The Cost of Living in Dubai

Dubai may be known for high-rise buildings and luxury brands, however living in this dynamic and exciting city as a student can be an affordable and enriching experience! It’s all about knowing how to use your money wisely and making the most of what you have available to you.  You probably have lots of questions like: “Is Dubai expensive for international students?” “How much does it cost to live in Dubai as a student?” or “Where are the best affordable areas for student accommodation in Dubai?” We have you covered with our smart guide, breaking down the complete cost of living in Dubai for students, focusing on all your key expenses.

Accommodation

Student accommodation in Dubai can vary quite a bit depending on location, type of accommodation, and amenities. Most universities in Dubai offer plenty of affordable student living. Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai for example, have partnered with The Myriad Dubai, a student living community located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). The Myriad provides you with affordable, luxurious student accommodation in Dubai, boasting shared or private rooms, with comfortable amenities including an indoor and outdoor gym, cinema, arcade, library, and swimming pool.  

Prices can vary depending on which intake you join, however a Studio Room in the Myriad costs roughly AED 4,800 per month if you commit to a 6-12 month stay. A Single Room would cost roughly AED 4,200, while a Double Room would be around AED 2,600. These prices include a transfer shuttle to campus, so you would not have to pay for transport, and weekly housekeeping to ensure you’re always in a clean and comfortable environment. For more information and up to date pricing, check our website.

If you choose not to stay at university accommodation, you can rent a room in shared accommodation or look at renting your own place. This will be slightly more expensive.. A room in a shared apartment can cost anywhere between AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 depending on location and condition of the building. To live alone in a 1-bedroom apartment, the monthly cost would range from AED 5,000 – 8,000. This also comes with added responsibilities such as setting up utilities, contracts, etc.  

Bills and Utilities

If you choose to stay in university accommodation such as The Myriad Dubai, your main bills such as water and electricity will be included in your rental agreement. However, if you choose to stay somewhere independently, this is something you will likely have to consider.  

For a one-bedroom apartment, monthly bills range from AED 400 to AED 1,000. It's important to note that some buildings charge separately for air conditioning, which can add approximately AED 500 to AED 600 per month for a one-bedroom unit.  

Mobile Phones 

Getting a phone contract or SIM in Dubai is fairly easy, and there are three major providers: Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile (which is app-based and flexible). Here's what is on offer for students:

• Etisalat (e& UAE) 
  Prepaid Plans start at AED 30 for 500 MB of data, scaling up to AED 225 for 20 GB.  Postpaid Plans begin at AED 125/month for 4 GB, reaching AED 500/month for unlimited data.  Wasel Flexi allows you to customise your plan with options for data, minutes, and social media access. Etisalat occasional offers pop up throughout the year, like 25% off for 6 months on selected Freedom plans.  
• du 
  Prepaid Plans start at AED 25 for 500 MB, up to AED 100 for 10 GB.  Postpaid Plans begin at AED 100/month for 2 GB, reaching AED 500/month for unlimited data. Regular promotions and discounts available for students. Manage your account via the du app, where you can monitor usage, and make payments efficiently through the du mobile app.  
• Virgin Mobile 
  Customisable Plans, allow you to build your own plan with flexible data and call options.Etisalat. Avail offers like 50% off yearly plans and free data upgrades. virginmobile.ae.

If you don't have an Emirates ID yet, opt for prepaid plans from providers like Etisalat, du, or Virgin Mobile. Check each provider's website or app for the latest student promotions and discounts andchoose a plan that aligns with your data and calling needs to avoid unnecessary costs. Many plans offer overseas minutes, which are perfect for connecting back home for international students in Dubai. 
Dubai has excellent 4G and 5G coverage across the city and all major providers are reliable in urban areas and campuses.  

Transportation

Public transportation is relatively affordable in Dubai, with a monthly pass for the metro, bus, and tram costing around AED 250. Most of the public transport in Dubai is owned by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), and you access them using a travel card called a NOL card. As a student at Middlesex University Dubai, we are able to offer a special student discount on the NOL card that allows you to get even cheaper transport – make sure you speak with the Transport team for more information.  

Taxi fares start at AED 12, with costs increasing based on distance travelled. For those owning a car, petrol is priced at about AED 2.20 per litre.  

