The couple, who share lifestyle and relocation content on Instagram through the account @visa_and_vadapav, posted a detailed breakdown of their monthly spending. According to them, their regular household expenses range between 13,000 and 14,000 UAE dirhams per month, which works out to approximately ₹3.37 lakh to ₹3.63 lakh.
EMI Makes Up the Biggest Expense
The largest portion of the couple's monthly budget goes towards an EMI of 6,000 dirhams, equivalent to nearly ₹1.5 lakh. They also spend around 1,500 dirhams (approximately ₹39,000) every month on utility bills, making housing-related expenses the biggest contributor to their overall budget.
Dining Out Adds to Monthly Costs
The couple admitted that they rarely cook at home, which influences their food expenses. Their monthly grocery bill is around 500 dirhams (roughly ₹13,000), while dining out costs them another 1,500 dirhams (around ₹39,000) each month.
Their spending reflects a lifestyle where convenience plays a significant role, with restaurant meals accounting for a substantial share of their food budget.
Daily Commute Is Another Major Expense
Transportation also takes up a sizeable portion of their monthly expenses.
The husband spends nearly 1,700 dirhams (around ₹44,000) every month on his car, covering petrol, parking fees, and Salik toll charges.
Meanwhile, the wife regularly commutes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi several times a week for work. She said her monthly travel expenses range between 1,700 and 2,000 dirhams, which translates to approximately ₹44,000 to ₹51,000.
Household Services and Miscellaneous Spending
Apart from transportation, the couple hires a cleaner every week, spending around 250 dirhams (about ₹6,000) each month on housekeeping services.
They also set aside approximately 1,000 dirhams (around ₹26,000) every month for miscellaneous expenses to cover day-to-day costs that don't fall into fixed categories.
Couple Clarifies Their Budget
While sharing the expense breakdown, the couple clarified that the figures represent only their fixed monthly expenses.
They added, "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!"
Their clarification indicates that occasional luxury dining, entertainment, vacations, and other discretionary spending are not included in the monthly estimate.
Social Media Calls the Breakdown "Realistic"
The video quickly gained traction online, with many social media users appreciating the transparency and saying the figures better reflect the actual cost of living in Dubai.
One user commented, "Thankfully someone has spoken the truth about the average expense. I don't know how people are giving fake information to viewers by mentioning 400-500 AED full expense."
Another simply described the budget as "Very realistic."
Several users also pointed out that families with children often face significantly higher expenses.
"Schools, kids expense is major after rent here," one commenter wrote, highlighting education as another major financial commitment for many expatriates.
Adding a touch of humour to the discussion, another user joked, "Crying in Dirhams."
A Reality Check for Aspiring Expats
The couple's detailed expense breakdown has reignited discussions about the true cost of living in Dubai. While individual expenses vary depending on lifestyle, housing, family size, and commuting needs, many viewers felt the numbers offered a more practical benchmark than the low-budget estimates often seen on social media.
For anyone planning a move to the UAE, the viral post serves as a reminder that living costs can differ widely, and careful financial planning remains essential.
