Conversations around the cost of living in Dubai never seem to slow down. While social media is full of videos claiming people can live there on surprisingly small budgets, one Indian couple has gone viral for sharing the numbers from their own household. Their detailed monthly expense breakdown has sparked a discussion, with many users saying it feels closer to the reality of living in the UAE.The couple, who post on Instagram under the username @visa_and_vadapav, shared that their regular monthly expenses come to between 13,000 and 14,000 UAE dirhams, or roughly ₹3.37 lakh to ₹3.63 lakh.
Where does the money go?
The largest expense in their monthly budget is an EMI of 6,000 dirhams, which is around ₹1.5 lakh.Utility bills account for another 1,500 dirhams, or nearly ₹39,000, every month.The couple also spoke about their food expenses. Since they do not cook much at home, groceries cost them around 500 dirhams, which is close to ₹13,000. Eating out adds another 1,500 dirhams, or around ₹39,000, to their monthly spending.
Commuting takes up a sizeable share
The husband said he spends about 1,700 dirhams every month on his car, covering petrol, parking charges, and Salik toll fees.The woman, who travels between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for work several days a week, said her monthly commuting cost ranges from 1,700 to 2,000 dirhams, or roughly ₹44,000 to ₹51,000.Apart from travel, they spend 250 dirhams, or nearly ₹6,000, on a weekly cleaner. They also keep around 1,000 dirhams, which is about ₹26,000, for miscellaneous expenses.
A note with the video
Along with the post, the couple wrote, “Here’s what it costs us as a couple living in Dubai… Please note: This is almost fixed monthly expenses – Any fancy dinner, activities are over and above this!”
Social media reacts
The comments section quickly filled up with people comparing the figures with their own experience of living in the UAE.“Thankfully someone has speak truth about the average expense i dont know how ppl are giving fake information to viewers by mentioning 400-500 AED full expense,” one user commented.“Very realistic,” wrote another.A third user pointed out, “Schools, kids expense is major after rent here.”“Crying in Dirhams,” joked another commenter.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and statements made by the individuals concerned. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims. Thumb image: Instagram/@visa_and_vadapav
