Ideal salary in Dubai: how much money do you need to live comfortably?

Moving to the Emirates offers powerful tax advantages, but determining the ideal salary in Dubai to maintain one's standard of living is often the first hurdle for entrepreneurs and expatriates. This article methodically breaks down the income required for each situation, analyzing the real costs of housing, schooling, and leisure activities that weigh heavily on the monthly budget. Discover now the precise financial thresholds to aim for in order to turn this opportunity into a real economic success and build lasting wealth without sacrificing your daily comfort.

What budget should you plan for based on your profile?

Just arriving? For young professionals, efficiency often takes precedence over glamour. Forget about a direct view of the Burj Khalifa for now; we're talking about a nice shared apartment or a studio on the outskirts of town—in short, a smart and realistic starting budget.

To avoid counting every dirham at the supermarket, aim for a monthly net income of around AED 15,000 (approximately €3,800). This amount covers rent, groceries, and the metro, but doesn't allow for splurging every night.

It's the ideal gateway to try out Dubai, even if your savings account won't immediately take off.

Income for a single person or couple with a comfortable lifestyle

Want more than just a roof over your head? A comfortable life here means a one-bedroom apartment in a lively neighborhood like Marina, weekend dining out, and above all, the ability to save money. This is the level of financial security that most expats seek in order to settle down for the long term.

To achieve this balance, the ideal salary in Dubai is between AED 20,000 and AED 25,000 (approximately €5,000–€6,300). This range is a game changer compared to survival mode.

At this level, the financial pressure disappears and you can truly enjoy the Emirati experience without having a knot in your stomach at the end of the month.

The necessary income for a family with one child

That's where we change divisions. As soon as a child enters the equation, school fees become the number one expense, often weighing as heavily as the rent for a two-bedroom apartment.

To stay on track without sacrificing quality of life, a monthly budget of AED 35,000 to AED 45,000 (approximately €8,800 to €11,300) is becoming the norm. This allows you to send your children to a mid-range international school and provide decent accommodation for everyone without having to tighten your belt.

This budget covers Wednesday afternoon activities and the plane tickets needed to visit family in the summer.

The budget for a luxurious lifestyle

We're talking about the ultimate picture-perfect lifestyle here: a villa with a private pool, top-ranked British schools, Michelin-starred dinners, and perhaps a sports car in the driveway. In this category, the sky's the limit.

To support this high standard of living, the costs quickly add up. Incomes often exceed AED 70,000 per month (more than €17,500) and climb much higher for successful entrepreneurs or senior executives.

Housing: the biggest expense in Dubai

Now that you have an idea of the overall budgets, let's break down the most important part of the pie: housing. This is where your salary can melt away like snow in the sun if you don't plan carefully.

Average rents by property type and neighborhood

Dubai offers two very distinct realities. On the one hand, you have prestigious neighborhoods such as Downtown or Dubai Marina, and on the other, more rational areas such as JVC or Dubai Silicon Oasis. Your choice of address will have a significant impact on what remains of your ideal Dubai salary at the end of the month.

Let's talk specifics. For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay between AED 7,000 and AED 10,000 per month in central areas. That's the price you pay for being in the heart of the action.

If you are aiming higher, the bill quickly increases. For a two- or three-bedroom apartment, rents easily climb to between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000 per month, or even more depending on the standard of the tower.

Hidden costs you mustn't forget

Be aware that the rent listed in advertisements is only the tip of the iceberg. Too many expatriates are surprised by the additional costs that are added to the final bill and blow their initial budget.

• DEWA: Water and electricity bills are often around AED 500-1000/month.
• Ejari: The mandatory registration of the lease agreement costs approximately AED 220.
• Chiller/AC: Air conditioning costs, which are sometimes separate, can reach AED 500-800 in summer.
• Agency commission: Generally 5% of the annual rent.
• Security deposit: Often 5% of the rent, fortunately refundable.

Don't underestimate these amounts. This represents several thousand dirhams to be paid immediately upon moving in. It's a classic unpleasant surprise for the uninitiated who haven't anticipated this cash flow.

Paying rent annually: the norm in Dubai

Forget the automatic monthly transfer you are familiar with. Here, the common practice is to pay your rent with 1, 2, or 4 postdated checks given at the time of signing. Monthly payments are rare and often come with a higher price tag.

