Every few months, someone posts on social media that Dubai is getting too expensive. And every few months, someone else replies that it is still cheaper than London. Both are right. Neither is helpful.
Here is what a Malayali family of four actually spends in Dubai in 2026, based on real numbers from people we spoke to, not lifestyle blogs or government statistics.
Housing: A 2BHK in International City or Al Nahda runs AED 45,000-55,000 per year. In Karama or Bur Dubai, you are looking at AED 55,000-70,000. Sharjah is still cheaper at AED 30,000-40,000 but the commute costs eat into the savings. The days of AED 25,000 flats in Sharjah are gone.
School fees: This is where it hurts. CBSE schools charge AED 8,000-15,000 per child per year. That is for the budget-friendly options. If you want something fancier, multiply by three.
Groceries: AED 1,500-2,500 per month for a family that cooks at home. The Lulu Hypermarket run is a weekend ritual for a reason: it is genuinely the most affordable option for Indian groceries.
The bottom line: A comfortable but not luxurious life for a family of four in Dubai costs roughly AED 12,000-18,000 per month, depending on housing location and school choice. That is before remittances home, savings, or the annual trip to Kerala.
Is it worth it? That depends entirely on what you are comparing it to and what opportunities exist back home. But at least now you have real numbers to work with, not vibes.