Is my salary enough to live in Dubai?
Enter your household’s monthly income and how you live. We estimate your real monthly costs using 2026 Dubai rents and typical expat spending, then show what’s left to save.
Estimates, not quotes. Rents are averages from dubizzle’s H1 2026 Dubai rental report. Type over any amount to use your own figure.
How we work it out
Rent comes from average 2026 asking rents for the area and home size you pick, divided by 12. Utilities (DEWA, chiller and gas) scale with home size. Groceries, dining and travel scale with the number of adults and children.
We group your costs the way the 50/30/20 rule does: needs (housing, food, transport, school, insurance), wants (eating out, holidays, help at home) and savings. A household saving 20% or more is rated comfortable.
Costs we leave out: one-off moving costs like the rental deposit, agency fee and Ejari, and car purchase deposits. Add them by typing over a line.
FAQ
What is a good salary in Dubai?
It depends mostly on rent and school fees. A single person in a mid-range studio can save well on AED 12,000–15,000 a month. A family of four with two children in mid-range schools usually needs AED 30,000 or more to save 20%.
Should I include my housing allowance?
Yes. Enter your total monthly package after any deductions. If your employer pays rent directly, set the rent line to zero.
How much does a car cost per month in Dubai?
We use about AED 2,500 a month for one car, covering a typical loan or lease, insurance, registration, fuel, Salik tolls and parking. A paid-off small car can cost under AED 1,200.
Are school fees really that high?
KHDA-rated private schools range from under AED 15,000 to over AED 90,000 a year. Our tiers include a small allowance for uniforms, books and the school bus.