Newcomer Monthly Budget Template

Action checklist

Complete these steps in order for the fastest, safest setup.

• 1List all fixed costs first: rent, DEWA, internet, phone, health insurance
• 2Estimate transport: metro/Nol recharge + occasional Careem/Uber
• 3Set a weekly groceries limit before going shopping — not after
• 4Track the first 30 days in a spreadsheet or app (Spendee, Wallet, or even iPhone Notes)
• 5Build a 1-month emergency buffer before any optional spending
• 6Review spending at week 2 — most newcomers overspend on food delivery in the first month

Realistic monthly costs in Dubai (mid-range)

Rent (1BR apartment, shared community): 4,500–7,000 AED/month DEWA (electricity + water): 300–600 AED/month Internet: 249–350 AED/month Mobile SIM: 89–150 AED/month Groceries: 400–700 AED/month Transport (metro + occasional taxi): 250–500 AED/month Food delivery (moderate): 300–600 AED/month Health insurance (employer-provided is common): 0–300 AED/month Total: ~6,500–10,000 AED/month for a single person (excluding rent if shared).

First-month one-time costs

DEWA deposit: 2,000 AED (refundable) Chiller deposit (if applicable): 500–2,000 AED (refundable) Nol card: 25 AED SIM card: 35–100 AED Basic home items: 500–2,000 AED Agent fee (if applicable): 5% of annual rent Total one-time costs: 3,000–7,000 AED on top of first month's rent. Plan for this before you arrive.

Where newcomers lose money in month one

Food delivery every night: adds up to 1,500–3,000 AED/month. Cook 4–5 nights per week. Taxis instead of metro: 20x more expensive for the same route. Use metro until you know the city. Cash-only transactions: you lose track. Use card for everything for the first 3 months. Supermarket impulse buys: go with a list. Dubai supermarkets are designed to make you spend.