Cost of Living in Dubai for Students
Table of Contents
Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and the most populated city in the UAE. It is a rich country, making it a perfect hub for students to study, live, build networks, thrive, and find job opportunities.
According to the QS Ranking 2023, Dubai is ranked as one of the UAE’s best student cities.
Is Dubai a safe city?
It is safe to live and study in Dubai, the safest city in the UAE. With so many tourists traveling to this luxury destination, it is always lively and crowded with people looking for fun and safety too!
Is Dubai affordable?
Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the UAE. But, due to zero income tax, the cost of living in Dubai is lower than in most cities. The cost of living is AED 4,255 per month excluding tuition fees. The average cost of housing is AED 2,679 food is AED 377 while transportation will come around AED 436 per month.
The cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle. For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.
Before we list the details of the cost of living in Dubai, let’s summarize its cost.
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition Fees | AED 40,000 – AED 75,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | AED 2,679 – AED 7,174/ Month |
| Transportation | AED 436 / Month |
How much does it cost to study in Dubai?
The cost of tuition fees is very expensive in Dubai. So, it depends on the course type and university you choose. The fees will vary on these factors, and we are only giving the average tuition fee cost for UG and PG in Dubai. But please contact your university for more information about the tuition fees.
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
| AED 45,000 – AED 70,000 / Year | AED 40,000 – AED 75,000 / Year |
Is it expensive to live in Dubai?
Dubai’s cost of living is less expensive than New York’s. The cost of rent is expensive in Dubai with an annual renting cost of AED 30,000 – AED 70,000. As for students, there are affordable student accommodations in Dubai. Three types of student accommodation are available to students. Each is given in brief detail below to help students understand the types of accommodation options.
1. Student Housing
Student housing is also known as PBSA and is managed privately. The accommodation is close to the campus buildings. They offer benefits for students living privately in a spacious environment. They offer single rooms and shared rooms provided with amenities and utility bills.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | AED 2,679 – AED 4,459/ Month |
2. Private Apartment
Private apartments are another type of student accommodation in Dubai. The apartments are located near universities and are managed by landlords. They offer apartments to students who want to live independently or in shared apartments. They provide amenities and inclusive bills.
| Apartment | Price |
| Private | AED 4,182 – AED 7,174/ Month |
3. University Halls
University Halls are residence halls in the university buildings. They are on-campus residences for fresher students as it is convenient and easy to accommodate. These residences provide rooms, shared bathrooms and kitchens, There’s limited privacy, and bills might not be inclusive.
| University Hall | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | AED 4,000 – AED 10,000/ Month |
Is food expensive in Dubai?
Dubai caters to different dining budget options. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost AED280 while an Inexpensive restaurant will cost AED40. Luckily Dubai is famous for its street food which is more affordable than restaurants. The cost of street food and local eateries will cost AED 10 – AED 20. As for groceries, it will cost AED627.29 monthly on average.
How much is the electricity bill in Dubai?
The cost of utility bills will depend upon the usage and efficiency of appliances. Water bills are inexpensive in Dubai, so there’s less cost in water bills. But, on average, the cost of bills in Dubai will cost AED424.82 monthly. Most private housing provides inclusive bills, but it might differ for university halls. You will need to check in with your university on its billing policies.
What is the best and cheapest way to get around Dubai?
One of the best and cheapest ways to get around Dubai is to use public transportation like buses, trams, water buses, taxis etc. You can purchase a Nol Card. It’s cost-effective and cost-efficient to get around the city conveniently and cheaply.
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