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COLIFE BLOG
Your First Salary in Dubai: Where the Money Actually Goes
Moving to Dubai is exciting. New job, new city, tax-free income, endless opportunities.
But when your first salary arrives suddenly you realize that relocating isn't just about earning money. It's about surviving the first few months while your life gets set up.
If you're planning a move, here's where your money is likely to go during your first weeks in Dubai.
But when your first salary arrives suddenly you realize that relocating isn't just about earning money. It's about surviving the first few months while your life gets set up.
If you're planning a move, here's where your money is likely to go during your first weeks in Dubai.
Rent Deposit: The Biggest Expense Nobody Talks About
For most expats, housing becomes the largest upfront cost. Even if you've already found an apartment, you'll usually need to pay a security deposit before moving in. Depending on the property, landlords may also ask for agency fees, utility deposits, and advance rent payments.
This is often where newcomers experience their first financial shock. A monthly rent that looked affordable online suddenly turns into several thousand dirhams in upfront costs.
That's why many expats choose flexible housing options during their first months in Dubai. It gives them time to learn the city, understand different neighborhoods, and avoid committing to a long-term lease immediately after arrival.
This is often where newcomers experience their first financial shock. A monthly rent that looked affordable online suddenly turns into several thousand dirhams in upfront costs.
That's why many expats choose flexible housing options during their first months in Dubai. It gives them time to learn the city, understand different neighborhoods, and avoid committing to a long-term lease immediately after arrival.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Housing: A More Important Decision Than You Think
At first glance, unfurnished apartments often seem cheaper. But there's a catch.
An unfurnished apartment in Dubai may come completely empty. Not just without decorations: sometimes without a bed, sofa, dining table, kitchen equipment, or even basic household items.
Buying everything from scratch can easily cost more than many newcomers expect.
When calculating your cost of living in Dubai, remember to include:
For many expats, furnished accommodation ends up being the more economical option during the first year because it eliminates large upfront purchases.
An unfurnished apartment in Dubai may come completely empty. Not just without decorations: sometimes without a bed, sofa, dining table, kitchen equipment, or even basic household items.
Buying everything from scratch can easily cost more than many newcomers expect.
When calculating your cost of living in Dubai, remember to include:
- Furniture
- Kitchen appliances
- Cookware
- Bedding
- Cleaning supplies
- Home essentials
For many expats, furnished accommodation ends up being the more economical option during the first year because it eliminates large upfront purchases.
Transportation: More Than Just Taxi Rides
Dubai is often described as a car-friendly city, but not everyone needs a vehicle immediately.
Your transportation costs will depend heavily on where you live and work. If you choose metro-connected neighborhoods such as Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, or Barsha Heights, you may spend relatively little on commuting.
However, transportation expenses can add up quickly if:
Many newcomers postpone buying a car for several months until they better understand their daily routine and actual transportation needs.
Your transportation costs will depend heavily on where you live and work. If you choose metro-connected neighborhoods such as Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, or Barsha Heights, you may spend relatively little on commuting.
However, transportation expenses can add up quickly if:
- You rely on taxis every day
- Your office is far from public transport
- You live in a more suburban community
- You frequently travel around the city
Many newcomers postpone buying a car for several months until they better understand their daily routine and actual transportation needs.
SIM Card and Internet: Small Cost, Immediate Priority
One of the first things you'll do after landing is get connected.
You'll need a local phone number for:
A tourist SIM may work initially, but most expats eventually switch to a local mobile plan.
Home internet is another expense that often gets overlooked during relocation planning. Depending on your accommodation, internet may already be included or it may become an additional monthly bill.
These costs are not huge individually, but they arrive immediately when you're still paying for everything else.
You'll need a local phone number for:
- Banking
- Visa applications
- Deliveries
- Job-related communication
- Everyday services
A tourist SIM may work initially, but most expats eventually switch to a local mobile plan.
Home internet is another expense that often gets overlooked during relocation planning. Depending on your accommodation, internet may already be included or it may become an additional monthly bill.
These costs are not huge individually, but they arrive immediately when you're still paying for everything else.
Groceries: Usually More Than Newcomers Expect
Many people compare Dubai grocery prices with their home country and assume spending will be similar.
Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn't. Your grocery budget depends heavily on your lifestyle.
If you buy mostly local products and cook at home, expenses can stay reasonable. But imported foods, specialty products, and frequent food delivery orders can increase your monthly spending significantly.
A common mistake among new expats is relying on restaurants and delivery apps during their first month because they haven't settled into a routine yet.
Convenient? Absolutely. Budget-friendly? Not always.
Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn't. Your grocery budget depends heavily on your lifestyle.
If you buy mostly local products and cook at home, expenses can stay reasonable. But imported foods, specialty products, and frequent food delivery orders can increase your monthly spending significantly.
A common mistake among new expats is relying on restaurants and delivery apps during their first month because they haven't settled into a routine yet.
Convenient? Absolutely. Budget-friendly? Not always.
Emergency Expenses: The Budget Category Everyone Forgets
This is the category that catches people off guard. You arrive with a carefully planned budget. Then reality happens.
Maybe you need a medical consultation before your insurance becomes active.
Maybe you need additional visa-related documents. Maybe your laptop breaks.
Maybe you discover your apartment needs a few essentials you hadn't considered.
Unexpected expenses are part of every international move.
A good rule is to arrive with an emergency fund that covers at least one additional month of living expenses beyond your planned budget.
You'll probably never be happier to have money you don't need than when relocating to a new country.
Maybe you need a medical consultation before your insurance becomes active.
Maybe you need additional visa-related documents. Maybe your laptop breaks.
Maybe you discover your apartment needs a few essentials you hadn't considered.
Unexpected expenses are part of every international move.
A good rule is to arrive with an emergency fund that covers at least one additional month of living expenses beyond your planned budget.
You'll probably never be happier to have money you don't need than when relocating to a new country.
So, How Much Money Do You Need to Move to the UAE?
There's no universal number because lifestyles vary dramatically. However, one thing is true for almost every newcomer: your first salary will likely disappear faster than expected.
Not because Dubai is impossibly expensive, but because setting up a new life comes with many one-time costs that don't appear in standard cost-of-living guides.
The easiest way to reduce financial pressure is to eliminate as many upfront expenses as possible — especially housing-related ones.
At Colife Dubai, our fully furnished apartments are designed for newcomers who want a smooth landing in the city. No furniture shopping, no utility setup headaches, and no surprises after move-in.
Leave a request on our website, and our team will help you find a home that matches your budget, lifestyle, and relocation plans.
Not because Dubai is impossibly expensive, but because setting up a new life comes with many one-time costs that don't appear in standard cost-of-living guides.
The easiest way to reduce financial pressure is to eliminate as many upfront expenses as possible — especially housing-related ones.
At Colife Dubai, our fully furnished apartments are designed for newcomers who want a smooth landing in the city. No furniture shopping, no utility setup headaches, and no surprises after move-in.
Leave a request on our website, and our team will help you find a home that matches your budget, lifestyle, and relocation plans.
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