Dubai’s Lifestyle and the Truth About Its Cost of Living
Dubai has always been one of the most admired places in the world. From its beautiful skyline to its high standard of living, this city continues to attract people from every continent.
Over the years, Dubai has remained one of the most admired places in the world. With its tall buildings, luxury lifestyle, and impressive development projects, the city continues to attract millions , not just as a tourist destination, but also as a dream relocation spot.
From well-planned tourist zones to peaceful urban environments, Dubai keeps upgrading itself in ways that make people ask and even affirm:
Is Dubai really expensive to live in?
Dubai must be very expensive to live in
Should I relocate there?
How is life in Dubai different from other countries?
You are in the right place to clear your doubt! In this post, I’ll share personal insights into what life in Dubai truly feels like , Whether you’re thinking about relocating or just curious about what life feels like over there, this article will help you understand what to expect — no hype, just honest insight.
Is Dubai a Country or a City?
Let’s clear something up first.
Dubai is not a country. It is one of the 7 cities that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the western part of Asia – the Middle East.
The seven emirates are:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Umm Al Quwain
These seven cities form what we call the UAE, and Dubai happens to be the most popular among them that is why people often say “Dubai” when they really mean “UAE.”
For the sake of this post, I’ll focus on Dubai . But know that most things here apply across all the Emirates.
What Currency Is Used in Dubai?
The official currency of the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) — sometimes just called “Dirham.”
Notes include: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 AED
Coins include: 50 fils (hexagon), and 25 fils (round)
You’ll mostly deal with the notes, especially as a visitor or worker.
Is Dubai Truly Expensive?
Here is the honest truth:
If you come from a country with a weak economy or low-paying jobs (like most African countries), yes, Dubai will feel expensive.
But if you earn in stronger currencies like Dollars (USD), Pounds, or Euro, you’ll find Dubai affordable or average. So it’s not that Dubai is “expensive”. It depends on how and where you’re earning your money.
Imagine buying something for 100 AED. That may look okay on its own, but when you convert it to Nigerian Naira or CFA franc for example, it suddenly feels costly. So yes — the cost of living is all about your currency strength and your earning power. You need to be aware of your income strength. Everything from food to transport and bills is priced based on global standards. So if your monthly income isn’t strong, life in Dubai will challenge you.
So… Should You Relocate to Dubai?
Dubai is a great place to visit, take a vacation, or even work short-term. It’s clean, secure, and structured.
But when it comes to permanently relocating, especially as an African, there are real challenges:
Strict visa rules :
No permanent residency or citizenship for most migrants
Expensive housing and bills
Limited rights for foreigners
And in recent years, Africans (especially Nigerians and Cameroonians) have faced increased visa restrictions due to negative actions by a few individuals not until the second phase of 2024 that the UAE government uplifted the ban and restrictions, but still with limitations.
Even the visa types available are limited — mostly:
- Tourist/Visit Visa (valid for weeks to 3 months)
- Partnership Visa (for setting up a business with others — valid 3 years)
- Work Visa (valid for 2 years; tied to a job)
- Student Visa
- Residential Visa
Please take note of this to be sure if UAE is a country you can relocate to, specifically Dubai. You’ll need to renew your visa regularly, and failure to do so will lead to overstay charges (50 AED per day), arrest, or deportation.
Important Realities to Consider.
Before you relocate, keep these in mind:
Harsh Climate :
Dubai can be extremely hot. The sun there is intense and causes physical discomfort, especially if you have sensitive skin. In extreme heat, even water from the tap can come out hot. Sunscreen, water, and indoor air conditioning become your best friends.
Limited Interaction with Locals :
Many UAE citizens (Emiratis) do not freely interact with African immigrants. Whether due to cultural, racial, or religious differences — you may feel isolated. Integration into their community is difficult unless you’re on a very high social or business level.
Strict Laws :
Dubai laws are very strict, and ignorance is never an excuse. Some key laws include:
- No alcohol in public
- No public affection
- Dress codes must be followed
- You must always renew your visa before expiry
Breaking any of these can get you arrested, fined, or deported — even if you’re a visitor.
What About House Rent and Bills?
Dubai has different types of apartments. The two most common for newcomers are:
1. Studio Apartments
Rent: Around 3,500 AED per month
Bills: Roughly 1,500 AED per month
Total Monthly Cost: ~5,000 AED
This option is for people who want privacy. You live alone and pay everything yourself.
2. Bed Space Apartments
Rent: Around 1200 AED per month
Bills: Ranges ~ 500 – 800 AED (Electricity , Wi-Fi , Gas …)
Total Monthly Cost: ~1700 – 2000 AED
Here, you share a room with others. It’s the cheapest option for workers and newcomers who can’t afford private spaces yet.
Is Dubai Safe?
Yes, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world.
There are CCTVs everywhere, and the country takes law enforcement seriously. Crimes are rare and mostly dealt with swiftly (without wasting time). If you live legally and respect their culture, you will enjoy great peace and security.
Note :
Dubai is not for everyone — and that is fine.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful, and luxurious place to visit, and a good place to work temporarily. But if you plan to relocate permanently, make sure you understand the financial and legal responsibilities involved.
If you’re a Nigerian or African without a strong income source or stable visa plan, think carefully before relocating. Visit first, test the waters, and decide what works best for your future.
