No wonder many people are puzzled when it comes to Ajman vs Sharjah – as both are equally vibrant and beautiful. Both of these Emirates offer their residents a wide range of amenities and services. All to ensure they earn a great lifestyle with the best of the best. So, if you are wondering where to settle: Ajman or Sharjah? Then this comparative guide will help you make up your mind.
Locations
Choosing one of these emirates depends on various factors. One of the main ones is their locations and which one will serve you better. For instance, on average, Ajman is 1 hour and 10 minutes away from Dubai. On the other hand, Sharjah is approximately 51 minutes away from Dubai. So, if you require to travel frequently to Dubai, living in Sharjah may be more convenient. On the other hand, here is the distance between each of these Emirates and others:
| Emirate | Distance from Ajman | Distance from Sharjah |
| Dubai | 1 hour and 10 minutes | 51 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi | 2 hours and 30 minutes | 2 hours and 10 minutes |
| Fujairah | 1 hour and 31 minutes | 1 hour and 11 minutes |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 58 minutes | 1 hour and 4 minutes |
| Umm Al Quwain | 32 minutes | 35 minutes |
The difference in distance between Ajman and Sharjah to other emirates is only by minutes. So, if that is not enough for you to decide where to settle. Maybe the other factors below will help you out.
Population
The population of an Emirate helps many people decide whether they want to settle down there or not. The Sharjah population census for the year 2024 is approximately 1.9 million. In contrast, the Ajman population is 418,000, much less than Sharjah. This indicates that Sharjah is bigger in size, thus situating more people. In addition, the population growth means more traffic and crowds. However, it still indicates the Emirate’s efforts to accommodate this increase with more amenities and facilities. Also, even though Ajman is lower population-wise, it also puts in a lot of work to provide all kinds of amenities and services.
Living Costs
Thirdly, the overall cost of living plays a big role when choosing where to live. Therefore, you must be aware of the Ajman living cost in comparison with Sharjah. Moreover, the table below will showcase the cost of living in Sharjah for a family as well as individuals. Also, note that these costs are on a monthly basis.
| Costs for | Cost of Living in Ajman | Cost of Living in Sharjah |
| Family of 4 – without rent | AED 9,366.7 | AED 9,967.2 |
| Single Person – without rent | AED 2,759.2 | AED 2,935.3 |
| Basic Utilities | AED 557.61 | AED 635.51 |
| Schools per 1 child | AED 19,733.33 | AED 19,000 |
| Nurseries per 1 child | AED 2,150 | AED 966.67 |
These prices help conclude that living in Sharjah is more expensive than in Ajman. The same goes for consumer prices, grocery prices, and local purchasing power.
Related topics
Properties
Moreover, being familiar with properties – including options and prices, is crucial. According to Numbeo.com, Ajman has higher rent prices than Sharjah. The table below will illustrate the precise difference in prices.
| Housing Type | Prices in Ajman | Prices in Sharjah |
| 1-bedroom for rent | AED 4,433.33 – AED 6,033.33 | AED 3,600 – AED 3,611.11 |
| 3-bedroom for rent | AED 12,624.67 – AED 14,142.86 | AED 4,161.75 – AED 5,442 |
| Buying an apartment – per square metre | AED 17,850 | AED 13,250 |
Having displayed rent prices for both emirates. It is worth noting that both of them have equally amazing residential communities. These communities are perfect for individuals, couples, and families alike. See below some of the most vibrant communities in both Ajman and Sharjah:
- Residential communities in Ajman
- Emirates City
- Ajman Downtown
- Ajman One Towers
- Oasis Tower
- Al Rashidiya Towers
- Residential communities in Sharjah
Tourism
Moreover, the ongoing Ajman tourism situation is very vibrant. As there are many attractions and historical landmarks. Also, there are plenty of malls in Ajman where you can shop, dine, and have fun. Some of the best tourist attractions in Ajman are:
- Ajman Marina
- Ajman Beach
- UAE Pygmy Zoo
- Ajman Museum
- City Centre Ajman
In comparison, the Sharjah tourism vibes are equally vibrant. It is a little hard to compare the two together as they both offer a wide variety of attractions, shopping centres and things to do. Having said that, some people prioritise visiting Sharjah as it has more attractions. For example, Sharjah museum options and more. Overall, these are some of its attractions:
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Sharjah National Park
- Al Noor Island
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Blue Souk
Economy
On the other hand, when comparing the Sharjah economy to Ajman’s, you will find that the average monthly salary in Ajman is higher. The Ajman economy includes a wide variety of indispensable industries. Such as farming technologies and food industries. On the other hand, Sharjah leans towards light manufacturing and next-generation technologies. Nevertheless, here are the average salary for both emirates on a monthly basis:
- Ajman’s Average salary monthly: AED 8,500
- Sharjah’s Average salary is AED 6,288.89
FAQ
Ajman Stadium has a capacity of 10,000 people. While Sharjah Cricket Stadium fits 16,000 people.
Both the emirates are considered family-friendly. Providing families with all the amenities necessary. Including outdoor parks, malls, and other attractions suitable for families.
In conclusion, Ajman vs Sharjah can be a tough comparison. Both emirates offer a luxurious lifestyle with a wide variety of leisure facilities. This guide will help you make a thoughtful decision when choosing between the two. In addition, make sure to explore more living guides on Property Finder’s blog.
Read more
