UAE has become a big destination for work and investment over the past few years. Its luxurious lifestyle and rapid development have encouraged many individuals and families to move there.
If you are considering moving to the UAE, then you need to know all about it. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the cost of living in the UAE including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
In addition, if you’re wondering about living costs in UAE compared to other countries, you will find answers below.
Full Guide on the Cost of Living in UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, the average monthly expenses for a single individual stand at an average of AED 4,000, while the average cost of living in UAE for a family of four is AED 14,000. This encompasses essential costs such as rent, groceries, transportation, and leisure activities. However, it’s essential to note that these expenses can fluctuate based on:
- Location: The emirate you reside in can significantly influence your expenses.
- Commuting habits: Depending on how often and the mode of transportation, this can vary.
- Accommodation type: Whether you choose to live in an apartment, villa, or shared space.
- Lifestyle choices: Dining out, entertainment, and other personal choices can adjust your monthly costs.
Compared globally, the UAE’s living costs are notably lower by approximately 20% than the United States, making it an attractive destination for many expatriates.
Cost of Living in Dubai
For many people, Dubai is the first city that comes to mind when mentioning UAE. This emirate has truly earned its reputation for the various luxurious and entertaining means it provides.
In addition, Dubai is a first destination for many people because of its famous landmarks: Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah. Furthermore, there are many extravagant hotels, family activities, and fancy shopping centers that you can relish while living in Dubai.
Due to these luxuries, the cost of living in Dubai is considerably higher than in other emirates.
Learn more about the approximate price ranges when it comes to living in Dubai through the following table.
| Expenses | Costs |
| Studio Rent | AED +3000/month |
| Groceries | AED 200 – AED 250 (monthly) |
| Transportation | – Single route bus fares: AED 3 – AED 8.5 – Taxi fares: AED 6 – AED 25 |
| School Tuitions | AED 9,000 – AED 74,000 |
In case you’re planning to move to Dubai with your family, then schools are an important aspect. To save your time, check these detailed articles about the best British schools and American schools in Dubai.
Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is known to be one of the most family-friendly emirates in the UAE. It has several utilities designated to serve its residents.
Both luxurious residential areas and medium-priced housing units provide such facilities to ensure their residents are well served. Therefore, many families prefer to move to Abu Dhabi. When it comes to the cost of living in Abu Dhabi with the family the prices and expenses are quite close to Dubai.
| Expenses | Costs |
| Accommodation | AED 2,600 – AED 9000 (monthly) |
| Groceries | AED 250 – AED 300 (monthly) |
| Transportation | – Single route bus fares: AED 2 – Taxi fares: Starting fares AED 12 (average: AED 2/Km) |
| School Tuitions | AED 4000 – AED 81,000 |
Keep in mind that the cost of living in Abu Dhabi for a bachelor can be less as most students prefer living in dorms, which is cheaper. Otherwise, they usually go for studio apartments, which are a more convenient option for bachelors.
The average renting price for a studio apartment in Abu Dhabi is AED 28,000/year.
Cost of Living in Sharjah
Do you want to enjoy the high-end services of the UAE yet with affordable residential costs? If yes, then Sharjah is the best option. It’s ranked third when it comes to the most populated emirates.
It’s very admired for both its history and culture. In addition, Sharjah provides excellent living conditions for its residents.
Moreover, that is mostly because the cost of living in Sharjah for a family or individual is lower than other emirates. Statistics show that living in Sharjah is 19.1% cheaper compared to Dubai.
This makes it a convenient destination for many people looking to move to the UAE. Here are the price ranges for some of the expenses in Sharjah:
| Expenses | Costs |
| Accommodation | AED 1,300 – AED 2,500 (monthly) |
| Groceries | AED 90 – AED 120 (monthly) |
| Transportation | – Single route bus fares: AED 8 – Taxi fares: Starting AED 13 |
| School Tuitions | AED 5,200 – AED 42,000 |
Cost of Living in Ras Al Khaimah
Living in Ras Al Khaimah is known for its low-cost expenses while maintaining the famous UAE luxurious lifestyle. That is why it is considered one of the most reasonably priced emirates as well as a favorite destination for expats.
In addition, it’s a coastal city so you can enjoy a waterfront residency that also owes to its awesome location, overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Below you will find all the information you need on living in Ras Al Khaimah:
| Expenses | Costs |
| Studio Rent | AED 1000 (monthly) |
| Groceries | AED 90 – AED 120 (monthly) |
| Transportation | – One-way bus fare: AED 10 – Taxi fares: Starting AED 6 |
| Utility Bills | For an 85 sqm apartment: AED 490 |
Cost of Living in Ajman
Finally, the cost of living in Ajman compared to Dubai is 49.6% lower, including both consumer prices and rental prices.
| Expenses | Costs |
| Accommodation | AED 1,200 – AED 50,000 (monthly) |
| Groceries | AED 100 – AED 116 (monthly) |
| Transportation | – Single route bus fare: AED 5 – Taxi fare: Starting: AED 12.5 |
Cost of Living in UAE vs India
Many people consider moving from India to Dubai for many reasons. You should bear in mind that it is more luxurious than living in India. If we were to compare both Dubai and Delhi, Dubai is 237.4% more expensive. This comparison includes housing, life necessities, utilities, consumer prices and transportation.
Cost of Living in Canada vs UAE
Canada and UAE attract expats from all over the world equally. They both offer many great opportunities for those looking to make more money and build better careers.
However, Canada is considered 10% more expensive than UAE. In fact, according to Numbeo, a website specialised in comparing costs of living between different countries, Canada ranks as the 25th most expensive place to live.
This makes the UAE an optimum option for seeking a better lifestyle and more promising job opportunities.
FAQs
As of 2023, the UAE labour law does not enforce a standardized minimum wage across all sectors. However, it broadly mentions that wages should allow employees to cover their basic needs.
Living in the UAE isn’t too expensive, it’s 27% cheaper than the US. Depending on your lifestyle, a single person might spend around 10,855 AED/month, excluding rent. So, for a comfy life, ensure your salary can handle rent, daily expenses, and a little extra for emergencies.
Living costs in the UAE depend on several factors: where you live, how you live, and what you do for fun. Take Dubai as an example. An average meal might cost you 40 AED, while a studio’s monthly rent is roughly 3,963 AED. You can add on that the cost of transportation and whether you’re using public transportation or your own car.
3000 AED might seem decent but it’s not. Always remember, the UAE isn’t the cheapest! It’s okay for basics, but not for savings and Entertainment. You may also have difficulty finding affordable housing with this salary, as rent is one of the significant expenses in UAE.
No. 1200 AED in Dubai barely covers essentials. Rent is considerably high and this salary isn’t close to the average of about 21,500 AED/month in the city.
Yes, living in Abu Dhabi can be expensive. While the cost of living varies depending on the emirate, Abu Dhabi is generally known for its higher expenses. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have recently dropped in global rankings for the most expensive cities for expats, but the cost of living is still considered high overall.
Finally, the cost of living in UAE per month varies depending on the emirate and many other factors. But regardless of that, everyone can agree that living there is safe, comfortable, luxurious and filled with endless opportunities.
