One of the first questions you will probably ask yourself when planning your vacation to Dubai is, “Is Dubai expensive?” The answer depends on your specific needs and budget. For example, you will want to look at the cost of hotels, rental cars, food, and public transportation. This will give you an idea of how much everything costs.
Is Dubai Expensive with Public transportation?
In Dubai, there are a number of taxi services available. Most are operated by the government but some private companies do exist. The fares charged by these cabs are metered. Taxis are licensed by the government and are red or pink in color.
You can hail a cab at the entrance to any mall or stop, or you can hail a cab on the street. Be aware, however, that if you’re trying to hail a cab during rush hour, you may have to wait a while.
Dubai’s two commercial ports serve the city. There are also a number of cruise ships that dock in the city. Local traders also use boats to get around. Abras are one of the oldest forms of transportation in the city. The traditional motorized abras operate on different routes and charge around AED 1 per trip.
If you’re travelling on a budget, it’s a good idea to use cash. Ticket prices for air-conditioned abras begin at AED 2 per trip. You can also pay a small amount with a Nol Card.
The main metro line runs the length of Sheikh Zayed Road, and there is also a second metro line which services the old town area of the city.
These two lines connect many of the major tourist destinations in the city. The Metro is relatively cheap and convenient for tourists. You will need to buy a red NOL card when you first board. This card costs around 2 AED and lets you load money into it.
There are also a number of bus services in the city. If you don’t want to pay much for public transportation, a taxi is the most convenient way to get around. The service is clean and efficient, and the fares depend on how long you plan to travel.
Hotels
Although the Burj Al Arab, one of the most expensive hotels in the world, can be a bit out of reach for most travelers, you can still find a place to stay in Dubai for a cheap price.
A room for two can cost nearly 2.000 EUR per night, but there are plenty of other hotels in Dubai that are more budget-friendly. Prices for a hotel in Dubai will depend on where you are staying, the number of people, and the period of time you are staying.
Visiting during the shoulder season will save you a bundle on hotels. September and April are the best times to visit Dubai as the tourist crowds are not yet arriving.
The weather is still hot, but the cost of hotel accommodations will be much cheaper. In addition, this time of year is still warm enough to go out and enjoy the day. In mid-September, outdoor events start returning to the city.
In addition to the high prices of rooms, the city also has many super luxury hotels. The Burj Al Arab, for instance, is a 7-star hotel. It is located on an artificial island, which makes it very unique and luxurious. Some super-luxury rooms at the Burj Al Arab cost up to $11,000 per night.
Luckily, the weather in Dubai is moderate in January and February. The average price of a hotel in the middle of the month is around 706AED. You can also score a great deal by booking your stay last-minute.
Food
The cost of food in Dubai can be quite high, but it is still possible to eat local dishes on a budget. There are a number of cheap options for dinner, such as shawarma.
You can also find Western fast foods at reasonable prices. You can also find Indian cuisine in some places, although you’ll probably need to shell out more.
If you have a vacation rental with a kitchen, you’ll have more flexibility with food costs. You can even go grocery shopping at the local markets and stores in Dubai. These include Spinneys, Co-Op, and Choithrams.
The cost of food in Dubai varies greatly, depending on where you eat and what you eat. In general, you’ll find that food prices in high-end restaurants are higher than those in fast-food restaurants and street stalls. The cost of food in Dubai also depends on your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you’ll be able to find cheap meals, but if you’re looking for upscale dining, you’ll need to spend more money.
If you’re unsure what to order, check out TikTok for tips on how to eat on a budget in Dubai. The city is home to several “seven-star” hotels, designer boutiques, and luxury mega-yachts, as well as the world’s tallest building. There are also numerous hashtags related to food and drink in Dubai.
Some of the most expensive restaurants in Dubai are located in luxury hotels. The Burj Al Arab’s restaurant, Al Muntaha, has amazing views of the city and the Jumeirah Sea. A two-person dinner here costs $272, which is definitely not cheap!
Rent
Although it is easy to find an apartment or house to rent in Dubai, it can also be quite expensive. The UAE is known for its lucrative salaries, but these salaries are offset by the high cost of living.
A studio apartment can cost anywhere from $8,100 to 13,600 USD, while a one-bedroom apartment can cost up to 70,000 AED, or around $27,220 USD. Prices for apartments are even higher in Abu Dhabi, the most expensive emirate.
Rental costs in Dubai vary significantly between neighborhoods and different types of property. In some areas of Dubai, housing prices have doubled in the last five years.
However, in other parts of the city, prices have stabilized. However, in general, renting a home in Dubai is comparable to renting a flat in Geneva, Switzerland.
While location is certainly a major factor in deciding whether or not to rent a property in Dubai, understanding costs and making an accurate budget is just as important. Remember that housing costs account for more than 30% of an average person’s monthly salary.
Luckily, taxis in the UAE are much cheaper than in Western Europe, and can be found at any corner of the city. Taking a cab is a great way to get around town, but be aware of speed limits and traffic radars.
Also, gasoline in the UAE is cheap. In fact, the locals are known to burn petrol like water.
In addition to the cost of rent, tenants must also pay a real estate agent’s fee. This fee varies depending on the property, but is generally around five percent of the total lease price.
Furthermore, tenants are also required to pay a security deposit if they are renting an unfurnished apartment. This deposit is refundable, but the landlord may use it for repairs.
Housing
The cost of living in the UAE is extremely expensive. The salaries of expatriates in the country are very high, but this money mainly goes to cover the high cost of living.
A one-bedroom apartment in Dubai costs around seven thousand dollars a month. By comparison, a one-bedroom apartment in Berlin costs about half as much.
While living in Dubai is expensive, you can still enjoy a modern and rich lifestyle. The cost of housing is higher than in other parts of the world, especially in the city’s central areas.
Some popular expat neighborhoods are Jumeirah Lakes Tower, the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and the Old Town.
According to the latest survey by Knight Frank, the residential property market in Dubai is on a steady path. It is expected to grow modestly over the next couple of years.
Strong demand for housing, along with the World Expo, have led to a recent property boom. During the first two months of 2018, real estate transactions in Dubai reached their highest level since 2014.
The recent GCC economic reforms are expected to boost the local economy. Furthermore, the upcoming Dubai Expo will further increase economic activity. This will bring more foreign direct investment into the region, which will indirectly benefit the real estate market.
According to analysts, the cost of living in Dubai is still affordable compared to other major markets in the world. Analysts also report that the number of new homes in the city is rising, which will keep prices down.
While living in Dubai is expensive, it offers a high quality of life. If you are able to afford it, you should consider buying a luxury apartment in Dubai. However, you will have to spend almost half of your salary on rent.
