Sunshine and bills.
Thousands of expats flock to Dubai for the beachside/ city lifestyle, numerous internationally celebrated restaurants, glittering hotels and all-year-round sunshine. But these little pleasures come at a cost, so we have asked our editors to share an average monthly charge for where they live in the sandy city.
Carmel Harrison, Editor
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There are lots of deposits needed for DEWA, EJARI, apartment, nanny visa and car registration fees. Grocery shopping is also expensive, I once paid AED 55 for a pack of cherries without realising. An organic piece of salmon is around AED 65.
Area: Palm Jumeirah
Bedrooms: 2 bedrooms + maid room
Rent: AED 135,000
DEWA:AED 1,200
DU Bill: AED 600
Transport: AED 120 for a full tank
Groceries: very expensive
Natalie Westernoff, Fashion & Beauty Editor
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Before I moved out here I had no idea that most rental properties demanded four cheques a year (and others just two) Luckily we had savings, you need to have a substantial amount of money in the bank before you decide to move out here. The cost of groceries is also something that shocked me, but then again we are in a desert!
Area: JVC
Bedrooms: 1
Rent: 48,000 AED per annum
Average DEWA: AED 600 per month
DU Bill: AED 300 per month
Any other extra’s: AED 125 per week
Transport: AED 90 a week
Groceries: AED 500 a week
Diana Bell-Heather, Digital Style Editor
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Dubai life can be a dreamy combination of weekends at the beach, bottomless brunches and beautiful staycations, but living costs can easily add up. Maintaining a villa with two dogs and a baby can take a toll on monthly budget. You have to be extra careful with your finances in order to enjoy the very best of the sandy city.
Area: Arabian Ranches
Bedrooms: 4 bedroom villa + Maid
Rent: AED 200k
Average DEWA: AED 2,000
DU Bill: AED 500
Gardener/pool: AED 250
Transport: AED 200 for a full tank
Groceries: AED 1,000
Media: Instagram
