11/14/2025
Dubai Utilities Cost 2026 β Electricity, Water, Internet & Mobile Breakdown

Utilities are one of the most important monthly expenses in Dubai, especially during hot months when air-conditioning usage increases sharply. Whether you're a job seeker, new expat, or family, understanding the true cost of DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) and internet/mobile packages can help you manage your budget more efficiently.
1. DEWA Bill: Electricity + Water (2026)
DEWA is the official provider for electricity and water in Dubai. Your DEWA bill depends mostly on AC usage, building insulation quality, and whether your building is chiller-free or not.
1.1 Average DEWA Bill for Apartments
Studio apartment: AED 250β450
1-bedroom apartment: AED 300β600
2-bedroom apartment: AED 450β900
1.2 Peak Summer Charges (MayβSeptember)
Studio: AED 350β700
1-bedroom: AED 500β900
2-bedroom: AED 700β1,300
1.3 What impacts your DEWA bill?
AC usage (biggest factor)
Appliances (washing machine, fridge, microwave)
Water heater usage
Building insulation quality
Number of occupants
2. Chiller Charges Explained (Very Important)
Some Dubai buildings have separate AC cooling charges, called chiller fees. This cost can significantly affect your utility bill.
2.1 Types of Buildings
Chiller-free buildings: AC included in rent
Chiller-paid buildings: AC billed separately
2.2 Average Chiller Cost
AED 200β800 per month
In peak summer: AED 600β1,200
2.3 Why chiller-free buildings are preferred
Predictable monthly bills
Saves AED 3,000β5,000 annually
Ideal for job seekers and single expats
3. Internet Cost in Dubai (Du & Etisalat)
Internet packages are almost standard across the UAE.
3.1 Popular Home Internet Packages
250 Mbps plan: AED 280β320/month
500 Mbps plan: AED 350β450/month
1 Gbps plan: AED 450β650/month
3.2 Installation Fee
Usually free with 1-year contract
Sometimes AED 100β200 for activation
3.3 Add-ons
Landline: Free
TV channels: AED 30β80
Gaming boost: AED 20β40
4. Mobile Package Cost in Dubai (2026)
Du and Etisalat offer almost identical mobile plans.
4.1 Prepaid Plans
AED 49: Basic data (low usage)
AED 79: Normal user
AED 99β125: Best for job seekers
4.2 Postpaid Plans
AED 125β160: Entry-level plans
AED 200β300: High-data plans
AED 350β500: Unlimited packs
4.3 International calling
Add-on: AED 20β40 for South Asia
Cheap calling bundles available
5. Total Monthly Utilities Cost (Based on Apartment Type)
5.1 Studio Apartment
DEWA: AED 250β450
Internet: AED 280β320
Mobile: AED 49β125
Total: AED 600β900
5.2 1-Bedroom Apartment
DEWA: AED 300β600
Internet: AED 280β350
Mobile: AED 79β150
Total: AED 750β1,100
5.3 2-Bedroom Apartment
DEWA: AED 450β900
Internet: AED 300β450
Mobile: AED 100β160
Total: AED 900β1,500
6. Tips to Lower Your Utility Bills in 2026
6.1 Choose chiller-free buildings
Biggest savings.
6.2 Set AC to 24Β°C
Ideal temperature for efficiency.
6.3 Turn off water heater when not needed
Reduces 10β15% of your bill.
6.4 Use energy-efficient bulbs
Lower electricity usage.
6.5 Select internet packages based on usage
Avoid unnecessary add-ons.
7. Utilities Budget Based on Salary
If salary is AED 4,000β6,000
Budget: AED 600β900
If salary is AED 7,000β12,000
Budget: AED 750β1,200
If salary is AED 12,000β18,000
Budget: AED 1,000β1,500
If salary is AED 20,000+
Budget: AED 1,400β2,000
Conclusion
Utility expenses in Dubai remain manageable if you choose the right apartment and manage AC usage wisely. DEWA bills rise significantly in summer, but smart planning and choosing chiller-free buildings can save thousands of dirhams annually. Internet and mobile costs are predictable, making overall utility budgeting easier for job seekers and expats.

