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Cost of Living in Jumeirah

Understanding the the cost of living in Jumeirah helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: AED 60,000 – AED 100,000 per year
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: AED 45,000 – AED 70,000 per year
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: AED 120,000 – AED 200,000 per year
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: AED 90,000 – AED 150,000 per year
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: AED 7,000 – AED 10,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: AED 3 – AED 7.50
  • Monthly public transport pass: AED 200 – AED 350
  • Taxi starting tariff: AED 12
  • Taxi 1km tariff: AED 2
  • Gasoline (1 liter): AED 2.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): AED 5.50
  • Bread (500g): AED 4.50
  • Rice (1kg): AED 6.50
  • Eggs (12): AED 9
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): AED 25
  • Beef round (1kg): AED 40
  • Apples (1kg): AED 8
  • Oranges (1kg): AED 6
  • Tomato (1kg): AED 5
  • Potato (1kg): AED 4
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): AED 2
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: AED 30 – AED 60
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: AED 150 – AED 300
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: AED 25 – AED 35
  • Cappuccino: AED 15 – AED 25
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): AED 2.50 – AED 5
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): AED 1.50 – AED 3
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: AED 500 – AED 1,000 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): AED 300 – AED 400 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: AED 20,000 – AED 50,000 per year
  • Elementary School: AED 30,000 – AED 70,000 per year
  • Middle School: AED 40,000 – AED 80,000 per year
  • High School: AED 50,000 – AED 100,000 per year
Please note that the costs mentioned above are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Jumeirah and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Jumeirah

“Living in Jumeirah is considered to be quite expensive. The cost of housing is high, with luxury villas and high-end apartments making up the majority of the residential properties. Renting a property can be costly, and buying a home is a significant investment. In addition to housing, the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is also high. The cost of food and groceries is also above average, with a variety of high-end supermarkets and specialty stores available. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if one chooses to use private transportation or taxis frequently. However, there are public transportation options available which are more affordable. Healthcare in Jumeirah is of a high standard, but it comes with a high price tag. Both public and private healthcare services are available, but private healthcare is more expensive. Education is another major expense for those living in Jumeirah. There are a number of prestigious private schools and universities in the area, which are known for their high tuition fees. Despite the high cost of living, many people choose to live in Jumeirah for its luxurious lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and high-quality services and amenities,” said one expat living in Jumeirah.

Can I live in Jumeirah on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Jumeirah for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s quite challenging to live comfortably on a $1,500 monthly budget, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, it’s not impossible if you’re willing to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle.Firstly, you’ll need to find affordable accommodation. Jumeirah is known for its luxurious villas and high-end apartments, which can be quite expensive. I’d recommend looking for shared accommodation or a studio apartment in more affordable neighborhoods like Al Barsha, Al Quoz, or Jumeirah Village Circle. These areas are still relatively close to Jumeirah and offer more budget-friendly options.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive due to insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. Instead, consider using public transportation like the metro, buses, or taxis. If you live close to your workplace, you could even consider walking or cycling to save on transportation costs.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Jumeirah, so you’ll need to cook most of your meals at home. There are plenty of supermarkets where you can buy groceries at reasonable prices. If you do want to eat out occasionally, look for more affordable restaurants or cafes in your neighborhood.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you’ll need to be selective. Instead of going to high-end malls, cinemas, or beach clubs, consider more budget-friendly options like public beaches, parks, or free events happening around the city.In terms of sacrifices, you’ll need to be prepared to live in a smaller space, possibly with roommates, and give up some of the luxuries you might be used to, like a private pool or gym. You’ll also need to be more conscious of your spending habits and prioritize your expenses.Overall, living on a $1,500 monthly budget in Jumeirah is challenging, but with some adjustments and sacrifices, it can be manageable. Just be prepared to compromise on certain aspects of your lifestyle and be resourceful in finding affordable options in the city,” commented an expat living in Jumeirah.

Can I live in Jumeirah on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Jumeirah for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Jumeirah is known for its luxurious villas and upscale lifestyle, so it can be quite expensive. I’d recommend looking into areas like Al Barsha, Al Sufouh, or Jumeirah Village Circle, which are more budget-friendly and still offer modern amenities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite costly, so I’d suggest using public transportation like the metro or buses, or even carpooling with colleagues. This will help you save on fuel and maintenance costs.Eating out can also be expensive in Jumeirah, so I’d recommend cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to find more affordable restaurants or take advantage of promotions and discounts.Another thing to consider is entertainment. Jumeirah is known for its high-end shopping malls and attractions, which can be quite pricey. Instead, try to find more affordable activities like visiting public beaches, parks, or attending free events around the city.Lastly, you might have to cut back on some of the luxuries you’re used to, like having a housemaid or frequent spa visits. By making these sacrifices and being mindful of your spending, you should be able to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Jumeirah,” said one expat living in Jumeirah.

Can I live in Jumeirah on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Jumeirah for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Jumeirah is known for its luxurious and expensive villas, but there are also more budget-friendly options available. I’d recommend looking into areas like Al Barsha, Al Sufouh, or Jumeirah Village Circle, where you can find more reasonably priced apartments and townhouses.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of insurance and fuel. I’d suggest using public transportation like the metro, buses, or taxis, which are relatively affordable and efficient. You can also consider carpooling with colleagues or friends to save on transportation costs.Eating out can be quite pricey in Jumeirah, especially if you’re used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, I’d recommend cooking at home more often and exploring the local markets for fresh produce and ingredients. There are also many affordable eateries and cafeterias in the area where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be costly in Jumeirah, but there are plenty of free or low-cost options available. Instead of going to expensive beach clubs, you can visit the public beaches like Jumeirah Beach or Kite Beach, which are just as beautiful and offer a variety of activities. You can also take advantage of the many parks, walking trails, and outdoor sports facilities in the area.In terms of shopping, I’d recommend avoiding the high-end malls and boutiques and instead, focus on shopping at local markets, outlet malls, or during sales events to get the best deals on clothing, electronics, and other items.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Jumeirah is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, dining, and entertainment. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and modern amenities of Jumeirah without breaking the bank,” commented an expat living in Jumeirah.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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