Is Dubai Expensive?

Is Dubai Expensive? For many people, Dubai immediately evokes images of extravagant skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and unaffordable resorts. The city has built a worldwide reputation as a place of luxury and excess. And that image is accurate to a certain extent: Dubai is indeed a place where you can easily spend a fortune in a day – if you want to.

But the question ‘Is Dubai expensive?’ is not as black and white as it seems. The city also offers surprisingly affordable options for travelers on a limited budget or those who simply don’t want to spend a fortune on their holiday. To be well-prepared for your trip – or if you’re considering emigrating to Dubai – it’s important to understand where these high (and sometimes low) costs come from.

So is Dubai expensive? No, Dubai is not expensive, but you do have many opportunities to spend a lot of money there. You can make it very expensive if you want to. However, there is certainly also room for people who want to spend less money in Dubai.

Dubai’s Image: Glitter, Glamour, and Gold

Many people wonder if Dubai is expensive because Dubai certainly wants to portray itself that way. Dubai’s marketing machine is in full swing. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the underwater rooms of Atlantis The Palm: everything in Dubai exudes prestige and luxury. The city has deliberately focused on high-end development and thus attracts a specific audience: luxury seekers, business travelers, influencers, and expats with high incomes.

This image creates the idea that Dubai is ‘only for the rich’. And while there is indeed much to be found that is exclusive, with the right choices, you can also enjoy what Dubai has to offer without completely emptying your bank account.

But Is It Really That Expensive?

Whether Dubai is expensive depends on your lifestyle, expectations, and travel goals.

From a Reddit discussion we read beforehand, it appears that some users find Dubai ‘not more expensive than London or New York’, especially if you eat locally and don’t seek luxury. Other travelers on TripAdvisor indicate that unexpected costs (such as tourist tax or expensive attractions) can quickly add up if you have very little budget available.

If you want to spend little money in Dubai, you need to work more on planning. By knowing in advance approximately what you’ll spend on transportation, food, accommodation, and activities, you can make conscious choices and better control your expenses. Additionally, by planning ahead, you also know which places to avoid if you don’t have a large budget.

In the following sections, we’ll dive into concrete price examples and insider information to better understand the costs in Dubai.

Average Costs in Dubai

Average Costs of a Vacation in Dubai

Is a Vacation to Dubai Expensive? A trip to Dubai can range from surprisingly affordable to astronomically expensive. The final costs heavily depend on the choices you make.

Flights to Dubai: What Does a Return Ticket Cost?

The price for a return ticket Amsterdam–Dubai averages between €350 and €1,000, depending on the season, airline, and how early you book.

Budget airlines sometimes offer cheaper options, but often with less comfort or (longer) layovers. According to Reddit users, it pays to book outside school holidays or use flexible dates to save significantly.

Flight ticket price to Dubai (from Amsterdam):

Hotel Prices: From Budget to 7-Star

Dubai is known for its abundance of luxury hotels, but there are also good budget options. For €40–€60 per night per person, you can already stay in simple but neat hotels or hostels.

Mid-range accommodations are around €90–€150 per night per person, while a stay in a four-star resort often exceeds €300 per night per person. Those who want to go all out – like a night in the Burj Al Arab – pay from €1,300 to thousands of euros per night.

Budget hotels in Dubai:

Luxury hotels in Dubai:

An important point of attention is hidden costs: many hotels charge extra tourist tax (per room, per night) and service charges that only appear at check-out. This is often mentioned, but not very prominently. It’s wise to simply ask about this or carefully read the fine print on the website.

These costs might be unexpected, but they will never suddenly amount to hundreds of euros extra, at most a few tens of euros that you have to spend unexpectedly. This can of course be annoying if you have a very tight budget.

Daily Expenses for Tourists

When you’re on vacation in Dubai, you can make it as expensive as you want. Count on an average daily budget in Dubai of:

• Budget traveler: €50–€80 per day in Dubai (hostel, cheap food, public transport, no or few paid attractions)
• Average: €100–€200 per day (3-star hotel, mix of local and Western food, paid attractions)
• Luxury: €300+ per day (luxury hotel, fine dining, private excursions)

The difference mainly lies in the type of accommodation and how you move around and eat.

