Cost of living in Dubai for a family of 4 (2026)
Short answer
A family of four needs about AED 30,300 (≈ ₹7.9 lakh) a month in Dubai, including a 3-bed flat and two school places.
Updated Oct 2026
A typical month
- Rent (3-bed flat) · AED10,800
- School fees (two children) · AED7,700
- Groceries · AED3,900
- Transport (one car) · AED2,750
- Gym, activities and clothes · AED1,500
- Eating out · AED1,400
- Bills (electricity, water, cooling) · AED1,250
- Mobile and internet · AED750
- Health insurance for your family · AED250
TotalAED 30,300 ≈ ₹7.9 lakh
Where families of four live
Arabian Ranches
3-bed villa from AED 22,500 (≈ ₹5.8 lakh)
VillasSchools nearby
Jumeirah Village Circle
3-bed flat from AED 11,300 (≈ ₹2.9 lakh)
Good valueParks
Mirdif
3-bed villa from AED 8,800 (≈ ₹2.3 lakh)
QuietNear the airport
Questions
Is AED 35,000 enough for a family of four in Dubai?
Yes, just about. A typical budget for a family of four is about AED 30,300 a month, which leaves about AED 4,500. To save 20% as well, aim for about AED 38,000.
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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