Food

How much you spend on food depends entirely on your lifestyle and how you decide to spend your money. A meal at an affordable restaurant can cost between AED 25 and AED 45, while fine dining establishments may charge AED 500 to AED 1,000.  The cheapest way to feed yourself is by cooking at home, and accommodation like The Myriad will have kitchens and utensils available to you to use. Grocery costs for a monthly student budget typically range from AED 500 to AED 1,000 monthly, influenced by your dietary choices and shopping habits. Most malls in Dubai (like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta) and busy places such as Dubai Knowledge Park where our campus is situated, have large food courts where students love to hang out. Options include McDonal's, Subway, KFC, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Jollibee, and Indian/Arab/Asian kiosks, with meals averaging between AED 25–45.  

The cheapest student meals in Dubai are found in Arabic cafes that offer tasty meal options, and you can find them all over Dubai. These cafeterias will offer items like Karak for as little as AED 2, and shawarma for AED 6.  There are a number of Delivery Apps including Talabat, Careem and Deliveroo where you can use student discounts and promo codes to get an even better deal!

When it comes to food, Dubai caters for all tastes, budgets and lifestyles, so every student will find something that works for them.  

Healthcare

While healthcare facilities in Dubai are top-notch, they are not a free service. MDX Dubai provides health insurance as part of your student visa, and it is important to know which facilities you are covered for. If you are in doubt, you can speak with the visa team who will be able to tell you more about what you are covered for, and you will also be given documentation to help you.  

Even with insurance, you may be asked to pay a small charge for a visit to the doctors, however this is usually only a small percentage of the overall cost. You can expect to pay around AED 100 for a general check-up visit, depending on the result of your consultation and any further requirements

Socialising

Socialising in Dubai can be as budget-friendly or bougie as you want — it's a city that offers all options. Here's a rundown of what you might spend when going out.  

• Beaches and water spaces
  If you like to spend time at the beach, there are many free public beaches in Dubai that won’t cost you a penny! Kite Beach is totally free and perfect for a chill day in the sun or evening walk. Al Qudra Lakes are a great escape into nature and completely free, great for picnics or bike rides. Take a traditional abra ride at Dubai Creek for just AED 1 to enjoy views of old Dubai. 
• Culture & History
  A must spot is a visit to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, which offers free entry to walk around the old Dubai area with art galleries and museums. At the Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort) you can explore Dubai’s history for just AED 3. Enjoy the Jumeirah Mosque Tour for AED 35 including a cultural breakfast and guided tour. Cultural events/festivals are often free – AED 50. Keep an eye on community calendars for upcoming cultural events, art exhibitions, and live performances happening throughout the city. 
• Views & Sightseeing
  See the Dubai Fountain Show (at Burj Khalifa) which is free and happens every 30 minutes in the evening. In Dubai Mall, the Aquarium has a free Viewing Panel to walk through and watch marine life without paying for full entry. 
• Markets & Bazaars
  You will find the Gold & Spice Souks in Deira, window shopping is free and it's fun to explore local market vibes. There is also the Ripe Market, a seasonal pop-up with local products, free entry in some locations. Immerse yourself in a multicultural festival park with pavilions from around the world at Global village for a small entry fee. 
• Movies
  A movie ticket costs AED 35 – 100 depending on which cinema you go to.  You will also find plenty of free outdoor movies at locations like Galleria Mall or at The Pointe. 
• Parks & Outdoor Spaces
  Zabeel Park is great and for AED 5, enjoy expansive green spaces, a boating lake, and views of the Dubai Frame.  Mushrif Park entry is AED 10 per car, offering BBQ areas, cycling tracks, and an international village showcasing traditional houses from around the world.  Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront at Dubai Marina Walk, lined with cafes and shops, offering picturesque views of the skyline. 
• Activities
  Bowling, skating, or escape rooms are plentiful and great for team events you will pay around AED 50 – 200+ per session.  
  A budget for socialising in Dubai can range from AED 300 for cheap and cheerful lowkey to the more lavish AED 1,500 and beyond! There are lots of cheap and free events offered by MDX Dubai  throughout the year. Whatever your budget, there is so much on offer!

Living in Dubai as a student on a budget is absolutely doable with smart planning. Affordable neighbourhoods like International City, Deira, and Dubai Silicon Oasis offer low-cost housing, especially if you opt for shared accommodations. Public transport is reliable and economical, monthly Nol cards keep commuting costs down. Groceries can be budgeted by shopping at places like LuLu and Union Coop, and dining out at local eateries helps stretch your dirhams. Free entertainment like beaches, public parks, and community events add to the experience without draining your wallet. With careful choices, students expenses can be minimised and you can live comfortably and affordably in Dubai.