The impact on your cash flow is significant. You must have a substantial amount of money available as soon as you arrive in the country. This is a crucial point to include in your relocation budget to avoid finding yourself short of cash.

The impact of housing on overall living costs

In summary, housing will likely consume 30 to 50% of your total budget. It is the main and most effective lever for adjusting your lifestyle if finances are tight.

For a more detailed analysis of your future expenses, I recommend consulting our report on the cost of living in Dubai. There you will find details to help you plan your expatriation down to the last dirham.

Daily expenses: food, transportation, and bills

Eating in Dubai: from supermarkets to restaurants

Shopping here requires strategy. You can choose between Carrefour or Lulu Hypermarket for reasonable prices, or Waitrose and Spinneys where imported products make the bill skyrocket. It's a classic beginner's mistake not to compare prices.

In concrete terms, for a single person, expect to spend between AED 1,500 and AED 2,500 per month. If you are traveling with your family, double this figure without hesitation, especially if you have teenagers.

Be careful, though: eating out is expensive, especially in places licensed to sell alcohol, where the bill can quickly add up.

Getting around: subway, taxi, or personal car?

The Dubai Metro is an economical and efficient option, but let's be honest: it doesn't serve the entire city. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Careem and Uber are everywhere to fill in the gaps, but the final bill is more expensive.

The car often remains king. Gasoline is cheap, but you need to factor in the purchase or lease, insurance, and tolls (Salik) in your calculations. It is often an essential choice for families who want to avoid the heat.

If you are still unsure, renting a car in Dubai on a long-term basis is an option worth considering so you can try it out before committing.

Communication bills: internet and telephone

Here's something that often upsets newcomers: the cost of telecommunications. The market is dominated by a duopoly, Du and Etisalat, which drastically limits competition and keeps prices high.

Be prepared to pay to stay connected. A home internet package costs at least AED 400/month. Add to that a mobile plan with decent data, and you'll be spending another AED 200-300/month out of your pocket.

Summary of monthly budget excluding rent

Let's do the math to determine the ideal salary in Dubai for a single person. Adding up food, basic transportation, and bills, we quickly arrive at a total of AED 3,000 to 4,000 per month.

Make no mistake, this figure is a strict baseline. It does not include leisure activities, clothing, or unexpected medical expenses. It is the bare minimum after paying rent: these are unavoidable expenses.

The case of families: the cost of education, a determining factor

Why is private school the norm for expatriates?

The local public school system? It is mainly taught in Arabic and remains the preserve of Emiratis. To ensure a consistent curriculum, expatriates therefore turn en masse to private international schools.

There is a wide range of options available: British or American curricula, or the highly sought-after Lycée Français International. While there is plenty of choice, the quality and cost vary greatly from one school to another, creating significant differences in budget.

Annual tuition fees: what to expect?

Let's look at some concrete figures. For a mid-range school, annual fees per child range from AED 30,000 to AED 50,000 in primary school. This figure can rise to over AED 90,000 in the most prestigious establishments.

It's an unrelenting cycle: the bill gets bigger as the child grows up. High school is always more expensive than kindergarten, requiring careful financial management over the long term.

Keep in mind that this high admission fee is a recurring annual cost to be anticipated for each child enrolled in school.

Additional costs that should not be overlooked

Be aware that unfortunately, the bill does not stop at tuition fees alone. Other mandatory costs are added to the budget and take unprepared parents by surprise.

• Registration fees: Often non-refundable, these can amount to several thousand dirhams upon entry.
• Uniforms: They are mandatory, specific, and sold exclusively by the school.
• School transportation: The bus service is convenient but costs between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000 per year.
• Canteen and extracurricular activities: Additional regular costs to be expected each quarter.

When added up, these extras end up weighing heavily, easily adding 15% to 20% to the initial school budget you had planned.

Negotiate an expatriate package that includes education

If you are an employee, my advice is simple: negotiate firmly. Some employers offer packages that include full or partial coverage of tuition fees, which makes all the difference.

This is a huge advantage that often determines your true ideal salary in Dubai. For entrepreneurs, the situation changes: this massive cost must be entirely absorbed by your income, directly impacting your profitability.

