Visas & ResidencyDubai
Moving to Dubai: Complete Relocation Guide
Everything you need to plan a move to Dubai, from entry permits and Emirates ID to housing, schools and setting up utilities.
9 min readUpdated 24 Oct 2026
City guide · United Arab Emirates
Living in Dubai
The Gulf's global city: finance, tourism, aviation and the region's widest choice of housing and schools.
Cost of living
Compare with another city| Item | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | AED 8,447 | $2,300 |
| 3-bed apartment (family area) | AED 19,097 | $5,200 |
| Utilities (monthly) | AED 955 | $260 |
| Groceries (single, monthly) | AED 2,387 | $650 |
| Dinner for two (mid-range) | AED 1,542 | $420 |
| Transport (monthly) | AED 918 | $250 |
| International school (yearly) | AED 6,243 | $1,700 |
| Private health insurance (monthly) | AED 808 | $220 |
Neighbourhoods
Al Barsha
midCentral, practical district by Mall of the Emirates with many schools.
Best for: Families on a mid budget
Schools: Dubai American Academy, GEMS Wellington Al Barsha
Family friendly86Lifestyle70- Studio / mo
- $1,000
- 1-bed / mo
- $1,500
- 3-bed / mo
- $3,600
- To centre
- ~20 min
Arabian Ranches
premiumGated villa community with schools, parks and golf.
Best for: Families
Schools: Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches, Ranches Primary
Family friendly95Lifestyle66- 3-bed / mo
- $7,200
- To centre
- ~30 min
Downtown Dubai
premiumWalkable towers around Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the metro.
Best for: Couples and city lovers
Schools: Few nearby: most families commute to Al Barsha or Mirdif
Family friendly58Lifestyle96- Studio / mo
- $2,100
- 1-bed / mo
- $3,000
- 3-bed / mo
- $7,400
- To centre
- ~10 min
Dubai Marina
premiumHigh-rise waterfront living with beaches, dining and the tram.
Best for: Young professionals
Schools: Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, Emirates International School Meadows
Family friendly62Lifestyle94- Studio / mo
- $1,900
- 1-bed / mo
- $2,600
- 3-bed / mo
- $5,800
- To centre
- ~30 min
International City
budgetThe cheapest studios in Dubai, further out with limited transit.
Best for: Tight budgets
Schools: Limited: budget Indian and Pakistani curriculum schools nearby
Family friendly55Lifestyle45- Studio / mo
- $600
- 1-bed / mo
- $850
- To centre
- ~35 min
Jumeirah Village Circle
midMid-priced apartments and townhouses with good value.
Best for: Budget-conscious families
Schools: JSS International, Sunmarke School
Family friendly78Lifestyle64- Studio / mo
- $1,000
- 1-bed / mo
- $1,400
- 3-bed / mo
- $2,900
- To centre
- ~30 min
Dubai guides