Cost of Living in Dubai for Expats

If you’re going to emigrate to Dubai, you’ll of course face very different costs than when you’re just going on vacation to Dubai. If you’re going to emigrate to Dubai, you’ll probably also earn money in Dubai. You don’t pay income tax on your earnings in Dubai. Because you don’t pay income tax, you relatively have more money left to spend.

Although Dubai offers tax-free income, the cost of living there is anything but cheap. Especially when you compare it to Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines.

Expats emigrating to Dubai should expect relatively high costs for housing, transportation, groceries, and leisure activities – and these can add up significantly in Dubai. So Dubai is not a cheap city, like the Philippines for example, but comparable in rental prices to world cities such as London, Amsterdam, or Berlin.

Rental Prices and Housing Costs

Is renting a house in Dubai expensive? Whether renting a house in Dubai is expensive strongly depends on what kind of house you rent and which location in the city.

Rental costs form by far the largest expense item. A one-bedroom apartment in a popular area like Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai easily costs between €1,500 and €2,500 per month. A bit further outside the center, such as in Al Nahda or Deira, prices can drop to about €800 to €1,200 per month. This also depends on how luxurious you want it and how expensive you want to make it yourself. So €800 to €1,200 is also not an unusual price in a popular city in the Netherlands like Amsterdam or Utrecht.

Additionally, there are costs for utilities such as electricity, water, and internet – averaging €150 to €300 per month. Expats on forums indicate that sharing an apartment with roommates or choosing a less popular neighborhood can significantly reduce costs.

Public Transportation vs. Car (and Fuel Costs)

Public transportation in Dubai is modern, clean, and relatively inexpensive. A metro ride costs between €0.50 and €2, depending on the number of stops. A monthly pass is around €70. Buses and trams are affordable, but coverage is less extensive than in European cities.

Buying a car is common among expats. Although gasoline is cheap (€0.70 per liter), additional costs such as insurance, maintenance, registration, and parking fees can add up to several hundred euros per month. And if you opt for a luxury car – which in Dubai often seems to be the rule rather than the exception – that amount becomes much higher.

Many tourists visiting Dubai also choose a luxury rental car. As a result, car costs are high, but this is often a conscious choice.

Costs of Groceries and Food

Dubai imports most of its food. This often comes from far away, as little food can be grown due to the climate. Because much is imported, you pay more.

Local supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu are more affordable than Western stores like Waitrose or Spinneys. An average monthly budget for groceries for one person ranges between €250 and €400.

Many expats choose to eat out regularly due to the relatively high supermarket prices for imported products. Forums note that the price-quality ratio of local restaurants is often better than that of home cooking.

Dining Out in Dubai – From Food Courts to Fine Dining

Is Dubai Expensive for Eating? No, you can make it as expensive as you want. Restaurants are generally luxurious, which can make it expensive, but there are certainly cheap places to eat in Dubai as well.

In Dubai, you can find absolutely everything when it comes to food. From a simple falafel wrap for €2 to a luxurious 10-course menu for hundreds of euros per person. Your dining experience entirely depends on your choices.

How Much Does a Meal Cost in an Average Restaurant?

A lunch at a local restaurant costs between €5 and €10. If you go to a Western chain or café in a shopping mall, the average is between €12 and €25. For a dinner in a nice restaurant with drinks, you should expect to pay €40 to €80 per person.

Many restaurants are located in hotels, and you automatically pay higher prices there due to license fees and taxes. It’s therefore worthwhile to look for independent eateries outside the tourist zones or hotel chains.

Alcohol Prices and Going Out

Dubai is not an alcohol-free city, but alcohol is strictly regulated, as it is principally prohibited.

Only hotels, clubs, and certain restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol. A beer in a bar easily costs €10 to €15, a glass of wine even €20 or more. A night out in clubs and lounges can therefore be quite expensive.

Expats on Reddit give tips to go during special happy hours or ladies’ nights. It’s also cheaper to purchase alcohol from special liquor stores (with a license) for home consumption.

Tourist Attractions – What Are the Costs?

Dubai is full of attractions and sights, and they vary greatly in price. From free beaches to luxury experiences in the desert: there’s something for everyone.

