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Cost of Living in Dubai for Indian and International Students 2025
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on May 13, 2025 03:09 PM IST
The cost of living in Dubai for Indian students is quite expensive as compared to a few other popular study abroad destinations. Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24. The estimated living costs in Dubai for international students amounts to AED 4,112 ( INR 95, 556) on average per month excluding the rent. In fact, Dubai is way more expensive than some of the cities in India such as Delhi. The rental cost in Dubai for international students is approximately more than AED 5,000 (INR 1,16,204) per month. The exact living costs in Dubai vary, depending on the individual preferences. The total cost of living in Dubai for Indian students include accommodation, transportation, food & groceries, books, leisure, miscellaneous, and other additional costs.
This Story also Contains
- What is the Cost of Living in Dubai Per Month?
- The Annual Cost of Living in Dubai 2025
- Cost of Studying in Dubai for Indian Students 2025
- Total Cost of Living in Dubai For Indian Students 2025
- Cost of Living in Dubai vs India 2025
Dubai is a global business hub with a stable economy that is known for its strong international hub for work with many job opportunities, especially in the Oil and Gas sector. It is one of the reasons that students are attracted to this country despite the high cost of living in Dubai per year. So, one planning to study in Dubai must ensure they have enough money to sustain before enrolling in the course. This gives you the required budget necessary during your study or work in Dubai. Generally, the tuition fees in top universities in Dubai are also a major concern for prospective international students. In Dubai, undergraduate tuition costs between AED 37,500 and AED 70,000 (INR 8,71,874 and INR 16,27,498) annually, while postgraduate tuition costs between AED 5,000 and AED 75,000 (INR 1,16,240 and INR 17,43,748) annually. Hence, students who want to study in Dubai must consider the tuition fees and the total living expenses in Dubai before applying to universities in Dubai.
What is the Cost of Living in Dubai Per Month?
| Category | Monthly cost (AED) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
Rent (1–3 bedroom) | 5,000 – 8,500 | 1,16,240-1,85,985 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Cooling, Internet) | 500 – 750 | 11,624-17,436 |
| Groceries | 1,000 – 1,500 | 23,248-34,872 |
| Transportation | 500 – 850 | 11,624-19,760 |
| Healthcare & Insurance | 400 – 700 | 9,299-16,273 |
| Dining & Entertainment | 800 – 1,500 | 18,595-34,872 |
| Miscellaneous | 400 – 700 | 9,299-16,273 |
Note: Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24; Source: Numbeo
The Annual Cost of Living in Dubai 2025
| Category | Annual Cost (AED) | Annual Cost (INR) |
| Housing (Rent) | 60,000 – 100,000 | 13,94,887-23,24,812 |
| Utilities | 6,000 – 9,000 | 1,39,488-2,09,233 |
| Groceries | 12,000 – 18,000 | 2,78,977-4,18,466 |
| Transportation | 6,000 – 10,000 | 1,39,488-2,32,481 |
| Healthcare & Insurance | 5,000 – 8,000 | 1,16,240-1,85,985 |
| Leisure & Dining | 10,000 – 18,000 | 2,32,481-4,18,466 |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000 – 8,000 | 1,16,240-1,85,985 |
Note: Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24; Source: Numbeo
Cost of Studying in Dubai for Indian Students 2025
The exact tuition fees in Dubai universities tend to differ as per the educational university, level of study, and the chosen course. However, the approximate study in Dubai after 12th fees is between AED 37,500 and AED 70,000 (INR 8,71,874 and INR 16,27,498) annually for undergraduate studies, while it is between AED 5,000 and AED 75,000 (INR 1,16,240 and INR 17,43,748) annually for postgraduate studies. One must note that tuition fees are one of the major components while budgeting for the cost of living in Dubai for international students. Here are the top 5 universities in Dubai along with their tuition fees in the table below:
Cost of studying in Dubai Universities 2025:
| Top Universities in Dubai | Cost of Studying in Dubai(Annually) | |
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | |
| University of Dubai | AED 37,500–70,000 (INR 8,71,874-16,27,498) | AED 55,000–75,000 (INR 1,16,240-17,43,748) |
| American University in Dubai | AED 37,500-70,000 (INR 8,71,874-16,27,498) | AED 85,000 (INR 19,76,247) |
| British University in Dubai | AED 37,500-70,000(INR 8,71,874-16,27,498) | AED 85,000 (INR 19,76,247) |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | AED 60,000- 70,000 (INR 13.94,998-16,27,498) | AED 50,000-150,000 (INR 11,62,498-34,87,496) |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai | AED 58,000 (INR 13,48,498) | AED 57,583-70,000 (INR 13,38,803-16,27,498) |
Note: Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24
Top 10 Universities in Dubai and Their Average Tuition Fees
The table below shows the top universities and how much a student has to pay tuition fee for that university in a year:
| Rank | University Name | Average Tuition Fee (AED/year) | Average Tuition Fee (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American University in Dubai (AUD) | 105,600 | 24,55,197 |
