Dubai Cost & living - Living expenses

Living expenses in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, excluding tuition, typically range from AED 5,000 to 9,000 per month. Accommodation is the biggest item, followed by food, personal spending, utilities, transport and health insurance, and the total depends on your lifestyle and location.

Basic home utilities, a mobile plan and home internet together typically cost around AED 871 to 2,250 a month in Dubai. The amount depends on your apartment size, how much you use cooling, and the internet or mobile plan you choose.

Getting around Dubai typically costs AED 3 to 10 for a one-way ticket and AED 200 to 400 for a monthly pass. Taxis start at AED 5 to 15. Students can get 50 percent off Metro, Tram and public bus fares with a student nol card.

When renting in Dubai, Ejari registration and DEWA setup together can cost around AED 2,333 to 4,375 for a new home. Ejari fees are not refundable, while the DEWA deposit is refundable after you close the account and clear bills. Salik tolls add per crossing.

You can cut Dubai living costs mainly by lowering rent, then trimming transport and food. Live away from the city centre or share a home, use a monthly transport pass, cook at home, apply for a student nol card for 50 percent off fares, and compare plans.

Dubai has no personal income tax on individuals, so it is generally the simplest option for an Indian student's earnings. The USA taxes wages but Indian students can often claim a treaty based standard deduction. The UK taxes income above a GBP 12,570 personal allowance.