dubai Silicon Oasis
2-bed flat from AED 6,700 (≈ ₹1.7 lakh)
Tech hubQuiet
Questions
Is AED 25,000 enough for a family of three in Dubai?
Yes, just about. A typical budget for a family of three is about AED 21,700 a month, which leaves about AED 3,500. To save 20% as well, aim for about AED 27,000.
How much are school fees in Dubai?
From about AED 2,793 a year at the most affordable CBSE schools to over AED 116,964 at the top international schools. Many good British and IB schools charge AED 45,000 to AED 80,000 a year.
Do employers pay school fees?
Some do, especially for senior roles: a school allowance per child, often capped. Ask for it in the offer, and check whether it covers all your children.
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