| 2 | American University of Sharjah (AUS) | 105,020 | 24,41,712 |
| 3 | University of Birmingham Dubai | 101,100 | 23,50,572 |
| 4 | Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT) | 85,400 | 19,85,547 |
| 5 | Heriot-Watt University Dubai | 63,000 | 14,64,748 |
| 6 | Canadian University Dubai | 70,700 | 16,43,773 |
| 7 | Middlesex University Dubai | 58,000 | 13,48,498 |
| 8 | University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD) | 58,000 | 13,48,498 |
| 9 | De Montfort University Dubai (DMU) | 60,585 | 14,08,599 |
| 10 | BITS Pilani Dubai | 41,600 | 9,67,198 |
Note: Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24
Total Cost of Living in Dubai For Indian Students 2025
The cost of living in Dubai for a single person (international student) per month is around AED 5000 to 8000 (INR 1,16,249 to 1,85,999). The rent in Dubai for Indians is an average of 600% higher than in some Indian cities like Bangalore (As per Numbeo). The tuition fee in top Dubai universities ranges from Rs. 9 lakhs to 25 lakhs per annum. The living cost in Dubai for international students varies depending on their personal preferences. However, these are the parameters that add to total cost of living for international students in Dubai.
Accommodation Expenses in Dubai 2025
International students can choose either on-campus or off-campus accommodations in Dubai. There are multiple options in housing like single bedrooms, shared rooms, studio apartments, rental flats, villas, etc. The living expenses in Dubai for students depend on which accommodation option you choose.
On-campus Accommodation: The on-campus accommodation must be booked in advance to decrease the cost of living in Dubai for a single person. Choosing this option can be very useful for new students who are studying for their first year in Dubai. As the on-campus accommodation comes with furnished rooms, there will be less initial settling costs for students. The average on-campus accommodation cost in Dubai can range from 2700 to 7000 AED (INR 62,780 to 1,62,765) per month.
Off-Campus Accommodation: You can choose the off-campus accommodation based on your choice of facilities. If you wish to stay in your preferred locality or some locations that are nearer to malls supermarkets and entertainment zones, then the rent can be increased based on your location. The off-campus accommodations cost in Dubai can range from 2,700 to 10,000 AED (INR 62,780 to 2,32,522) per month.
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Cost of Dining & Entertainment in Dubai
As the accommodations are offered with separate or shared kitchens, students can choose to cook their own meals for their daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The on-campus housing avails with dining facilities and meal plans for the students which come at a decent price. The campus lunch meals in the Dubai universities can range from AED 300 (INR 6,975) per month.
If you consider eating outside the campus, an average cost of a meal in a top restaurant will cost about 200 AED to 600 AED (INR 4,65 to 13,951) for one or two persons. You can even find a meal at 20 to 50 AED (INR 465 to 1,162) in the street food stalls and courts, etc. The food cost in Dubai for international students solely depends on the food choices of individuals.
Entertainment options in Dubai vary from affordable to luxury. Below are the average costs for fooding and entertatinment in Dubai.
Fooding/Entertatinment Activity | Average Cost (AED) | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
Meal at a mid-range restaurant | 50 | 1,162 |
Meal at an upscale restaurant | 200+ | 4,649 |
Movie Tickets | 35 | 813 |
Theme Park Entry Tickets | 200+ | 4,649 |
Note: Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24
Cost of Transportation in Dubai 2025
The different modes of transportation available in Dubai are metro, tram, bus, taxis, marine transport, etc. Public transportation is a convenient way to travel around in Dubai. If you are a frequent user, then you can choose a personal NOL card as the payment can not be done via cash for public transport. Check the table below to learn about the various transportation costs.
Transportation Cost in Dubai for International Students
| Transportation | Cost (in AED) | Cost (in INR) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 7 AED | 162.71 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 309 AED | 7,182 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 12 AED | 278.94 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3 AED | 69.73 |
| Taxi Ride (8km) | 40.76 AED | 947.47 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 3.01 AED | 69.96 |
Note: Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24
Cost of Utilities and Internet in Dubai
Utility costs are a significant part of the budgeting for living expenses in Dubai for international students. In addition to rent, utility costs such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet services can add up to the cost of living in Dubai. The utility bill may vary depending on the size of your accommodation, usage habits, and the efficiency of appliances. Here is the compilation of necessities.
