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A cheap alternative to staying in a hotel is to rent furnished accommodations. This can be done on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. The longer you rent, the better the rate and there a number of places offering this service in all areas of the city. One advantage is that Dubai can feel more like home than a hotel room, particularly on longer stays, and is especially popular with people on short-term contract or when first arriving in Dubai while they sort out an alternative accommodation. The overall cost of living is Dubai is similar to that in most European countries, if you are living in the style of the average person from that region.
Renting
The general lack of taxation has a significant impact on the cost of certain items (i.e. cars). Imported foods and household goods can cost more than in your home country, but there are usually plenty of cheaper locally and regionally produced alternatives that are of excellent quality. On the other hand, the cost of rental accommodation is sometimes high because the retail property market is under-supplied because of the overflow of people coming to reside in the city.
A standard three bedroom, furnished apartment for rent in Dubai, depending on the location and amenities with contemporary furnishings will run you about 50,000 to 80,000 per year. This typically includes state-of-the art equipment (LCD TV, DVD, satellite/TV), a fully equipped kitchen (completely fitted with all the modern appliances microwave, stove, refrigerator, crockery and utensils). Your cost of living will obviously depend on your lifestyle.
Dubai Living
Clothing can be expensive if you favor the designer brands. Electronic goods such as television, Hi-Fis, DVD players, photographic equipment and computer hardware/software are generally less expensive than in the US or Europe, mainly because of lower import duties. Utilities such as electricity, water and gas are subsidized to some extent by the region's government, mainly for the local population. The general standard of healthcare in the UAE is high, both in public and private sectors. Getting emergency treatment in government hospitals in free regardless of nationality or whether you have a health card. The education system is varied, with many international schools to choose from as there is no government school for expatriate children; all these schools charge fees. Parents can choose between US, international, or UK systems and the standard of education is improving annually. |
