Cost of living in Dubai for a single person (2026)
Short answer
One person needs about AED 9,150 (≈ ₹2.4 lakh) a month in Dubai, including a studio or 1-bed flat. Rent is about 56% of it.
Updated Oct 2026
A typical month
- Rent (studio or 1-bed) · AED5,150
- Groceries · AED1,200
- Eating out · AED600
- Mobile and internet · AED600
- Transport · AED550
- Gym, cinema and clothes · AED550
- Bills (electricity, water, cooling) · AED500
TotalAED 9,150 ≈ ₹2.4 lakh
Where single tech people live
Jumeirah Lake Towers
1-bed flat from AED 6,700 (≈ ₹1.7 lakh)
MetroCafésBarsha Heights (Tecom)
1-bed flat from AED 5,800 (≈ ₹1.5 lakh)
Near Internet CityMetro
Jumeirah Village Circle
1-bed flat from AED 5,700 (≈ ₹1.5 lakh)
Good valueParks
Questions
Is AED 10,000 enough for one person in Dubai?
Yes, just about. A typical budget for one person is about AED 9,150 a month, which leaves about AED 1,000. To save 20% as well, aim for about AED 11,000.
Can I live in Dubai without a car?
Yes, if you live near the metro (Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, Barsha Heights) and work near a station. Taxis and ride-hailing are affordable; summers make walking hard.
Are bills included in the rent?
Usually not. Electricity, water and cooling (DEWA, sometimes a separate district cooling bill) and internet are extra. Some serviced flats include them.
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