If you are considering moving to Sharjah, it is important to be familiar with the cost of living. Now that you are, you may be wondering why you even moved to Sharjah. Well, many reasons make living in this emirate a desirable option. First of all, this emirate is very affordable, as this guide has already illustrated. Also, it is a very family-friendly emirate, as it fosters a safe and peaceful atmosphere. In addition to these two reasons, Sharjah is an enriched community with Emirati culture and heritage. This is reflected greatly in its communities and their values. Most importantly, Sharjah is filled with beautiful beachfront destinations and fun venues. Thus, it ensures a balanced lifestyle, taking the bustling metropolis of Dubai and giving it a slower and more relaxed atmosphere.
What is the Cost of Living in Sharjah
Naturally, the cost of living in Sharjah for a bachelor differs for families. A single individual would need around AED 3,032.3 without rent. On the other hand, families of four, for instance, would need AED 10,346 monthly when living in Sharjah. Either way, living in Sharjah ensures a pleasant and high quality of life. Most importantly, it offers this excellent lifestyle for its residents while also being affordable. Even more affordable than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. So, dive into the estimated prices for living in Sharjah below.
Housing Cost in Sharjah
First of all, the average rent in Sharjah differs based on various factors. This includes whether you are renting inside or outside the city centre. Also, the apartment’s amenities, configuration, and number of rooms play a big role. Still, you can easily find apartments for rent in Sharjah. If you want to be more familiar with the average rent prices, check the table below.
| Apartment for Rent | In City Centre | Outside of Centre |
| 1 bedroom | AED 3,236.08 | AED 3,119.42 |
| 3 bedrooms | AED 5,489.69 | AED 4,374.44 |
On the other hand, buying properties in Sharjah is just as common as renting. The sale prices in Sharjah start at AED 20,668.42 per square metre in the city centre. In contrast, the prices are slightly lower outside the city centre, as they start at AED 15,034.74 per square metre.
Utilities
Secondly, understanding the utility bills you have to pay in Sharjah is extremely important. There are basic utility bills in Sharjah, which include heating, cooling, water, garbage, and electricity costs. All of these utilities are offered in a well-maintained infrastructure. Also, these utilities are fully supervised by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA). Below, you will find the estimated utility bill costs for an 85-square-metre apartment.
- Basic utilities: AED 632.48
- Monthly mobile plans: AED 244.09
- Internet: AED 356
Transport
In addition, transportation is among the most crucial living expenses in Sharjah. The vast public means of transportation in Sharjah include taxis and buses. Firstly, taxis are easily found anywhere in the city. Also, you can call to schedule a taxi to meet you at a specific point. As for the fares, see their breakdown below:
- Taxing starting fare: AED 14
- For each additional 1 kilometre: AED 3
- 1-hour waiting: AED 35
Moreover, every emirate has a card dedicated to bus passes. In Sharjah, this card is called the Sayer Card. Getting this card is very convenient, especially for those using the bus frequently. Also, it makes paying the bus fare easier and faster. If you are wondering about the cost of a Sayer Card, you will find it listed below.
- Pre-paid balance: AED 45 – AED 180
- Recharge cost: AED 50 – AED 185
Groceries
On average, the monthly cost of groceries is between AED 541.42 and AED 747.51. This is an estimated value based on Numbeo.com’s calculator, just like the rest of the prices within this guide. In addition, if you are curious about the prices for specific grocery items, you will find some of the basic necessities in the following list.
- Regular Milk (1 litre): AED 6.72
- White bread (500 grams): AED 4.68
- White rice (1 kilo): AED 6
- Eggs (a pack of 12): AED 8.91
- Tomato (1 kilo): AED 4.09
- Potato (1 kilo): AED 3.27
- Water (1.5 litre bottle): AED 2
In addition, there are various excellent grocery stores and hypermarkets that you can rely on to stock up your pantry and fridge. Also, some of these hypermarkets offer a delivery service, which will save you the trip and the hassle. Some of the best grocery stores in Sharjah include multi-branch ones. For instance, you can buy groceries at Spinneys, Carrefour, and other hypermarkets.
Leisure
Many people lean towards settling in Sharjah because it is filled with family-friendly communities and fun adventures. There are many fun things to do in Sharjah, whether you are alone, with friends, or with family. What is really interesting is that you can enjoy similar adventures to those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi only for more affordable prices.
- Eating at restaurants in Sharjah: AED 20 – AED 90
- Fitness club membership: AED 216.67 a month
- Tennis court rent: AED 88.33 an hour
- Cinema: AED 45 a seat
If you are wondering where to spend your weekend in Sharjah. Then rest assured, the options are plenty and diverse. You can go shopping in the city centre of Sharjah or explore the best restaurants there. Also, you can have some outdoor fun at Al Majaz Waterfront with friends or family.
Schools and Nurseries
As mentioned earlier, Sharjah is filled with family-friendly neighbourhoods. Hence, it is not surprising that there are many schools and nurseries in the emirate. For instance, there are many British schools in Sharjah, as well as schools with an American curriculum. All of these schools offer state-of-the-art educational facilities, excellent academic programmes, and many extracurricular activities. Also, the tuition fees in Sharjah are lower than in Dubai, as you can see below.
- Preschool or Kindergarten: AED 1,077.78 monthly for 1 child
- International Primary School: AED 18,350 yearly for 1 child
Furthermore, the schools in Sharjah are spread across its residential communities. Some of the best schools in the Emirates include the Emirates National School, Sharjah English School, GEMS Millennium School, and many more.
Salaries
Lastly, many expats wonder about Sharjah’s economic situation. One of the most asked questions regarding this is: what is the average monthly net salary in Sharjah? And the answer lies here. According to Numbeo.com, the net average wage is around AED 7,446.67 a month in Sharjah. This number is an estimated one based on their cost of living database. Overall, the salaries in Sharjah ensure that the residents of the emirate enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
FAQ
According to Numbeo.com, living in Sharjah is 16.5% higher than in Muscat, Oman.
When compared to Delhi, India – living in Sharjah is 100.9% more expensive.
To get a driver’s license in Sharjah, one would need a total of AED 2,300, including fees, tests, and classes.
No, it does not. Getting a family visa is the same as paying for an employment visa in Sharjah and the rest of the Emirates.
The cost of medical insurance in Sharjah varies based on the chosen medical insurance company. Some companies offer medical insurance policies ranging from AED 1,500 to AED 150,000.
There are many amazing residential communities in Sharjah, such as Al Zahia Community, Al Narjis Community, and Maryam Gate Residences.
To sum up, the cost of living in Sharjah is clearly lower than in other emirates such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. In addition, make sure to explore more living cost guides with Property Finder’s blog. For instance, read about the cost of living in the United Arab Emirates. Also, check out the comparative guides such as the Ajman vs Sharjah guide as well as the Dubai vs Sharjah guide.
