Living in Dubai

Dubai

Burj Khalifa, luxurious shopping and supercars
Photo by David Rodrigo
92
Score

Dubai is an influencers playground. Home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the world's largest shopping centre, the Dubai Mall.

It boasts world class food, brilliant dayclubs, and a Marina that rivals Monaco. With its modern skyline, unreal weather and amazing nightlife, Dubai is emerging as one of the hottest destinations for nomads anywhere.

The Good

  • 🎉 Good nightlife
  • 🤤 Great food options
  • Coffee
  • 🦄 Strong nomad community
  • 👴 Strong ex-pat community
  • ☀️ Fantastic weather
  • 👮 Safe
  • 📡 Strong wifi coverage
  • 🚀 Fast wifi
  • ✈️ Close to airport
  • 🚌 Good public transport
  • 🏛️ Architecture
  • 🛍️ Shopping
  • 🛏️ Amazing hotels

The Bad

  • 🤑 Expensive
  • 🏨 High cost of accomodation
  • 🚶 Not walkable
  • ☀️ Uncomfortably hot
  • 🥴 Can get a little rowdy
  • 📸 Very Touristy

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
Dubai
Cheapest () Costliest ()
United Arab Emirates
0%
cheaper than United Arab Emirates median
271st
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • Dubai is the second most expensive place (out of 3) to live in United Arab Emirates
  • The average salary in Dubai is
  • It's about 25% more expensive to live in Dubai than it is Berlin
  • You can expect to spend around $3,401.30 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
--
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month
--

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 26th Jul 2026

Safety

Very Safe

Dubai has low crime rates, strict laws, and a strong police presence, making it very safe for visitors.

Where to stay

1. Dubai Marina

With skyscrapers, a waterfront promenade, and excellent nightlife, Dubai Marina is a busy area with loads of restaurants, and entertainment options. It's also close to Jumeirah Beach Residence, offering access to the beach and various fun activities.

2. Downtown Dubai

Home to iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) and the Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai is an exciting area with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. It's a great choice for those who want to be in the heart of the city and have easy access to attractions, shopping, and dining.

3. Al Barsha

Located near Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, Al Barsha is a residential area with a mix of apartments and villas. It offers more affordable accommodation options compared to some of the city's more fancy neighbourhoods, making it attractive for budget-conscious travellers and nomads.

Where to eat

Nightlife

Transport

Metro

The Dubai Metro has two main lines, the Red Line and the Green Line, and covers key areas including the airport, shopping malls, and popular attractions. The trains are modern, air-conditioned, and run frequently, making it a convenient option for travellers.

Tram

The Dubai Tram complements the Metro and connects areas such as Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh. It provides easy access to the beach, residential areas, and several major hotels. The tram runs every few minutes, ensuring that you rarely have to wait long.

Bus

Dubai has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city, providing access to areas not serviced by the Metro or Tram. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and operate on a set schedule. The main bus station is located at Al Ghubaiba.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Dubai and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. They are metered, with a starting fare that is relatively affordable. Taxis are a convenient option, especially for areas not easily accessible by public transport.

Careem

Careem is a popular ride-hailing service in Dubai, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. The app allows you to book a ride in advance or on-demand, and you can choose from different vehicle options based on your needs.

Uber

Uber also operates in Dubai, providing a reliable and convenient transport option. Similar to Careem, you can easily book a ride through the app and track your driver, offering a seamless travel experience in the city.

Ride hailing apps

The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B

Internet speed

Good

As you'd expect in this ultra modern city the internet is fast and connectivity excellent.

Download
126.7Mbps
Upload
23.1Mbps
Latency
37.2ms
Select a tile
Click a tile to see median wifi speed data for that area. Speeds are shown in Mbps.
Download speed
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Time difference

Dubai

When to visit

Current weather
The weather in July is very hot with temperatures around 40°
Best time to visit

Nov to Mar

The best time to visit Dubai is generally from November to March when the weather is pleasant, with cooler temps ranging from the mid-20s to low 30°C (mid-70s to mid-80°F). This period is also Dubai's peak tourist season when many outdoor activities, such as Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Food Festival, are held.
Worst time to visit

Jun to Sep

The worst time to visit is probably during the summer months, particularly June to September. Temperatures are extreme at this time, often exceeding 40°C (over 100°F) with high humidity, making outdoor activities really uncomfortable. Also, this period coincides with Ramadan, during which many restaurants and attractions may have limited opening hours.

Average temperatures

24°
25°
29°
33°
38°
40°
41°
41°
39°
35°
31°
26°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Who it suits

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