Moving to Dubai from the USA: 2025 Guide

Cost of moving and living in Dubai

The cost of living in Dubai is lower than in New York, making it an attractive reason to relocate. Key savings are in rent, childcare and school fees, health insurance, and dining out, while transportation and fuel are also cheaper.

Let’s compare the average monthly expenses of a single person and a family of four living in NYC and Dubai.

1-person household

Family of four

Advantages of living in Dubai compared to the US

• Flexible business opportunities: Entrepreneurs can choose from multiple free zones, with options ranging from freelance permits to industrial setups. These zones offer competitive registration fees, a wide range of business activities, and excellent infrastructure and logistics.
• No income tax: In the UAE, salaries, personal investments (including dividends and cryptocurrency), inheritances, and family transfers are not taxed. US citizens who maintain tax residency in the United States may still have reporting and tax obligations there.
• Safety: Crime rates in Dubai are significantly lower than in the US, and most Americans report feeling secure. Petty theft is rare but can occur.
• Driving made easy: Americans can convert their US driver’s license to a UAE license without taking a full driving exam. An eye test and standard administrative steps are required.
• No language barrier: While Arabic is the official language, English is widely used in business and daily life, allowing Americans to adapt quickly.
• Strategic travel hub: Dubai’s location between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes international travel convenient and often more affordable than flying from the US.

Challenges for American expats in Dubai

• Cost of living: Expenses for rent, transportation, dining, and entertainment can add up quickly in Dubai—life in the “City of Gold” is rarely cheap.
• Cultural and religious differences: As a Muslim country, the UAE has clear social norms. Expats are expected to follow dress codes, avoid offensive language and gestures, limit public displays of affection, and comply with alcohol regulations.
• Climate: Summers are extremely hot, with average temperatures above 104°F (40°C) and humidity often exceeding 80%. Sandstorms and high UV levels are common, making careful acclimation essential.

Best areas in Dubai for American expats

Dubai Marina

Description: Dubai Marina is a modern waterfront district known for its skyscrapers and lively promenade. Housing is mostly apartments, ranging from studios to spacious one- to three-bedroom units. The area offers excellent lifestyle amenities, including cafes, gyms, restaurants, and supermarkets, along with leisure options like yacht trips, beaches, and waterfront walks. It’s also conveniently close to the JLT and Media City business hubs.

Best for: Young professionals and couples who want a dynamic urban lifestyle with entertainment after work.

Downtown Dubai

Description: Downtown Dubai is the city’s vibrant core, home to iconic skyscrapers, offices, shopping centers, and major landmarks. Housing consists mainly of premium apartments, with some of the highest rents in the city. The area provides immediate access to corporate offices, banks, and business centers, along with a wide range of dining, shopping, and cultural options. Residents can also enjoy walking to attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and nearby parks.
 

Best for: Career-focused expats who want to be at the center of business and lifestyle, though the area is busy and less suitable for families with children.

Arabian Ranches

Description: Arabian Ranches is a suburban residential community featuring townhouses, villas, and tree-lined streets. Housing consists of spacious family homes within gated, secure neighborhoods. The area offers a calm, family-friendly lifestyle with parks, golf courses, and playgrounds, though it is about a 25–30 minute drive from the city center.

Best for: Families with children or expats who value peace, space, and greenery.

Business Bay

Description: Business Bay is a central business district with modern offices and high-rise residences. Housing includes apartments from studios to three-bedroom units. The area offers close proximity to Downtown and major offices, a wide selection of restaurants and cafes for networking, but has more urban activity and fewer green spaces.

Best for: Corporate expats who want to minimize commuting and live in a city-center environment.

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Description: Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is a mixed-use community of residential and office towers surrounding scenic lakes. Housing mainly consists of affordable to mid-range one- and two-bedroom apartments. The area offers a balanced lifestyle with gyms, cafes, supermarkets, and walking paths along the lakes. It’s close to Dubai Marina and Media City, slightly quieter than Downtown while remaining urban.

Best for: Professionals and couples seeking convenience, office proximity, and a calmer alternative to Marina or Downtown.

Can a US citizen live in Dubai long-term?

Yes. American expats can secure long-term residence in Dubai through several visa options:

Investor visa: This visa, issued for establishing a company in the UAE, is initially valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as your business license stays active.
Property investor visa: Also renewable long-term if the property in Dubai remains in your ownership.
Golden Visa: Long-term residence for qualified individuals — 5 years for retirees, and 10 years for property investors, bank deposit holders, and executive managers with qualifying salaries.
Green Visa: Designed for freelancers and self-employed professionals. Requirements include a minimum bachelor’s degree and an annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 for the past 2 years.

Make your move with expert help

Relocating is a big decision—it reshapes many aspects of life and often comes with a fair amount of stress. The transition becomes much smoother when you have someone on the ground to rely on. That’s exactly the role Emirabiz takes on. Our experts guide you through every step: from company registration and business licensing to applying for, renewing, or canceling residency visas (including family visas). We also provide accounting and tax support, assist with opening bank accounts, and help you find the right property for investment or settling in. With Emirabiz, your move to Dubai is not just a change of address, but a confident step into a new chapter of life.