Ways to Beat the High Cost of Living in Dubai

Dubai's ever increasing global reputation and popularity, combined with its booming free hold real estate market is now starting to come at a cost to many residents. Those living in the Emirate have seen a large increase in the cost of living in the past few years. It's not a huge surprise when you consider the life style and everything else that it on offer here. However, there still are a few ways in which you can help keep those costs down.

1) Stop the renting madness.

Rents in Dubai continue to reach new heights, and even with the government introduced rent caps, still take up a huge proportion of ones earnings. This may be an acceptable cost for those only here short term as much of Dubai's population may be, but for those here long term it's hard to justify such an expense. Why pay all that money out every week, and come the end have nothing to show for it! For a similar cost every month, you could obtain a mortgage, and at the end actually own a property. Makes sense doesn’t it!
So stop with the renting, and long tem actually have something to show for it other than an empty wallet.

2) Buy in a value for money development.

Dubai has no shortage of expensive luxury freehold Dubai property. The Burj Dubai, Emirates Hill and most the Marina apartments are not going to come cheap. Therefore look to buy in some of the more affordable developments. International City offers very good value apartments, and even Jumeirah Village and the Greens do not have to be too expensive if you pick a good real estate broker.

3) Pay careful attention to location.

 There are some areas in Dubai that are always going to set you back a good deal of money. Anywhere near the Burj Dubai, The Marina or the Jumeirah district will cost a lot more than other neighborhoods. However Dubai is really not that big. You never have to travel far to get anywhere, so take advantage and buy in a cheaper location without the reputation, that is in most cases closer to the city center anyway! 


4) Is the fancy car really necessary?

Half the time Dubai's roads are gridlocked anyway, so will that extra horse power actually get you anywhere quicker? Unlikely! So perhaps think about switching to something more economical, and save yourself some more money here as well!

5) Put everything in perspective.

OK, so this wont actually save you any money, but its good to realize what you actually get for you money in Dubai. It's sometimes easy to forget that life in Dubai for the most part is really something special. The costs of living here may have increased the past few years, but then compare it to the west. Not so expensive now is it? For more money you could find your self in the rain, cold and high taxes of some Europe countries. And a lot of other things in Dubai are very good value. Your biggest expense will accommodation, which it is possible reduce if you follow the above. So what are you waiting for, get saving!