Living on your own, whether it’s in Dubai or anywhere else is the dream for any girlie who wants to live life on her own terms. Aka sofa rotting in your PJs from morning to night (no judgment here) or trying a new TikTok recipe at 1.20am without having to worry about housemates.
Having your own pad may seem like total #adulting goals but if you’re about to go solo for the first time you should be aware of the ins and outs. To get you clued up, we spoke to four young women living independently in Dubai to get the 411 on what it *actually* costs to go it alone in the city.
From their rent costs to monthly bills and details on how much they spend on nights out, these dirham diaries will help you decide if you can really afford to live alone.
Tara* a Demand Planning Manager living in Vida The Hills, Dubai
Monthly costs
Apartment: Dhs6,500
Household bills: Dhs1,000
Groceries: Dhs2,500
Travel (can be car costs, taxis or other): Dhs3,700
Going out: Dhs2,000
Other expenses: Dhs2,000.
What do you wish you knew before deciding to live alone in Dubai?
I wish I knew about all the deposits/service fees for brokers, DEWA and internet/TV that are charged when you first move in. Also, how much there is to organise with moving and getting settled in an apartment.
Why have you decided to live alone? Are you happy with your decision? Have you had to make any financial sacrifices?
I’m very happy with my decision, when I first moved to Dubai I lived with my close friends, but it felt like a uni/party house instead of a home. I like living by myself because it feels calm and I like my own space. Have not had to make any financial sacrifices.
What have been hidden costs that you wish someone had told you about?
Moving in costs, make sure to budget for these when looking for a place.
Are you likely to stay in your home, even if unhappy with it, due to the financial costs of moving somewhere new?
Yes but I am very happy where I am and moving is always such a hassle when you are doing it by yourself but you can make it easier by planning and saving for additional costs.
Do you have any tips for women looking to live alone in Dubai?
Dubai is generally safe but maybe be extra cautious of the building location, think about your priorities for what your home needs… It’s difficult to find a home that ticks all boxes.
Farah* a Senior Copywriter living in Discovery Gardens, Dubai
Monthly costs
Apartment: Dhs3,850
Household bills: Dhs1,000
Groceries: Dhs1,200
Travel: Dhs1,000
Going out: Dhs600
Other expenses: Dhs3,500.
What do you wish you knew before deciding to live alone in Dubai? Financial and personally?
The start-up costs of moving to such an expensive city can really make or break the first few months you’re here. If I had known how expensive it would be, I would have worked on saving a lot more before making the move.
Also, taxis can become really pricey over time, so it’s important to budget your transportation costs. The same goes with unbudgeted online orders, small purchases really add up.
Do lots of research before making a big decision like taking on a year lease. This is especially important if you are still on probation at work and are new to the city. You can save a lot by taking public transport and living close to work and taxis can become really pricey over time, so it’s important to budget your transportation costs.
Personally, I had no idea how lonely living alone can be, particularly after living with your family. Building your own little community is vital. On the positive side, you learn a different kind of independence and get to know yourself on a different level when you’re on your own.
Why have you decided to live alone? Are you happy with your decision? Have you had to make any financial sacrifices?
I decided to live alone as I wanted the freedom to host my family and friends from home. I have been able to so I am happy with my decision. I do wish I had some company most of the time, so looking back, I wouldn’t mind sharing with a housemate or two. I honestly didn’t know all my options when I first arrived, like house sharing etc. Considering the current rent rates and cost of living, if I arrived in Dubai this year, I would probably have chosen to do a house share, at least initially.
What have been hidden costs that you wish someone had told you about?
The A/C bill! The cost can be quite high during summer. And during winter, it’s still quite a hefty bill as there is a base amount you always need to pay. There are ways to manage it, but it’s tricky.
Are you likely to stay in your current home?
I am likely to stay as the rent has almost doubled in many areas since I moved to Dubai. I was lucky enough to have gotten rent rates from 2022. To put things into perspective, with 2024 rates, a studio in Discovery Gardens is more expensive than my spacious one bedroom. Also, the start-up costs of moving to such an expensive city can really make or break the first few months you’re here. If I had known how expensive it would be, I would have worked on saving a lot more before making the move.
Do you have any tips for women looking to live alone in Dubai?
Do lots of research before making a big decision like taking on a year lease. This is especially important if you are still on probation at work, are new to the city etc, You can save a lot by taking public transport and living close to work. Unfurnished apartments are much more affordable, so this is a great option.
Melody* a Deputy Editor living in Al Sufouh
Monthly costs
Apartment: Dhs5,666
Household bills: From Dhs700-Dhs1,500
Groceries: Dhs2,000
Travel: Dhs2,000
Going out: Dhs750-Dhs2,000
Other expenses: Dhs800.
What do you wish you knew before deciding to live alone in Dubai? Financial and personally?
I grew up here so this is home to me. Living alone here is all I’ve known. I’ve never lived independently in my home country.
Why have you decided to live alone?
I’m an introvert and I actively disliked having to house share. So, I decided to live alone the second I could financially afford to do so. I moved in alone the same week I landed my highest paying job (at the time). I mean yes and no, of course it is more expensive to live alone but it’s worth every penny to me. I don’t really feel like I make any noticeable sacrifices though. I’m very lucky as I managed to get into a highly coveted community during COVID. Of course I’m bias, but it’s the best place to live in Dubai if you ask me. They’ll have to drag me out before I voluntarily leave. Also, I’m paying Dhs68k for a very big one bed, which I think is a really fair price.