Utilities and Internet costs in Dubai for International Students
| Utilities and Internet | Cost (In AED) | Cost (in INR) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 1 person | 481.10 | 11,181 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 204.10 | 4,744 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 365.53 | 8,496 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 280 | 6,508 |
Note: Currently, the AED to INR exchange rate is 1 AED equals INR 23.24
Health Insurance in Dubai for Indian Students
Medical insurance is one of the essential expenses to consider in the cost of living in Dubai for international students. Through this insurance, students will be allowed to receive medical care and consult a doctor in doctors. Based on the insurance plan you choose and the facilities included, the cost will be different. For international students, the cost-effective medical insurance plan can be around 100 to 200 AED per month.
Miscellaneous Expenses in Dubai for International Students
Additionally, the cost of living in Dubai also includes a few other miscellaneous expenses like books, entertainment expenditures, personal health, body care, and initial house settling costs which are variable as per the requirements of students. All these expenses contribute to the average cost of living for Indian students. Including occasional social outings and impulse purchases, your monthly budget should include at least AED 8,000 (INR 1.88 L) for a basic lifestyle.
How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Dubai?
As Dubai is an expensive city to live in, you can check out a few tips mentioned below that reduce your average living expenses in Dubai.
Work for part-time jobs: As an international student, you can work part-time during your study period and earn a decent amount of money in Dubai.
Budget monthly expenses: Creating a monthly budget is a great start this means sticking to buying what is needed and not overspending on unnecessary things, which helps in understanding the total cost of living in Dubai for Indian students.
Use apps to buy food on offers: You can get amazing discounts by buying food online. A few apps you can use are Uber Eats, Talabat, and Noon Food.
Find thrift stores to buy reasonable clothes: The best way to save on cash is to buy clothes from thrift stores and secondhand clothing stores to stay stylish and save money.
Stay in an affordable apartment: Look for an apartment or student housing that fits your budget. You can also share your room or flat to save your living costs in Dubai.
Reduce unwanted utility bills: Refrain from buying electronics with high voltage power to reduce electricity bills.
Use public transportation: Public transportation is an affordable way of commuting anywhere in Dubai. Students can purchase the NoL card to avail of discounts on ticket fares. Get your card pre-filled card to avoid fines. You can use the free bus shuttle services offered by malls in popular tourist destinations.
Cost of Living in Dubai vs India 2025
Dubai is approximately 160% more expensive than major Indian cities without accommodation expenses. The rent in Dubai is 539% higher than in major Indian cities. This shows that the cost of living in Dubai for international students is quite expensive. Here is the table analysis of the average living expenses in Dubai and India.
Expense List | Costs per month (India) | Costs per month (Dubai) |
Accommodation (1-bedroom) | INR 19,000 | AED 5000 (INR 1,16,225) |
Food | INR 8,000 | AED 2000 (INR 1,85,961) |
Transportation | INR 1,200 | AED 300 (INR 6,973) |
Utility Bills | INR 3,500 | AED 1,000 (INR 23,245) |
Miscellaneous | INR 2000 | AED 800-1,000 (INR 18,596-23,245) |
This is just the approximate cost of living in Dubai vs India; the exact will differ according to personal preferences.
Also Read:
| Dubai Golden Visa | Top MBA Colleges in Dubai 2025 |
| Top 5 Masters Courses in Dubai | Reasons to Study in Dubai |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How expensive is to live in Dubai?
The cost of living in Dubai for one person is around Rs. 1.1 to 1.8 lakh per month. For families with single or two children, the average monthly living expenses in Dubai can range from around AED 7000 to AED 8000.
2. How much is the rent in Dubai per month?
The on-campus accommodation rate starts from 2,700 AED to 7,000 AED per month. The off-campus accommodation range also starts from AED 2,700 per month and can increase up to AED 10,000 per month.
3. What salary do I need to live in Dubai?
A salary of AED 10,000 to 20,000 is considered a decent amount required to live in Dubai. As the living expenses start from AED 5000, the earned salary will be good enough for savings or for any extra expenditure.
4. How much income is required to live in Dubai?
A salary range of AED 10,000 to 20,000 is considered a decent amount to live in Dubai. As the cost of living expenses starts from AED 5000, the earned salary will be pretty decent for savings and extra expenditure.
5. Is Dubai expensive for Indian students?
Yes, Dubai can be costly for Indian students. Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and the cost of living varies with many factors. However, there are scholarships and financial aid options available to help students.
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Hello Dear,
If a candidate wanted to take admission to an MBA program in Dubai, he should have relevant work experience of 2-4 years depending upon the program. The academic requirement for admission to study in UAE includes scores of English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Students applying to study in UAE for MBA programmes are required to have good scores in GMAT. For detailed information you can visit the link:
Good Luck
harshitasharansrivastava 10 February,2021
Hi
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Disha Arora 23 July,2020
Hello Aspirant,
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Md Azmer 23 February,2020
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