Housing
Studio in JVC: 45,000-55,000 AED per year. 1BR in Marina: 90,000-120,000 AED. 2BR in Business Bay: 130,000-170,000 AED. 3BR villa in Damac Hills: 160,000-220,000 AED. Housing is the main expense — 40-50% of budget.
Utilities
DEWA (electricity and water): 400-1,200 AED per month. Internet: 350-450 AED per month. Chiller (central AC) if not included in rent: 300-800 AED. Total utilities: 1,000-2,500 AED per month.
Food and dining
Groceries for a family of 3: 2,000-3,500 AED per month. Mid-range restaurant lunch: 60-120 AED per person. Coffee at a cafe: 18-30 AED. Food delivery: 50-100 AED per order.
Transport
Metro: 5-8 AED per trip. Careem taxi: 20-60 AED around the city. Petrol: 3.1-3.3 AED per litre. Parking in the centre: 4-8 AED per hour.
Home maintenance
Handyman call-out when needed: 150-500 AED. Dubai Vista maintenance subscription: from 3,000 AED per year. Apartment cleaning: 200-400 AED per session.