The Real Cost of Moving Abroad (That No One Warns You About)
When you think about moving to a new country, the excitement is usually front and center—new city, new culture, maybe even a new version of yourself. What’s not to love, right?
Well… the invoice. That’s what.
You see, most people plan for the obvious stuff—visa, flights, and maybe a month’s rent. But relocating as an expat, especially somewhere like the UAE, comes with a mountain of hidden costs that can feel like financial whiplash if you’re not prepared.
Let’s talk about housing. You might have the rent sorted, but what about the agency fee, security deposit, and that cheerful surprise where you’re asked to pay a year upfront in post-dated cheques? Oh, and don’t forget setting up utilities, registering your tenancy, and—if you’re really lucky—buying your own curtains, appliances, and even light fixtures. Because apparently, not every apartment comes with those basics.
And if you’re not planning to live in a bubble-wrapped shipping container, you’ll need furniture. Fast. Which means you’ll be spending money fast too. Couch, beds, fridge, maybe even plates (because no one ships plates). It’s a full-on re-buy of adult life.
Now let’s throw transportation into the mix. Depending on where you land, public transport might be a dream—or a total no-go. Most expats in the Gulf end up getting a car. But buying or leasing one doesn’t just mean a monthly payment. There’s insurance, registration, license conversion, and the unavoidable reality that cars are a whole category of spending you didn’t plan to deal with immediately.
And don’t even get me started on families. If you’re moving with kids, brace yourself for the school hustle: applications, deposits, uniforms, and somehow every pencil needing a barcode. Spoiler alert: many of those costs hit before school even starts.
The truth is, starting life in a new country is basically a financial reset. You need to plan for way more than just the plane ticket and a hotel stay. I always recommend building in a buffer—at least 2–3 months’ worth of living expenses—on top of whatever your move costs. Because real talk? You’ll spend it. Whether it’s on a mattress, a mobile plan, or re-buying pantry staples you left behind in your last kitchen.
Moving abroad is one of the most expansive, life-altering things you can do. But it doesn’t come cheap—and it definitely doesn’t come with a checklist from your employer that covers this stuff. So if you’re doing this solo, or without a relocation allowance, it pays (literally) to start planning months in advance.
You deserve a smooth landing, not a financial scramble.
