Dubai is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers coexist with traditional souks, where luxury cars share the roads with camels, and where expatriates from all over the world mingle with locals. Dubai is also a city of opportunities, where many people come to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
But how much money do you need to live comfortably in Dubai? Is 30,000 AED a good salary in Dubai? How does it compare with the average salary and the cost of living in Dubai? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and help you decide if 30,000 AED is enough for you to enjoy a good quality of life in Dubai.
According to Salary Explorer1, the average salary in Dubai is 21,500 AED per month as of May 2023. This figure is lower than in developed countries like the USA (29,000 AED) and the UK (30,000 AED), but higher than in some other cities in the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi (19,000 AED) and Sharjah (15,000 AED).
However, the average salary in Dubai can vary significantly depending on the industry, the level, the experience, and the qualifications of the employee. For example, the average salary for a software engineer in Dubai is 25,000 AED, while the average salary for a teacher is 12,000 AED1.
Therefore, 30,000 AED is above the average salary in Dubai, and it can be considered a good salary for most professions and sectors. However, it may not be enough for some high-demand or specialized jobs, such as doctors, lawyers, or managers.
The cost of living in Dubai is also higher than in most cities in the world, ranked 1596th out of 9294 in the global list by Expatistan2. The main expenses that affect the cost of living in Dubai are housing, transportation, food, and entertainment.
Housing is the biggest expense for most people living in Dubai, as the city has some of the most expensive real estate in the world. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is 7,000 AED, while the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is 14,000 AED3. Buying a property in Dubai is also costly, with the average price per square meter in the city center being 13,000 AED3.
Transportation is another major expense in Dubai, as the city is spread over a large area and public transportation is not very efficient or convenient. The average cost of a monthly pass for public transport is 300 AED, while the average cost of a liter of gasoline is 2.20 AED3. Many people prefer to use taxis or private cars, which can add up to the monthly budget.
Food is relatively affordable in Dubai, as the city has a variety of options for different tastes and budgets. The average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is 40 AED, while the average cost of a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant is 250 AED3. The average cost of groceries for a month for one person is 1,000 AED3.
Entertainment is another aspect of life in Dubai that can be expensive or cheap, depending on the preferences and lifestyle of the individual. Dubai has many attractions and activities for all ages and interests, such as malls, parks, beaches, museums, cinemas, sports, and nightlife. The average cost of a movie ticket is 40 AED, while the average cost of a beer in a pub is 45 AED3.
Based on these estimates, the cost of living in Dubai for a single person can range from 10,000 AED to 20,000 AED per month, depending on the lifestyle and choices of the individual. For a family of four, the cost of living can range from 20,000 AED to 40,000 AED per month.
Based on the average salary and the cost of living in Dubai, 30,000 AED can be considered a good salary for most people living in Dubai. It can cover the basic expenses and allow for some savings and investments. It can also provide a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle, with some occasional splurges and treats.
However, 30,000 AED may not be enough for some people who have higher expectations or needs, such as those who want to buy a property, send their children to international schools, travel frequently, or indulge in luxury goods and services. It may also not be enough for some people who have lower incomes or higher debts, such as those who support their families back home, pay off loans, or have medical bills.
Therefore, the answer to whether 30,000 AED is a good salary in Dubai depends on the individual situation and goals of each person. Some factors that can affect the answer are:
To conclude, 30,000 AED is a good salary in Dubai for most people, but it may not be enough for some people. The best way to decide if 30,000 AED is a good salary for you is to make a budget and a plan for your income and expenses, and see if it matches your expectations and goals. You can also compare your salary and your cost of living with other cities and countries, and see if Dubai is the right place for you.