The ongoing discussion about the cost of living in Dubai is as vibrant as ever. While many social media influencers often promote the idea that one can live well on a minimal budget, an Indian couple has recently caught the attention of the internet by revealing their actual monthly expenses. Their candid breakdown has resonated with many, shedding light on the financial realities of residing in the UAE.

Monthly Expense Breakdown

The couple, who document their life on Instagram under the handle @visa_and_vadapav, reports monthly expenses ranging from 13,000 to 14,000 UAE dirhams, equating to approximately ₹3.37 lakh to ₹3.63 lakh. The most significant expenditure in their budget is a loan payment, or EMI, of 6,000 dirhams, which approximates to ₹1.5 lakh. Utility bills contribute an additional 1,500 dirhams (nearly ₹39,000) to their monthly costs.

When it comes to food, they revealed that dining out takes a considerable chunk of their budget. As they rarely cook at home, their grocery bill sits around 500 dirhams (close to ₹13,000), while their restaurant expenses add another 1,500 dirhams (around ₹39,000). This candid revelation around food spending has stirred conversations among those familiar with the high cost of dining out in Dubai.

The Cost of Commuting

Transportation also represents a substantial part of their monthly budget. The husband spends about 1,700 dirhams each month on his car, which includes fuel, parking, and Salik toll fees. Meanwhile, the wife’s commuting costs, which involve traveling back and forth between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for work, can reach between 1,700 to 2,000 dirhams (approximately ₹44,000 to ₹51,000) monthly.

In addition to travel expenses, they allocate 250 dirhams (nearly ₹6,000) for a weekly cleaner. They also set aside around 1,000 dirhams (about ₹26,000) for miscellaneous costs, which illustrates the diverse spending categories typical for expatriates living in the UAE.

Public Reaction

Accompanying their expense report, the couple remarked, “Here’s what it costs us as a couple living in Dubai… Please note: These figures represent almost fixed monthly expenses—anything extra, like nice dinners or activities, is not included.” Their transparency has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users sharing their own financial experiences in the UAE.

Commenters expressed relief that someone was addressing the realistic expenses associated with living in Dubai. One commenter noted, “Someone has finally spoken the truth about average expenses. I don’t know how others are sharing misleading information with claims of living on 400-500 AED.” Another affirmed the accuracy of the posted figures by stating, “Very realistic.” The conversation even highlighted the significant costs associated with schooling and childcare in Dubai, with some users humorously lamenting their financial situations.

In sharing their monthly expenses, the couple has not only sparked an essential discussion about the cost of living in Dubai but effectively illuminated the financial realities faced by many expatriates in the city. Their honest portrayal offers valuable insights for those considering a move to the UAE while confirming the sentiment that living in Dubai is often more expensive than many portray online.