What have been hidden costs that you wish someone had told you about?
None really. As I said, this is my home. Nothing is a surprise to me, it’s the only rental market I’ve known (as an independent adult).
Are you likely to stay in your home, even if unhappy with it, due to the financial costs of moving somewhere new?
I’m very lucky as I managed to get into a highly coveted community during COVID. Of course I’m bias, but it’s the best place to live in Dubai if you ask me. They’ll have to drag me out before I voluntarily leave. Also, I’m paying Dhs68k for a very big one bed, which I think is a really fair price. Hopefully, by the time they raise the rent price my boyfriend will be back from the UK and be able to contribute.
Do you have any tips for women looking to live alone in Dubai?
Get your furniture and homeware secondhand. Dubai has a brilliant pre-loved market due to the city’s transient nature. People (who are earning good money) fill their homes with beautiful items, only to get rid of them when they inevitably leave. Capitalise on this by joining reselling groups. Not only will you save money, but your home will look like a home, rather than an IKEA quick-fix.
Anna*, Managing Director living in Dubai Marina
Monthly costs
Apartment: Dhs6,000
Household bills: Dhs1,500
Groceries: Dhs1,500 – 2,000
Travel: Dhs1,200
Going out: Dhs4,000
Other expenses: Dhs2,000 – 3,000.
What do you wish you knew before deciding to live alone in Dubai? Financial and personally?
The amount of admin that is required to register the property for Ejari, DEWA, Du etc. This can be a hassle as you need to obtain all the documents from the landlord. I guess things that can’t be a shared responsibility become a slight burden and take time to complete. Getting a good removal company is key and look for recommendations on Facebook groups so you aren’t being charged an extortionate amount. Bit of a random one, but know that you need to buy curtains for unfurnished properties as it’s not necessarily something everyone thinks about.
Why have you decided to live alone? Are you happy with your decision? Have you had to make any financial sacrifices?
My friend was moving back to the UK so I decided to live on my own as I was opposed to sharing with someone else and felt I was ready to have my own space. I can honestly say I absolutely love it! The freedom of doing what you want when you want, just the little things like watch you want to watch on TV and having personal time to speak to friends and family at home. I love my own space too and wfh can be a challenge if living with others. Depending on where you choose to move as some areas are more expensive than others, financially, I am not paying anymore where I am currently living in a 2 bedroom apartment in comparison to a shared 2 bed on the Palm.
What have been hidden costs that you wish someone had told you about?
Upfront deposit costs! You need to put deposits down to register DEWA, AC etc, pay fees to estate agents, general moving costs when moving to an unfurnished home – you have to buy everything, and it gets quite expensive very quickly! Also, depending on your tenancy contract, deep clean and paint the apartment/villa before moving out.
Are you likely to stay in your home, even if unhappy with it, due to the financial costs of moving somewhere new?
100% I will not out of choice leave my current apartment, it is such a lovely neighbourhood, away from the hustle and bustle, busy traffic and just so peaceful.
Do you have any tips for women looking to live alone in Dubai?
Dubai is such a safe place, I have been living alone for 4 years now and never once thought I need to be more cautious or the need for better security. If you are like myself and have little knowledge on DIY, house fixings etc, then I do recommend posting in Facebook groups for advice or asking a friend as you can get charged above market if you are unaware of standard costs.
The math
The women we spoke to dish out anywhere from Dhs3,850 to Dhs6,500 monthly on rent, with bills ranging from Dhs550 to Dhs1,500. As for groceries, travel, nights out, and other expenses, it’s all about personal preference and comfort level but it’s something you should think about before taking the leap and signing a lease.
When it comes to the hidden costs, Tara Burchett, Founder/CEO of Apricity Real Estate, points out, “Living as a woman in Dubai is incredibly safe, but it does come with its own set of challenges. When it comes to relocating, there are many factors to consider that may not be as apparent as they are in the UK. For instance, there are various hidden costs to think about, such as deposits for renting (10% of rental amount if furnished, 5% if unfurnished) and the cheque system (typically landlords will ask for the rent to be paid in 1-2 cheques – essentially in one upfront payment or in 2-6 months apart). If you prefer monthly payments, you will typically have to pay a premium for that convenience.
“Location is key when considering to rent or buy an apartment in Dubai, and with prices for premium locations differing so much from up-and-coming areas, more and more people are choosing to have space over a premium view. For example, to rent a 1-bedroom apartment on the Palm Jumeirah starts at 95k AED and is 400 sqft. For that same 95k AED, you can rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Al Furjan (15 minutes from the Palm Jumeirah) that is over 1000 sqft.
“Or, if you spend just Dhs5,000 more and don’t mind the commute, then you can even get a 3-bedroom townhouse in Dubai South with over 1500 sqft of living space and your own private garden. As Dubai’s population continues to grow at an exponential rate and public transport continues to advance, these more affordable areas are only becoming more popular, and I have no doubts that some of these areas will become ‘prime’ locations in themselves, making investing in these areas a great opportunity for anyone.
“Choosing the right broker and real estate company is paramount in navigating these complexities. At Apricity, we’ve built a platform that prioritizes support and transparency for all individuals. We firmly believe in breaking down every aspect of the process, ensuring that our clients not only make informed purchasing decisions but also understand the market dynamics.”
Are you ready to tick ‘get own apartment’ off your 2024 vision board?
*Names have been changed to protect contributors’ anonymity