Adventurous Andrea

The Solo Female Travel Blog

dubai

Is It Really That Expensive To Live In Dubai?

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This Emirate nation is indeed known for the glitz, the glamour and the lavish lifestyle, off plan projects in Dubai therefore it’s easy to ascertain that this nation is quite pricey. Thus, you’ll be surprised to know that according to Mercer’s 2017 Cost of Living Survey, Dubai is now the 20th most expensive city in the world to live in. So one thing is for sure, Dubai is certainly cheaper than we thought! Let’s take a look.

1: Currency Converter

Let’s start with the basics. When calculating, 1 US is equal to 3.67 AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). Also, 1 Pound equates to 4.67 AED.

2: Transportation

Due to the fact that oil is in abundance, transportation via taxi isn’t as expensive as you’ll think and certainly isn’t as expensive when compared to other top-tier cities. 5 miles would generally cost you around 26.09 AED depending on where you are coming from but the departure from the airport is a little costlier.

With fares starting at 2 AED at the metro, this is also terribly cheap. Not to mention that you’ll pay around 6.50 AED to have access to all of the zones. On the other hand, if you are really pinching your pennies, the trams are even cheaper, only setting you back by 3 AED per ride. In general, you can spend about 250 AED per month in transportation in Dubai which is quite low when compared to London where you would spend 607 AED or even New York where you can spend 430 AED per month.

3: Accommodation

Rent in Dubai is indeed one of the costliest expenses that you’ll have to deal with when living in this emirate and due to the ever-rising Dubai property market; you’ll have a wide range of Dubai properties for sale. But as with every property on the market, cost really boils down to where you intend to reside.

If you wish to reside in the heart of the city, you can expect your average monthly cost to be much higher than if you lived further away from town. For instance, a one-bedroom dwelling within the city has an average cost of 7,345 AED per month when compared to a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city for a total of 5,043 AED per month.

With flexible payment plans, investing in new real estate projects like the Bluewaters Residences & Emaar Beachfront apartments is also not that expensive, as many people think it is. Not only is it affordable, but your investment will also prove to be quite profitable In the long run.

In the end, with pretty decent average salaries, your average spend really boils down to what is important to you.  Therefore, you can find accommodation and transportation to be very reasonable especially when you live within your means. After all, yes, it is true that Dubai has the appearance of being costly but when you do the math and convert it to rates that you are more familiar with, it’s astonishing to see how affordable it truly is.

City Breaks to Sample in 2017

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The vibrant energy of the city, although it can get chaotic at times, is one thing that most people find appealing in an urban metropolis. From its busy shops to its crowded streets, cities can offer a different kind of experience. With this, if you are planning a city break, keep on reading and we’ll suggest some of the best places that can be taken into consideration.

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New York

Known as a concrete jungle, New York is one city that is often included in the travel bucket list of many people. It is home to some iconic landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. One of its top attractions is the Central Park, an expansive greenery in the heart of the city. Whether it is summer or winter, there are lots of activities that you can enjoy in the park. Never leave New York without visiting Times Square.  Make sure to snap a shot of its streets with busy people and adorned with bright billboards. There are also plenty of museums to visit, such as Solomon Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Rome

This is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to history. Its rich past is one thing that has captivated the attention of many tourists. While a lot of other cities are dense with towering skyscrapers, in Rome, you can see ancient structures, such as the Colosseum and Parthenon. The Spanish Steps, which are located at Piazza di Spagna, is another attraction that should not be missed. There are also many museums that you can visit, although not as grand as the ones in Vatican. Do not leave Rome without feasting on pizza and gelato.

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Cape Town

From breath-taking landscapes to pristine beaches, Cape Town is one city that has it all. Whether you prefer to go out partying or just enjoy a laidback ambiance, there is something that you will enjoy here. Among others, one of its best attractions is the Table Mountain National Park. If you want to sample the best wines from the region, on the other hand, head to Cape Winelands. For its beaches, Boulders Beach is one of the most popular, which is known for its penguins. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a shopping and entertainment centre, take time to visit Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Dubai

The luxury of Dubai is over the top and hard to rival by any other city. One of its best attractions is the Burj Al Arab, a 7-star all-suite hotel with interiors that glitter in gold. Meanwhile, in Downtown Dubai, you can find Burj Khalifa, which is known as the tallest structure in the world. On its base, you can find the Dubai Fountains, which holds the record of being the largest dancing fountain in the world. Your holiday in Dubai is also not complete without heading to Palm Jumeirah, a collection of man-made islands and is home to a number of hotels and casinos. If you’re feeling brave then you can try sky diving.