Healthcare in Dubai: mandatory insurance and healthcare costs

Health insurance: a legal obligation

In Dubai, the rule is strict: no residence visa without valid medical coverage. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requires all residents to have this coverage, with monthly fines for non-compliance. If you are an employee, your employer is legally required to pay for your basic coverage.

But be careful, this employer obligation often stops at you and does not cover your loved ones. For your spouse and children, it is usually up to you to pay. You will often have to take out additional insurance for them, at your own expense.

Basic coverage vs. comprehensive private insurance

Let's be honest, the standard coverage provided by companies (MEC) is often rudimentary and frustrating. It drastically limits your access to hospitals, imposes low ceilings, and often excludes dental care. Basically, it's the bare minimum.

This is where private or "top-up" insurance comes in, which is essential for avoiding unpleasant surprises. It opens the door to a much wider and higher-quality healthcare network, including access to specialists. Of course, this comes at an additional cost, but the quality of care changes dramatically.

Ultimately, it is a personal trade-off between your safety and your budget that every expatriate must make.

How much does good health insurance cost?

To calculate the ideal salary in Dubai, it is essential to include these fixed costs: quality individual health insurance costs between AED 5,000 and AED 15,000 per year. The exact amount will depend on your age and the coverage options you choose.

If you arrive with a family of four, the bill can quickly add up. Plan on a realistic range of AED 20,000 to AED 40,000 per year to be on the safe side. This is a significant budget that should not be underestimated. For more information on this topic, see our article on health insurance in Dubai.

The cost of healthcare without insurance

Tempting fate without insurance? Bad idea, because the bill adds up quickly. A simple visit to a general practitioner can set you back AED 500 in the blink of an eye. The meter runs even faster for specialists.

An unexpected hospital stay can quickly cost tens of thousands of dirhams, putting your savings at risk. Here, insurance is not an option, it is an absolute necessity.

Leisure and lifestyle: the "fun" budget

People don't come to Dubai just to work long hours and pay bills. The city is a huge playground for adults, but having fun here comes at a price that can quickly become exorbitant. Let's take a look at how your ideal salary in Dubai directly influences the quality of your social life.

Outings and restaurants: the wide range of prices

The local food scene is completely schizophrenic. You can enjoy an excellent shawarma for AED 10 in the bustling streets of Deira, or decide to splurge AED 2,000 on a romantic dinner for two at a Michelin-starred restaurant in DIFC. This diversity allows you to adjust your spending, but the temptation of luxury remains ever-present.

The real financial pitfall often lies in alcohol consumption. A single glass of wine in a bar or club rarely costs less than AED 55 to AED 70. To maintain an active social life without frustration, a realistic minimum budget for "going out" is at least AED 1,500 per month per person.

Activities, sports, and shopping

Leisure options vary greatly depending on your preferences. There are free public beaches and private beach clubs that sometimes charge AED 500 per day. When it comes to fitness, while running in the park costs nothing, high-end gyms can cost between AED 500 and AED 800 per month.

Shopping is practically the national sport here. Malls are everywhere and designed to tempt you at every turn. It's a treacherous expense that depends entirely on your ability to resist the shop windows.

In reality, it is this leisure budget that creates the most visible gap between a standard lifestyle and a luxurious existence.

Travel from Dubai

Living here means enjoying an exceptional global air hub. Asia, Africa, and Europe are just a few hours away by plane, making frequent getaways almost irresistible for residents.

However, these trips weigh heavily in the balance. Whether it's to return to France to see family or to explore Oman and the Maldives on the weekend, it's a fixed cost that needs to be anticipated. Not including it in your forecast would be a mistake.

How can you control your leisure budget?

Be smart with your money so it doesn't disappear. Use apps like The Entertainer that offer "2 for 1" deals and target "ladies' nights" or "happy hours." It's the best way to take advantage of the system without breaking the bank.

The golden rule is to set a clear monthly budget for leisure activities and stick to it no matter what. Without this iron discipline, leisure spending will inevitably spiral out of control, jeopardizing your overall financial stability.

The ultimate advantage: zero income tax, but be careful...

