Typical Costs for a family of four living in Dubai

Housing

Rental prices in Dubai have increased significantly since the pandemic as demand for family homes continues to grow. For a standard four-bedroom villa in established, popular expat communities, annual rents typically start from around AED 200,000 in areas such as Mira Oasis, rising to AED 320,000 or more in premium neighbourhoods like Arabian Ranches.

Larger villas offering extras such as a private swimming pool and maid’s room usually begin at AED 350,000 per year, while high-end properties with standout design or location can easily exceed AED 500,000 annually.

More affordable options can still be found in newer or more distant developments. Communities such as Damac Hills 2 or Dubai South may offer four-bedroom villas from approximately AED 90,000, making them attractive to families prioritising value over proximity.

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Utilities, Internet & Mobile

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Utility costs can be substantial, particularly in larger villas. For a four-bedroom home, electricity and water bills often average around AED 5,000 per month during summer, when air conditioning runs almost constantly. In the cooler months, this typically drops closer to AED 2,000 per month. Properties with swimming pools or natural grass lawns should budget more.

DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) also requires a refundable deposit of around AED 4,000 when setting up services. Their mobile app is useful for monitoring consumption and alerting households to unusual usage patterns, such as potential water leaks.

Home internet and TV packages generally start at around AED 250 per month, while mobile phone plans range from AED 220 for basic SIM-only deals to AED 500–600+ for premium packages that include the latest devices. Providers such as Virgin Mobile frequently offer discounted annual plans and family bundles.

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Transport & Cars

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Transport costs depend heavily on whether you lease or own a vehicle. Leasing a mid-range car, including insurance, typically costs around AED 3,000 per month. For car owners, annual insurance averages around AED 3,500, depending on the vehicle.

Fuel prices remain relatively low by international standards. Monthly petrol costs can range from AED 700 for smaller cars to AED 2,000 or more for larger vehicles or longer commutes. Routine servicing usually costs AED 1,500–3,500 every six months.

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Education & Childcare

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Dubai offers a wide selection of schools, with many new campuses opening in recent years. This increased choice has helped keep fees competitive, and some schools offer incentives such as discounts for founding families.

For British curriculum schools, annual fees generally start at around AED 50,000 for FS1 and can rise to over AED 100,000 per year at secondary level, depending on the school.

Children typically begin FS1 in the September following their third birthday, although compulsory education does not start until Year 1. Nursery and early years programmes may offer more flexible options, often costing around AED 15,000 per term.

Additional education-related costs include:

• Uniforms: approximately AED 3,000 per child

• School lunches: around AED 40–50 per day

• After-school activities: often AED 2,500 per term, with specialist activities such as horse riding or music lessons charged separately

School transport is not included in tuition fees and usually costs around AED 4,000 per term per child, varying by school and route.

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Health Insurance & Medical Costs

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Health insurance is mandatory in the UAE. Most employers provide basic cover for employees, and sometimes their dependents. If this is not included, families must arrange private insurance themselves.

Family health insurance policies typically range from AED 25,000 to AED 80,000 per year, depending on coverage level and provider. Many higher-end policies operate on a reimbursement basis at premium hospitals.

Dental treatment is often excluded unless specifically added. A standard consultation can cost around AED 500, while orthodontic treatment such as braces may start from AED 13,000.

Families employing a live-in helper must also provide health insurance for them. An essential benefits plan costs around AED 1,000 per year, with higher-tier options priced accordingly.

Pet owners should also factor in veterinary expenses, which can average AED 2,200 per year per pet, excluding relocation costs. Importing pets to or from the UAE can range widely, from AED 7,000 to AED 60,000, depending on size and destination.

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Household Help

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One advantage of living in Dubai is access to affordable domestic support. Employing a live-in helper requires sponsorship, visa, and contract renewal, typically costing around AED 13,000 every two years.

Monthly salaries for live-in helpers usually fall between AED 3,000 and AED 4,000, with employers also covering return flights periodically. If accommodation is not provided, an additional AED 1,500–2,000 per month may be expected.

Gardening services are relatively inexpensive, usually AED 200–300 per month, and are often arranged through specialist companies. A full-time driver requires visa costs of approximately AED 7,500, plus a minimum monthly salary of around AED 3,000.

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Food & Groceries

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Grocery costs vary widely depending on lifestyle choices. Shopping locally and cooking with regional ingredients keeps costs lower, while imported Western brands can significantly increase spending.

A realistic food budget for a family of four is around AED 1,500 per week, particularly if you buy imported items regularly. Shopping with local supermarkets and online grocers such as Kibsons, Carrefour, and Lulu can help manage costs.

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Dining & Social Life

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Dubai offers a vast dining scene, from casual cafés to high-end restaurants. A family meal at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around AED 500, increasing to AED 800 or more if alcohol is included.

Dubai brunches are popular social events but can be costly, often around AED 550 per adult. Discount apps and dining offers are widely used and can significantly reduce eating-out expenses.

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Fitness & Leisure

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Many fitness options in Dubai are free or low-cost. During cooler months (October to April), outdoor running, cycling, and swimming are popular. Many residential communities also provide pools, tennis courts, padel courts, and golf facilities.

Gym memberships range from AED 200 to AED 1,000 per month, depending on location and amenities.

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Key Things to Bear in Mind

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• Employment packages that include housing or allowances are becoming less common

• Working hours can be long, but weekends offer a wide range of activities

• Upfront costs are significant — some landlords require rent paid annually or quarterly

• Summer travel and childcare can be expensive, with flights and camps adding up quickly

• Making an effort to integrate culturally enhances the overall experience

 

So, What Does It All Add Up To?

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Dubai offers an excellent quality of life for families, but it does come at a cost. To live comfortably, a combined household income of around AED 60,000 per month is often cited as a benchmark — although many families manage on less by adjusting lifestyle choices.