The United Arab Emirates has become one of the favorite destinations for expatriates, investors, and professionals from around the globe, owing to its alluring lifestyle coupled with cutting-edge infrastructure and rapid economic progress. However, before moving to this beautiful country, understanding the cost of living in the UAE is a must.
We will cover everything, from rent to groceries and entertainment, so you will know what to expect as far as everyday expenses in the UAE.
Average Monthly Expenses in the UAE
The average living cost in the UAE is rather steep and depends on one’s lifestyle and the size of their family. Most often, for a single person, the expenses come out to be between AED 4,000 per month. This accounts for basic necessities such as rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. A family of four requires approximately AED 14,000 monthly. These are middle-of-the-road lifestyles again, and it all depends on how lavish and luxurious you want to be, along with which emirate you wish to stay in.
Living in Dubai
Dubai is perhaps the most iconic city in the UAE, known worldwide. What is known about the emirate is its luxury, towering skyscrapers, attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, and Palm Jumeirah, but that is also combined with a premium price tag. Rent in Dubai is likely among the highest in the UAE, with the average monthly rent for a studio apartment standing at AED 3,963. Dining out is also another point to be considered, since an average meal at a cheap restaurant costs around AED 40. Relatively speaking, it is costly to live in Dubai, but it offers an energetic lifestyle, various facilities, and endless possibilities for entertainment, making it a first preference of many expatriates.
Living in Family-Friendly Abu Dhabi
The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers a slightly different way of living. While remaining quite expensive, it is often more family-friendly as compared to Dubai. The cost of living in Abu Dhabi is as pricey as it is in Dubai, AED 28,000 constitutes an average yearly rent for a studio apartment. The cost of living in Abu Dhabi is high, yet the city provides qualitative services, good schools, and health facilities, making it really worthwhile for family needs in business and recreation at the same time.
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah-Affordable Living
Gives alternatives to the affordable living experience at quality, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah can be a good alternative for those willing to decline the high-living costs of the emirate while being close to Dubai. Sharjah is around 19.1% cheaper compared to Dubai; it houses rich history and cultural heritage, and Sharjah is one of those culturally significant places as well with its strong imperatives of great emotion evoked.
Ras Al Khaimah is more northern and also less expensive. Low-cost living does not come at the expense of a luxurious lifestyle in the emirate, still in line with the luxurious lifestyle the UAE is known for. Ras Al Khaimah is ideal for people looking for relatively noise-free surroundings, natural beauty, and a more relaxed pace of life at a considerably lower cost compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Comparison with Other Countries
People find the cost of living in the UAE is somewhat a bit less than in many Western countries. For example, living in the UAE is about 10% cheaper than in Canada. However, when compared with cities in India, Dubai is as expensive by 237.4% times more in Dubai than in Delhi.
Which Emirate Is Right for You?
The living costs in the UAE vary greatly in regards to the emirate chosen to live in and the kind you want to live. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are pricey compared to other places, mainly in terms of rent and dining, but they have amazing amenities, luxury, and job opportunities. Meanwhile, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are definitely much cheaper in terms of living but still can offer all the advantages that people have when living in the UAE.
