Cost of Living in Dubai for International Students
Learn everything you need to know about living costs of living Dubai as an international student. Get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
The cost of studying in Dubai has always been a puzzle for international students. As Dubai attracts more students to Study at top universities in Dubai, questions about the living costs for these students are increasingly directed to our AECC experts. Well, the curiosity is totally valid. After all, Dubai is known for its lifestyle, and as per our data, studying there can cost as much as AED 8000-10,000 monthly for each student depending on the choice of accommodation, groceries, and other expenses.
This page will cover all about the living costs in Dubai for international students, right from accommodation to utility bills, monthly costs to grocery price lists. So let’s get straight into it.
Cost of Living in Dubai – Housing & Utilities
The most important part of planning your cost of living in Dubai is hunting for accommodation and utilities. And here is all the information you will need on where to live in Dubai, cost of utilities along with mobile and internet.
Accommodation Costs in Dubai for International Students
International students have multiple options to find accommodation in Dubai. There is dedicated student area like Dubai International Academic City to university accommodations. Here is all the information on accommodation costs in Dubai for international students. Let's first start with dedicated areas to find houses in Dubai:
- University Admission Department
- Dubai International Academic City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Online property portals such as bayut.com, propertyfinder.com and dubai.dubizzle.com
The starting rent of a studio apartment at all these locations is US $450 daily, which is AED 1652. Here is a table showing the various shared room and studio apartment rents in Dubai:
| Location | Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|
| University Admission Department / On-Campus | Shared rooms in student residences | AED 1,600 - AED 4,000 |
| Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) | Shared rooms in private student housing/Studio Apartment | AED 2,000 - AED 4,500 |
| Dubai Knowledge Park | Shared room/Studio Apartment | AED 2,200 - AED 4,000 |
| Online Property Portals (e.g., Bayut, Property Finder, Dubizzle) | Shared rooms/bed spaces (in nearby areas like Al Barsha, Deira, Bur Dubai) | AED 800 - AED 3,000 |
Now, as part of the cost of living in Dubai, there is an additional cost to accommodation in terms of utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet. And, Dubai has an additional AC chiller charge. This may or may not be included in your tenancy contract, so it's essential to confirm with the agent before you sign.
| Utility Service | Average Monthly Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Electricity & Water (DEWA) | AED 300 - AED 800 |
| Air Conditioning (Chiller) | AED 0 - AED 600 |
| Home Internet | AED 300 - AED 400 |
| Mobile Phone | AED 100 - AED 250 |
| Gas | AED 25 - AED 50 |
| Total (Excluding separate A/C fees) | AED 725 - AED 1,450 |
| Total (Including separate A/C fees) | AED 1,025 - AED 2,050 |
This estimated cost is based on Dubai Electricity & Water Authority official rates.
Mobile & Internet Bills in Dubai
After accommodation, the next major bill for international students in Dubai is for phone and internet. While you can use your domestic SIM card with international roaming, it is can be very expensive. The best option is to get a new local SIM card at the airport upon arrival and choose a flexible prepaid plan.
The main providers are Etisalat (e&), Du, and Virgin Mobile. They offer various prepaid plans with no long-term contracts. While there isn't a guaranteed "flat 50% off" for paying annually, providers often offer significant discounts and bonus data for committing to a 6- or 12-month plan. Be sure to check for "Youth Plans" that may offer extra social media data or other perks.
Here's a quick look at the average costs:
| Service | Average Monthly Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Mobile Prepaid Plan | AED 100 - AED 250 |
| Home Wi-Fi (shared) | AED 300 - AED 400 |
Pro-Tip: To save money, use the free Wi-Fi at your university library or cafes for study and project work. You can then use your mobile data packs only when needed.
Let AECC experts guide your study abroad journey. Our experienced counsellors help you understand the cost of living in Dubai and other study costs, so you can plan confidently before you move.
Cost of Living in Dubai – The Daily Bills
The next step on budgeting your cost of living in Dubai is the daily bills like groceries , milk, eggs, lentils, rice and more. Now, understanding the supermarket system of a new country can be challenging and that’s why you are here.
Dubai has major supermarket giants like Carrefour, Waitrose, Spinneys, budget-friendly options such as VIVA and for ethnic grocery items the best place is LuLu Hypermarket. Here is a table for daily grocery list taken an average from all supermarkets:
| Item (Per Unit) | Average Cost in Dubai (AED) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | AED 6 - AED 8 |
| White Bread (500g) | AED 5 - AED 7 |
| Rice (1 kg) | AED 6 - AED 15 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | AED 20 - AED 40 |
| Onions (1 kg) | AED 3 - AED 7 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | AED 3 - AED 6 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | AED 4 - AED 8 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | AED 5 - AED 8 |
| Eggs (12 pcs) | AED 10 - AED 15 |
Cost of Living in Dubai - Transportation
Dubai's public transportation is state-of-the-art, with the Metro, Tram, and bus systems smoothly connecting every part of the city. For students, the "Nol Card" is essential. This contactless smart card can be used across all public transport networks and offers a 50% discount on all fares, including the Metro, buses, and trams.
Eligibility and Cost of Nol Card in Dubai
Nol Card is available for students aged 6-23 enrolled in a UAE university. To apply, students need to show their Emirates ID and an official enrolment letter from their university. The card costs depend on the type of Nol card however blue Nol card is most preferred by the students as it offers additional benefits on museums, amusement parks and other tourist attractions.
| Nol Card Type | Upfront Cost (AED) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Red Nol Card | AED 2 | 90 days or 10 trips (whichever comes first) |
| Silver Nol Card | AED 25 | 5 years |
| Gold Nol Card | AED 25 | 5 years |
| Personal (Blue) Nol Card | AED 70 | 5 years |
Monthly Cost of Living in Dubai
The monthly cost of living in Dubai is an inclusive of accommodation, utilities, internet, mobile, groceries and transportation. Here is a table of an estimated cost of living in Dubai for an international student.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AED 4,500 |
| Utilities | AED 500 - AED 900 |
| Internet & Mobile | AED 300 - AED 450 |
| Groceries & Food | AED 1,000 - AED 2,000 |
| Transportation | AED 100 - AED 300 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | AED 800 - AED 1,500 |
| Total Monthly Cost | AED 7,200 - AED 9,650 |
Note: This cost is based on the minimum expenditure made on a shared apartment and shared utilities bill. The exact cost depends on your individual usage and preference.
Curious about studying in Dubai or overseas? Talk to an AECC expert and get clear guidance to make it happen
Tips for Saving Money While Studying in Dubai
Studying abroad comes at a heavy expense, and as an international student, you have to be smart to manage these expenses, all while you are living away from home on your own. Here are a few tips that can help you save some money while studying in Dubai:
- While choosing the accommodation, choose a chiller-free accommodation to avoid extra electricity costs in your monthly bill.
- Always speak to a university admission counsellor or locals to find an affordable neighbourhood that will help you save on monthly rent.
- Make use of the university wi-fi and food services to their maximum to cut personnel expenses.
- Always check the university portal for student discounts and carry your student ID card to avail these discounts at every spot, like grocery stores, apparel stores, movies, and more.
- You can ask for care packages from home when someone is travelling from your home country or use affordable courier services for basic groceries.
While the cost of living in Dubai can seem overwhelming, it's manageable with a smart budget and local knowledge. Remember, your educational expenses are an investment in a future with high earning potential. With opportunities for part-time work, you can help support your costs. Plan your budget wisely, and to get expert guidance, speak with an AECC counsellor today.