Housing
Due to inflation, the global economic crisis, and the rising demand for property, housing in Dubai now comes with a high price tag.
However, this should you not turn you away from the bounty of opportunities waiting for you in Dubai.
With the ongoing construction of more housing options in Dubai, worries about costs are sure to be allayed as the demand for real estate is gradually responded to.
At the same time, if you are moving to Dubai for employment, more often than not, housing provisions are included in your accommodation package. Just don't expect five-star lodging.
For singles, renting a shared apartment would be best. Monthly rent is about 2,000 AED (UAE Dirham) or US$544.59 while a family can rent a furnished two-bedroom flat or apartment for about 7000 AED or US$1906.06.
If you are considering buying property outside of Dubai city center, the price per square meter is around US$3500 or 12853.75 AED, half of the cost of purchasing something within the city center.
Food
With 200 nationalities mingling in this city, you are sure to find not just persons from different continents, but cuisines from all over the world.
If you would like to try the local fare, the most common and probably the cheapest Arabian delicacy you could get your hands (and mouth) on would be shawarma, made of strips of beef wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and a zesty dressing. Prices may range from 3.75 AED (US$1) to 5 AED (US$1.36) depending on add-ons and more exotic varieties.
Western restaurants and fast food chains are also found in the numerous malls in Dubai. TGI Fridays, McDonald's, and KFC are some of the common Western food haunts. A fast-food combo meal costs about 5.25 AED (US$1.41)
If you prefer preparing meals at home (which is the cheapest option), basics like milk cost around 5.50 AED (US$1.50), a loaf of bread is 3.00 AED (US$0.82), a dozen eggs costs 6.25 AED (US$1.70), a kilo of potatoes around 3.75 AED (US$1.02), and a kilo of chicken is 15.00 AED (US$4.08).
Utilities
Cost for utilities is reasonable. The monthly cost of electricity and water is around 200 AED (US$50.46), while the monthly rate for cable TV can cost up to 250 AED (US$68.07).
Communication costs such as landline phone connections are around 70 AED (US$19.06) per quarter, while DSL connection is roughly 250 AED (US$68.07).
One of the cheaper living costs in Dubai is the cost of transportation. As far as petrol is concerned, it's 6.25 AED (US$1.70) per gallon while public transport fares like taxicabs start at about 3 AED (US$0.82).
Stop daydreaming about Dubai, make a bold move and realize that the benefits of relocating far outweigh the costs. It's a life choice.
More Expat Resources
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