Housing: The Biggest Line Item
A one-bedroom in a mid-range area like JVC or Al Barsha runs AED 55,000-75,000/year; the same in Downtown or Marina can be double that. Annual payment (often in 1-4 cheques) is still common, though monthly payment options have become more available.
Utilities & DEWA
DEWA bills spike hard in summer due to air conditioning — budget AED 400-800/month for a one-bedroom, noticeably more in July-September.
Groceries
Imported goods carry a premium, but local and regional produce keeps grocery costs reasonable — a single person can eat well on AED 1,000-1,500/month buying mostly local brands.
Transport
The Metro is cheap (a monthly Nol card runs AED 300-350), but Dubai is genuinely car-dependent outside the main corridors.
Healthcare & Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for residents and usually employer-provided, but private care beyond a basic plan adds up.
What Surprises Newcomers
School fees for expat families are often the single largest unplanned cost, frequently exceeding AED 40,000-80,000/year per child at reputable international schools.