Dubai is a vibrant city but very expensive. To live comfortably as a single person, you need a salary of about AED 9,000 to 12,000 per month ($2,450–$3,270). This covers rent, food, transport, and some leisure. Salaries below AED 7,000 make daily life tough, with little room for savings or fun. Couples need combined incomes of AED 14,000 to 18,000 ($3,810–$4,900) monthly for a modest lifestyle. Families with two kids face higher costs — at least AED 20,000 to 25,000 ($5,445–$6,810) per month to cover rent for larger homes, schooling, groceries, and healthcare. Rent is the biggest expense. A studio or 1 BHK can cost AED 4,000 to 8,000 ($1,090–$2,180) monthly. A 2–3 bedroom apartment can be AED 8,000 to 15,000+ ($2,180–$4,085+). School fees, especially private or international, add thousands of dirhams to family budgets monthly. Entry-level jobs pay AED 6,000–9,000 ($1,635–$2,450), mid-career roles offer AED 10,000–15,000+ ($2,725–$4,085+), and senior positions exceed AED 18,000–30,000+ ($4,905–$8,175+), showing why many target AED 12,000+ for a balanced lifestyle. Dubai’s tax-free salaries help, but high rent and living costs are challenging. Careful budgeting and choosing affordable housing are key. Overall, singles need AED 9,000–12,000 and families AED 20,000–25,000+ to live without constant financial stress in Dubai.