Living alone in Dubai Hills costs me about AED 12,747 per month when my annual rent is converted to a monthly equivalent. My one-bedroom rent is AED 110,000 per year, paid in two cheques; utilities, internet, transport, food and normal personal spending make up the balance.
These are my actual 2026 expenses, not a market average. A different building, rent schedule, household size, car or lifestyle will change the result.
Written by Vincent — MovingToDubai.org
Dubai resident since 2026 · Editorial review: 9 August 2026
Content type: Firsthand experience and actual personal expenses
Why I Chose Dubai Hills
Before moving to Dubai, I considered several neighborhoods.
Dubai Marina was attractive because of its waterfront lifestyle and vibrant atmosphere. However, I ultimately chose Dubai Hills for a few reasons.
First, I’m a runner and triathlete. Dubai Hills Park offers excellent running paths and a large green space that is difficult to find elsewhere in Dubai.
Second, the community is modern. Most buildings are recent Emaar developments with contemporary layouts, quality finishes and good amenities.
Third, Dubai Hills Mall is only a few minutes away and provides everything I need for daily life.
Finally, I appreciate the calmer atmosphere. Traffic is generally manageable compared to other popular areas and the neighborhood feels organized and easy to navigate.
My Apartment in Dubai Hills
I currently rent a one-bedroom apartment in Lime Garden, an Emaar development within Dubai Hills Estate.
Apartment Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Apartment Type | 1 Bedroom |
| Interior Size | 54.89 sqm |
| Balcony | 5.13 sqm |
| Bathroom | 1 |
| Parking | 1 Covered Space |
| Swimming Pool | Yes |
| Gym | Yes |
| Chiller | Included |
| Building Age | New Development |
The apartment is ideal for a single professional. Everything is modern, clean and easy to maintain.
Housing Costs
Housing is by far the largest expense.
Initial Costs
| Expense | AED |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | 5,500 |
| Agency Fee | 5,775 |
| Administrative Fee | 300 |
| Ejari Registration | 350 |
Annual Rent
My annual rent is:
110,000 AED
The rent is paid in two cheques of 55,000 AED.
Monthly Equivalent
110,000 AED ÷ 12 months =
9,167 AED per month
Utilities (DEWA)
Electricity and water are provided through DEWA.
Since moving in on February 8th, my bills have remained fairly stable.
| DEWA Bill | AED |
|---|---|
| Lowest Bill | 528 |
| Highest Bill | 572 |
| Latest Bill | 537 |
My average monthly DEWA cost is approximately:
540 AED per month
For a one-bedroom apartment with daily air conditioning use, I consider this reasonable.
Internet Costs
I use:
Monthly cost:
240 AED
Is It Good?
I would rate it:
7/10
For streaming, video calls and general internet usage, it works well. It may not be ideal for every heavy user, but it has been perfectly adequate for my needs.
Transportation Costs
One of the first decisions I made after arriving was buying a car.
Dubai is easier to navigate with a vehicle, especially when commuting between communities.
My Car
I purchased a:
Toyota Yaris 2020
Purchase Details
| Item | AED |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price | 31,000 |
| Mileage at Purchase | 59,000 km |
| Insurance (Orient) | 1,727 |
| Registration | 420 |
| License Plates | 35 |
Why a Toyota Yaris?
Many expats arriving in Dubai immediately look at SUVs or luxury cars.
I chose the opposite approach.
The Yaris is reliable, inexpensive to insure and economical to operate. For my current lifestyle, I would rather invest and travel than allocate a large portion of my income to a car payment.
It’s not exciting, but it does exactly what I need.
Fuel Costs
I work in Motor City and commute approximately three days per week.
My fuel expenses average:
150 AED per month
Food and Groceries
Food expenses depend heavily on lifestyle.
I cook most of my meals at home and generally order groceries through Carrefour delivery.
For meat, I usually purchase from Meat Counter.