We've talked a lot about spending. Now let's talk about what's left in your bank account. This is where the magic of Dubai comes in, thanks to a tax system that completely changes the game.

The principle of net salary after tax

Here, the rule is brutally simple: the government does not touch your paycheck. There is no income tax for individuals in the Emirates. The amount negotiated in your contract is exactly what ends up in your bank account.

This is the main factor that boosts your purchasing power in the face of European tax pressure. Even with a high cost of living locally, the absence of social security contributions changes everything. In France, you lose money before you even spend it; here, you keep it all.

Concrete comparison: a gross salary of €10,000 in France vs. in Dubai

Let's do some painful math. In France, a gross salary of €10,000 melts like snow in the sun, leaving you with around €6,000 net after tax. You lose almost 40% of your added value along the way. It's mathematical and frustrating.

In Dubai, that same salary of €10,000 (approximately AED 40,000) remains €10,000 in your pocket. No obscure deductions, no unpleasant surprises at the end of the month. The difference is enormous.

It is precisely this money "saved" from the taxman that pays for your rent at the marina or your children's international school.

Be mindful of your tax residence

Don't celebrate too soon. To benefit from this advantage, you must be officially recognized as a tax resident in the Emirates and sever ties with the French tax authorities. If you miss this step, you risk a painful tax adjustment.

You need to plan your departure carefully. Consult our guides on your tax residence in Dubai and analyze the tax treaty between France and the UAE. There are strict rules regarding presence and economic center of interest to avoid double taxation.

The introduction of corporate tax

A recent development has caused quite a stir. Since 2023, Dubai has introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000. The tax landscape is changing, and we must adapt.

But don't get confused. This affects your company's profits, not your personal income. If you pay yourself a salary, your personal tax rate remains at 0%. This is a crucial distinction for optimizing your income.

Building your personalized budget: concrete examples

Enough theory. Let's put all these figures together. Here are some monthly budget simulations to help you visualize what the ideal salary for YOU would look like.

Typical budget for a single person (salary of AED 22,000)

Let's take a young working professional. He lives in a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in JVC, a neighborhood prized for its value for money. He owns his own car and enjoys a dynamic but reasonable social life.

Let's look at his expenses: rent of AED 7,000 and utilities (DEWA, internet) of AED 1,200. Add AED 2,000 for groceries, AED 1,500 for transportation, AED 2,500 for leisure activities, and AED 1,500 for healthcare. Total: AED 15,700. That leaves him with more than AED 6,000 to save.

Typical budget for a couple without children (salary of AED 30,000)

Now imagine a couple living in a beautiful one-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina. They own two cars and frequently eat out at restaurants. This income of AED 30,000 may be that of a single person or the combined income of both spouses.

Their budget breaks down as follows: Rent (AED 9,000), Utilities (AED 1,500), Groceries (AED 3,500), and Transportation (AED 2,500). With a leisure budget of AED 4,000 and AED 2,000 for miscellaneous expenses, the total comes to AED 22,500. Their monthly savings are approximately AED 7,500.

Typical budget for a family with two children (salary of AED 50,000)

This is the most complex scenario to balance: a family with two children in elementary school (French curriculum). They opted for a 3-bedroom villa to have more space.

• Accommodation (Villa): AED 15,000
• Schooling (2 children): AED 8,000 (spread over 12 months)
• Expenses & bills: AED 2,500
• Shopping: AED 5,000
• Transportation (2 cars): AED 3,000
• Health & Insurance: AED 2,500
• Leisure & Activities: AED 4,000

Total expenses amount to approximately AED 40,000, leaving a comfortable savings capacity of AED 10,000 to secure the family's future.

The importance of saving and investing

Don't forget: the goal of moving to Dubai is often to build wealth more quickly than in Europe. If you spend all your income, you'll miss out on this unique opportunity.

In reality, the ideal salary in Dubai is not only one that covers expenses, but one that allows for significant savings to invest or prepare for the future. That is your true indicator of success.

The ideal salary in Dubai is not just a gross figure, but your actual savings capacity after deducting housing and living expenses. Take advantage of the absence of taxes to grow your wealth, while carefully anticipating unavoidable expenses to ensure a financially rewarding expatriation.

FAQ: Ideal salary for living in Dubai