The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has quickly become a top place for work, investment, and living in style. People from all over the world come to live there because of its world-class infrastructure, diverse communities, and lively way of life. Cost of Living in UAE is a crucial factor to consider before you move especially as expenses can vary greatly depending on the emirate, your lifestyle, and accommodation choices.
Dubai
Dubai is the UAE’s most famous and cosmopolitan city. Its famous landmarks include the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and its high-end shopping malls. It is also the most expensive emirate to live in because it is a global city.
Monthly Costs on Average:
- For one person, it’s AED 4,000 to 5,000 (not including rent).
- Family of four: AED 14,000 – 18,000 (for rent, groceries, transportation, and fun)
Main Costs:
- Rent for a studio: AED 3,000 or more per month (AED 3,800 to 7,500 in the city center; AED 3,000 to 6,000 outside the center)
- Food costs between AED 200 and 250 a month.
- Electricity, water, and cooling costs between AED 400 and AED 800 per month.
- Bus fares range from AED 3 to AED 8.5, and taxi fares range from AED 6 to AED 25 per ride.
- School fees range from AED 9,000 to AED 74,000 per year.
Lifestyle:
Dubai has a high standard of living, but it also has some of the highest costs in the UAE, especially for rent and school. Eating out, going to the movies, and shopping can add up quickly, but there are budget-friendly options. Air conditioning use in the summer can cause utility bills to go up. Public transportation works well, but a lot of people use taxis or their own cars.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is known for being family-friendly and having a mix of luxury and mid-range homes. The cost of living is about the same as in Dubai, but some basic things might be a little cheaper.
Monthly Costs on Average:
- For one person: AED 3,500 – 4,500 (not including rent)
- For a family of four, AED 12,000 to 15,000 (including rent and basic needs)
Main Costs:
- Rent: AED 2,600–9,000 a month (AED 3,500 for a studio, AED 4,500 for a one-bedroom, AED 7,500 for a two-bedroom, and AED 9,000 for a three-bedroom)
- Food: AED 250 – 300 a month
- Utilities cost between AED 400 and 1,000 a month.
- Transportation: AED 2 for a bus ride and AED 12 for a taxi ride (average AED 2/km).
- School fees: AED 4,000 to 81,000 per year
Lifestyle:
Abu Dhabi has a safe, clean environment with lots of parks and cultural attractions. Families and professionals like it a lot. Rents are high in the best areas, but there are cheaper places to live in the suburbs. The cost of food and entertainment is about the same as in Dubai.
Sharjah
Sharjah is the third most populated emirate. It is known for being affordable, having a rich cultural history, and being a good place for families. A lot of people who work in Dubai live in Sharjah because it is cheaper to live there.
Monthly Costs on Average:
- For one person, it costs AED 3,200 to 3,500 (not including rent).3
- For a family of four, it costs AED 8,000 to 10,000 (rent and basic needs included).
Main Costs:
- Rent: AED 1,300 – 2,500 a month (AED 2,770 for a one-bedroom in the city center; AED 2,264 for one outside the center)
- Groceries cost between AED 90 and AED 120 a month.
- Utilities: AED 450 to 1,500 a month
- Transportation: AED 8 for a bus ride and AED 13.5 for a taxi ride.
- School fees range from AED 5,200 to 42,000 a year.
Lifestyle:
Sharjah is about 19% cheaper than Dubai, so it’s a great place for families on a tight budget. The city is well connected to Dubai, but traffic can make daily commutes long. Sharjah is a quieter, more traditional place to live that puts a lot of emphasis on culture and education.
Ras Al Khaimah
People love Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) because of its beautiful nature, coastal living, and low prices. It’s a popular place for expats who want to live a quiet life away from the busy city of Dubai.
Monthly Costs on Average:
- For one person, it costs AED 2,500 to 3,500 (not including rent).
- Family of four: AED 7,000 to 9,000 (rent and other necessities included)
Main Costs:
- Rent for the studio is AED 1,000 a month.
- Groceries cost between AED 90 and AED 120 a month.
- Utilities cost AED 490 a month for an 85-square-meter apartment.
- Transportation: A bus ride costs AED 10, and a taxi ride starts at AED 6.
Lifestyle:
RAK has a coastal lifestyle with beaches and outdoor activities. The emirate is less expensive than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and it’s great for families or retirees who want peace and quiet and good value.
Ajman
Ajman is the smallest emirate in the UAE, but it has some of the cheapest places to live. People who want to save money on rent while still enjoying the UAE’s amenities like it.
Monthly Costs on Average:
- For one person, it costs AED 2,000 to 3,000 (not including rent).
- For a family of four, it costs AED 6,000 to 8,000, which includes rent and other necessities.
Main Costs:
- Housing: AED 1,200 to 4,000 a month
- Groceries cost between AED 100 and 116 a month.
- Utilities: AED 300 to 600 a month
- Transportation: AED academics Channel 5; taxis start at AED 12.5
Lifestyle:
Ajman is almost 50% cheaper than Dubai for both rent and everyday costs. It’s a great choice for people who want to live in the UAE on a tight budget, but there aren’t as many jobs or things to do.
India vs UAE
The cost of living in the UAE is much higher than in India. For instance, when you add up the cost of housing, utilities, transportation, and daily needs, Dubai is about 237% more expensive than Delhi. The UAE, on the other hand, has a higher standard of living, better infrastructure, and more job openings, especially in fields like finance, technology, and hospitality.
Canada vs UAE
A lot of expats choose to live in Canada or the UAE. But for most things, like rent, groceries, and transportation, Canada is about 10% more expensive than the UAE. Numbeo says that Canada is the 25th most expensive country in the world. The UAE, on the other hand, has cheaper options, especially outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE is a good place for many professionals because it offers a better balance between income and expenses. This makes it a good place for people who want to grow their careers and live comfortably.
Summary – What Is the Cost of Living in UAE?
The cost of living in the UAE changes a lot depending on the emirate, the way of life, and the size of the family. Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman are cheaper than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE is a lot more expensive than India, but it has a better quality of life. For most expats, especially those who live outside of the big cities, the UAE is still cheaper than Canada. Before you move, think carefully about your budget, where you’ll stay, and what kind of lifestyle you want in the UAE.
