Abu Dhabi is a favourite among expats looking to relocate for a better lifestyle, higher income and career progression. Whether you are coming for higher education or employment, the first step is to budget expenses. Knowing the average living costs helps plan a stress-free lifestyle in the capital. Let’s review the breakdown of the cost of living in Abu Dhabi for bachelors.
Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s vibrant lifestyle accompanies a cost that varies by individual. Whether you prefer a cost-effective or an upscale lifestyle, the capital city caters to every budget. If you are relocating here, explore this factual breakdown of the cost of living in Abu Dhabi for a bachelor.
Bachelors have a different lifestyle and need fewer groceries compared to a family. That’s why the average cost of living in Abu Dhabi for families is different from that of bachelors. Let’s dive in and find out more.
Accommodation
Abu Dhabi boasts property types ranging from studios to apartments and villas. Bachelors usually opt for studio or one-bed apartments in affordable areas. The city has affordable communities and upscale neighbourhoods to cater to different budget preferences.
Rent is a major expense and forms the biggest chunk of living costs. For this reason, it is crucial to budget rental costs. The five most affordable communities in Abu Dhabi include:
- Al Ghadeer
- Al Shamkha
- Beach Rotana Tourist Club Area
- Hamdan Street
- Al Reem Island
Average Rental Prices
Here are the average rental prices per month in Abu Dhabi:
| Unit Type | Average Rent Per Month |
| 1-bed Apartment (City Centre) | AED 5.06k |
| 1-bed Apartment (Outside City Centre) | AED 3.70k |
Utilities
Utilities are the second major expense that spikes the cost of living in Abu Dhabi for bachelors. It includes water, electricity and gas charges, which vary according to usage. Internet and mobile plans are also a part of this cost. On average, a single person spends the following amount on utilities:
| Utility | Cost Per Month |
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Water, Electricity, Cooling, Garbage and Heating) | AED 566.74 |
| Internet (60 Mbps+) | AED 384.14 |
| Mobile Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data) | AED 199.74 |
Groceries
Grocery shopping is an unavoidable expense, however, it is possible to manage and reduce it. Residents can switch to budget-friendly shopping at supermarkets in Abu Dhabi, such as Waitrose, Spinneys and LuLu.
From dairy to veggies and fruits, here are the average prices of the most common grocery items:
| Grocery Item | Price |
| Milk (1 litre) | AED 6.96 |
| One Loaf of White Bread (500g) | AED 5.13 |
| White Rice (1kg) | AED 8.34 |
| Eggs (12) | AED 11.57 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | AED 33.68 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | AED 29.65 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | AED 44.35 |
| Apples (1kg) | AED 8.43 |
| Bananas (1kg) | AED 6.44 |
| Oranges (1kg) | AED 6.58 |
| Tomato (1kg) | AED 5.54 |
| Potato (1kg) | AED 4.10 |
| Onion (1kg) | AED 5.17 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | AED 6.81 |
| Water Bottle (1.5 litre) | AED 2.18 |
Healthcare
Abu Dhabi has state-of-the-art healthcare facilities with cutting-edge medical technology and skilled staff. Expats relocating to the capital or sponsoring a family member must know the health insurance requirements.
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for every Abu Dhabi resident. In most cases, employers sponsor health insurance for employees. On average, basic health coverage costs vary between AED 500 and AED 1500.
Education
Relocating to Abu Dhabi as a university student? While calculating the cost of living, take into account the tuition fees, books and other academic costs. These costs vary depending on the university and chosen programme. Here are the starting fees of some of the best universities in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi University: Starting AED 1,440 per credit hour
- Khalifa University: AED 3,333 per credit hour
- Zayed University: Average AED 2,500 per credit hour
Transportation
Abu Dhabi has an extensive public transport network, from buses to taxis. Residents can drive their cars or rely on Abu Dhabi public transportation for convenient commuting within the city.
The travel costs depend on the mode of transportation and frequency. Those using the Abu Dhabi bus service regularly can consider purchasing a Hafilat Card. Moreover, consider residential areas that are close to your workplace and save big on commute expenses. Here is what bachelors can expect to spend on transportation:
| Transport | Cost |
| Local Transport (One-way Ticket) | AED 2.50 |
| Private Taxi (Normal Tariff for 1km) | AED 12 |
| Private Taxi (Normal Tariff for 1 hour Waiting) | AED 30 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | AED 2.90 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | AED 90 |
Leisure
From theme parks to resorts and dining options, the tourist places in Abu Dhabi have entertainment options for all. Bachelors can have fun at Ferrari World or dine out with friends at the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Some residents spend more on leisure activities while others prefer to save money. For both these cases, here are the average leisure costs:
| Leisure | Cost |
| Fitness Club (per month for one adult) | AED 245.50 |
| Tennis Court (one hour rent on weekend) | AED 130.71 |
| Meal at Mid-Range Restaurant | AED 125 |
A Quick Summary
On average, a single person can expect a cost of living of AED 3,500 excluding rent. Please note that this cost varies by lifestyle and expenses. For instance, some are more into leisure while others prefer saving.
FAQs
Single individuals must have a salary of AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 for a relaxed lifestyle in Abu Dhabi.
The short answer is no. This is because the cost of living and rental prices exceed this salary range.
Budget your expenses by knowing about the cost of living in Abu Dhabi for bachelors. Live a stress-free, comfortable and unparalleled lifestyle in the capital. You can also find out the cost of living in Dubai as well, which is more than the capital due to the higher rent of properties and a different lifestyle.
Are you looking to rent a home in this vibrant city? Browse affordable apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi and live comfortably without breaking the bank.