Free and Cheap Activities

Not everything in Dubai is expensive. Many beaches, souks (such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk), and promenades like the Dubai Marina Walk are free to access. The Dubai Fountain show at the Burj Khalifa is also a popular, free attraction.

Visiting mosques like the Jumeirah Mosque or walking through historic neighborhoods like Al Fahidi gives you a cultural experience without an entrance fee. These low-budget activities are often mentioned in forums as “the real gems of Dubai”.

Price Tags of Popular Attractions

However, if you want to truly ‘experience’ Dubai according to the glossy travel brochures, you’ll need to dig deep into your pockets. A ticket for the Burj Khalifa (At The Top) costs between €40 and €95, depending on the time and platform you visit. A day at the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark costs around €80 per person. A desert safari with dinner, camel ride, and entertainment: from €60 to €150, depending on the comfort level.

The difference in price often lies in luxury and convenience: a private tour with air conditioning and champagne naturally costs more than a group excursion with shared transport.

Shopping in Dubai – Luxury or Affordable?

Dubai has positioned itself as the shopping mecca of the Middle East – and that’s not an exaggeration. With shopping malls larger than some airports and traditional souks where you can haggle until you drop, the city offers a wide range of shopping experiences for every budget.

The Souks vs. the Malls

On one side, you have the traditional Arabic markets such as the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, and the Textile Souk. Here you can haggle for gold, spices, perfumes, and souvenirs. A gold necklace, for example, can often be bought cheaper here than in Western jewelers – if you negotiate well.

On the other side, there are ultra-modern malls like the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, where you can find everything: from Zara to Chanel, from Apple to Rolex. In these shopping centers, it’s not just about shopping, but also about entertainment – think indoor ski slope, giant aquarium, or VR parks. Prices here are generally higher than in Europe, especially for luxury brands.

Is Dubai Really a Tax Haven?

Dubai has no income tax, and many items are ‘tax-free’. However, this doesn’t automatically mean everything is cheaper. Due to import duties, shop rents, and demand for luxury products, prices for clothing, electronics, and cosmetics are comparable to – or even higher than – those in Europe. Additionally, products often include a 5% VAT. Which is still considerably less than the 21% VAT you pay in the Netherlands.

Duty-free at the airport does offer slightly lower prices, but forums and travel websites point out that you don’t always score a bargain. For electronics, for example, you can often shop better in Europe or Asia.

Hidden Costs in Dubai

Dubai can sometimes seem cheap on paper, but if you’re not careful, you’ll end up paying more than expected. The city has a number of hidden costs that you only notice once you make purchases or check into a hotel.

Tourist Tax and Hotel Surcharges

Almost all hotels charge a ‘Tourism Dirham’ – a tourist tax per night, which ranges from €2 to €6 per room per night depending on the type of accommodation. In addition, service charges and municipal taxes are often added to the final amount. This can add up to 20% extra on top of the displayed room price.

Online, a hotel may seem attractively priced, but when checking out, you suddenly see a higher final bill. This regularly causes confusion and frustration among travelers, as evident from complaints on websites like TripAdvisor.

Fines and Regulations

Dubai is strict when it comes to regulations and social norms. The authorities in Dubai are much stricter than in the Netherlands, and you shouldn’t joke with the police there. Fines for seemingly minor offenses can be high. Consider:

• Eating or drinking in public during Ramadan: up to €500 fine.
• Littering: €200.
• Public displays of affection or offensive gestures: even punishable by law.

Expats and tourists on Reddit advise thoroughly researching local rules in advance, so you don’t face unpleasant (and expensive) surprises.

How Can You Save Money in Dubai?

Although Dubai is known for luxury and being pricey, there are plenty of ways to limit your costs – without sacrificing experience or enjoyment.

Smart Tips for Accommodation

Instead of staying in a hotel, you might consider renting an apartment through platforms like Airbnb or Booking. Especially in the suburbs or older neighborhoods (like Al Barsha or Deira), you’ll find cheaper options. Shared apartments or hostels are also available, particularly popular among young travelers or people from low-wage countries.

Outside the peak season (July-August or during Ramadan), accommodation prices are often lower. The temperature is high, but the deals are considerably better. The high season in Dubai is actually outside the summer because it’s so hot in Dubai that it’s almost unbearable.