During workdays, I often have lunch near the office, typically spending around:
45 AED per lunch
Considering groceries and lunches combined, my monthly food budget is approximately:
2,500 AED per month
Other Monthly Costs
Mobile Phone
My mobile phone plan is provided by my employer.
Cost:
0 AED
Health Insurance
My health insurance is fully covered by my employer.
Cost:
0 AED
Gym
I use the gym included in my residential building.
Cost:
0 AED
Uber and Taxis
I rarely use Uber.
Average monthly spend:
150 AED
Cost of Living in Dubai Hills Breakdown
Total Monthly Cost of Living
Based on my actual expenses:
| Category | AED |
|---|---|
| Rent | 9,167 |
| DEWA | 540 |
| Internet | 240 |
| Fuel | 150 |
| Food | 2,500 |
| Uber / Taxi | 150 |
| Total Monthly Cost | 12,747 AED |
This total excludes:
- International travel
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Investments
- Holidays
- One-time purchases
What I Like Most About Dubai Hills
Several things stand out.
Safety
Dubai is already extremely safe, but Dubai Hills feels particularly secure at all hours.
Cleanliness
The community is exceptionally well maintained.
Running and Outdoor Lifestyle
As a runner, having Dubai Hills Park nearby is a huge advantage.
The park loop is approximately 2.5 km and works perfectly for morning and evening runs.
Walkability
Many restaurants, cafés and services are within walking distance.
Dubai Hills Mall
Being only a few minutes away from a major mall is incredibly convenient.
Low Traffic
Compared with many other parts of Dubai, traffic inside the community remains manageable.
What I Like Less
No community is perfect.
The biggest drawback is that Dubai Hills is still growing.
There is ongoing construction in certain areas, which occasionally creates noise during the day.
Because many developments are relatively new, some parts of the community can also feel less lively than older neighborhoods.
That said, I view this as a temporary issue.
Would I Choose Dubai Hills Again?
Absolutely.
If I were moving to Dubai again today with a housing budget between 90,000 and 130,000 AED per year, Dubai Hills would still be at the top of my list.
For professionals who value modern buildings, outdoor spaces, convenience and quality of life, it offers an excellent balance.
Related Dubai Relocation Guides
Understanding the cost of living is only one part of planning a move to Dubai.
You may also be interested in:
- How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Dubai? – A realistic breakdown of the budget required to furnish an apartment, from basic setups to more comfortable long-term living arrangements.
- Buying a Used Car in Dubai: My Toyota Yaris Experience – Learn about the real costs of buying, insuring and registering a used car in Dubai, and why a budget-friendly vehicle can be a smart choice for many expats.
Together, these guides provide a more complete picture of the expenses new arrivals should expect when relocating to Dubai.
FAQ
Is Dubai Hills expensive?
Dubai Hills is considered a mid-to-premium community. It is generally more expensive than JVC but often cheaper than equivalent properties in Dubai Marina.
Can you live in Dubai Hills without a car?
Yes, but having a car makes life significantly easier.
Is Dubai Hills good for runners?
Absolutely. Dubai Hills Park and the surrounding paths make it one of the best communities in Dubai for running.
Is Dubai Hills a good area for expats?
Yes. It is popular among professionals, couples and families because of its modern infrastructure, safety and amenities.
What is the cost of living in Dubai Hills?
The cost of living in Dubai Hills for a single professional is typically between 12,000 AED and 15,000 AED per month depending on housing choices and lifestyle.
Continue Your Relocation Plan
- Compare Dubai Hills with Dubai Marina
- Build your total starting fund
- Review the apartment rental budget
Update History
9 August 2026: Added a direct monthly-cost answer, clarified the firsthand basis, corrected the duplicate title and FAQ hierarchy, and improved image and journey links.
Read how material corrections and updates are handled.
Planning Your Move to Dubai?
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That’s why I created a complete Complete Dubai Relocation Toolkit 2026, available in both English and French.
It covers:
- Housing
- Banking
- Visas
- Cars
- Cost of Living
- Daily Life in Dubai
👉 Get the Complete Dubai Relocation Toolkit 2026 — English + French