Discount Passes and Apps

Dubai offers various discount passes such as the Dubai Pass or Go Dubai Card, which allow you to visit dozens of attractions for a fixed price. Apps like The Entertainer also offer 2-for-1 deals on restaurants, spas, attractions, and more.

Many expats swear by them and save hundreds of euros per month. So if you love deals, it’s definitely worth doing more research on this if you’re going to Dubai and want to make your Dubai vacation less expensive.

Best Travel Time for Low Prices

The cheapest travel time is between June and September. Due to the summer heat (sometimes up to 50 degrees in the shade), many tourists avoid Dubai, causing prices for flights and hotels to drop. The month of Ramadan often has lower prices for accommodation and daytime meals, although some activities may be limited then.

Dubai vs. Other Major Cities: Price Comparison

To see if Dubai is expensive, it’s also interesting to look at other cities. To get a good picture of the pricing in Dubai and whether it’s expensive, it’s valuable to compare the costs there with other major world cities. Although Dubai is often seen as expensive, there are nuances when you compare it to cities like Amsterdam, London, or Singapore.

Dubai vs. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, especially when it comes to rent and dining out. Yet, daily life in Dubai is often more expensive. A lunch in an average restaurant in Dubai costs about 20 to 30% more than in Amsterdam. On the other hand, fuel and tax costs in Dubai are significantly lower, which compensates.

So is Dubai more expensive than the Netherlands? No, it depends on what you’re comparing it to. If you buy something in the center of Amsterdam, you’ll spend much more money than when you buy something in a small village in the Netherlands. And for example, fuel in Dubai is much cheaper than in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, alcohol is then again much cheaper than in Dubai.

Dubai vs. London

London and Dubai are quite similar in terms of costs. Rental prices in the city center are comparable, although the price per square meter in London is usually slightly higher. However, public transport in London is more expensive than in Dubai, while groceries in Dubai cost more due to import dependency.

Dubai vs. Singapore

Singapore, like Dubai, is known for its high standard of living and international allure. What stands out is that prices for street food and in local eateries in Singapore are often lower. But Singapore has stricter housing markets and higher taxes, which can make living there more expensive in the long term. Dubai scores slightly more favorably here for expats with higher incomes.

In summary: Dubai is not necessarily more expensive than other world cities, but the average price level is high, mainly due to the luxury lifestyle associated with it. Dubai also wants to profile itself as an expensive city to attract people who like to spend a lot of money.

Is Dubai Only for the Rich?

Dubai has the reputation of being only accessible to the wealthy, but that image is only partially correct. There are plenty of opportunities to experience Dubai on an average or even limited budget – provided you make smart choices.

Backpackers and budget travelers on Reddit share experiences of stays in simple hostels, eating street food or meals in food courts, and traveling by metro. Some travelers spent less than €50 per day and still had a special and enjoyable experience in Dubai.

Many public attractions, markets, and beaches are free to visit. And although luxury is prominently present, you don’t automatically have to participate in it and can also view a lot of luxury for free. The city offers plenty of entertainment and culture for non-rich people as well.

The same applies to expats: those who are content with a slightly smaller apartment, don’t drive an expensive lease car, and shop outside the big malls can live comfortably in Dubai without a top income.

Common Misconceptions About Dubai and Money

Dubai is surrounded by myths when it comes to money. Here are a few common misconceptions – and the truth behind them.

Misconception 1: Everything in Dubai is Extremely Expensive

As discussed earlier, everything depends on your choices. There are restaurants, shops, and hotels in all price ranges. Dubai offers food trucks, budget hotels, and local markets just as well as Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques.

Misconception 2: You Don’t Pay Taxes in Dubai

Although there is no income tax, there are VAT costs (5%) on most products and services. Additionally, import duties and tourist taxes apply. So tax-free doesn’t always mean cheaper, especially if you’re a tourist.

Misconception 3: You Need a Fortune to Enjoy Dubai

That’s not true either. Many of Dubai’s highlights – such as the fountains at the Burj Khalifa, the Marina Walk, or traditional souks – cost nothing. By planning a bit smartly and using offers, you can still enjoy Dubai on a limited budget.