The Cost of Living in the UAE: Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Sharjah

The UAE is a vibrant and diverse country that has become a top destination for expatriates and entrepreneurs from around the world. With its tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and strategic location, the UAE offers an attractive lifestyle.

However, for those moving to Dubai, the cost of living is a major consideration that can vary significantly between the different Emirates, particularly Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. This guide is a comprehensive overview of the living expenses in these cities, helping prospective residents make informed decisions based on their budget and lifestyle preferences.

Cost of living comparison: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah

Before diving into the specifics of each city, here's a quick comparison table to provide an overview of the average cost of living across the UAE's three major cities:

Information is from Numbeo (Most updated statistics: May 2024)

This table highlights how living costs in Sharjah are generally lower compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making it a more budget-friendly option, especially for families. Dubai, with its cosmopolitan appeal, has the highest costs, while Abu Dhabi offers a middle ground between the two.

In-depth cost of living in Dubai

Below Information is from Numbeo, (Most updated statistics: August 2024)

Accommodation

Dubai's rental market is diverse, with prices varying significantly based on location and type of accommodation. Apartments in the city centre, such as in Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, can cost between AED 5,500 to 12,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. In contrast, properties outside the city centre are more affordable, with rents ranging from AED 3,500 to 7,000 for similar accommodations. Larger homes in the city centre (3 bedrooms), especially in upscale neighbourhoods like Palm Jumeirah, can range from AED 10,000 to 25,000 per month.

For those looking to explore different areas, our guide on choosing the right neighbourhood in Dubai offers valuable insights into finding a place that fits both your lifestyle and budget.

Transportation

Public Transport

Dubai offers an extensive public transportation network, including the metro, buses, and taxis. A silver monthly pass for unlimited transit costs on all zones costs around AED 350. Taxis are also popular, with fares starting at approximately AED 12 and increasing based on distance.

Car Ownership

Owning a car in Dubai is common due to the city's extensive road network. However, this convenience comes with costs, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. On average, 1 litre of gasoline costs AED 3.02 (gas prices vary every month), and a Toyota Corolla sedan 1.6l 97kW comfort (or equivalent new car) costs AED 82,921.99.  

Utilities and internet

Monthly utility costs in Dubai, including electricity, water, and cooling, average around AED 749.81 for a standard 85m2 apartment. Internet services vary based on speed and provider, with packages averaging at approximately AED 366.97 per month for basic plans. Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data is approximately AED 205.87. 

Groceries and dining

Grocery Prices

The cost of groceries in Dubai can vary based on lifestyle and dietary preferences. 
Here is the average cost of some basic grocery items

• Milk 1 Litre (regular), AED 7.22
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) AED 5.83
• Rice (white), (1kg) AED 9.94
• Eggs (regular) (12) AED 11.94
• Local Cheese (1kg) AED 33.94
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) AED 31.46
• Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) AED 36.42
• Apples (1kg) AED 8.69
• Banana (1kg) AED 6.78
• Oranges (1kg) AED 6.96
• Tomato (1kg) AED 6.09
• Potato (1kg) AED 4.26
• Onion (1kg) AED 5.37
• Lettuce (1 head) AED 6.22
• Water (1.5 liter bottle) AED 2.24 

Dining Prices

Dubai's dining scene is vast and varied. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant typically costs between AED 200 to AED 500 for two people. Fast food and casual dining options are more affordable, with meals ranging from AED 20 to 85.

Education

Education and healthcare are significant considerations for expatriates moving to Dubai. Private school tuition fees for full-day preschool or kindergarten can range from AED 1,500 to 5,300 per month, depending on the institution. International primary schools for one child yearly cost approximately between AED 25,000 to 80,000 per year.

Sports and leisure

The cost of a fitness club per month for an adult can range between AED 120 to 600. The average cost of a movie ticket for an internationally released film is between AED 45 to 75. The cost of a tennis court rental for an hour on the weekend is between AED 65 to 250.

For a deeper dive into living costs specifically for expats in Dubai, check out our detailed guide on the Cost of Living in Dubai for Expats.

In-depth cost of living in Abu Dhabi

Below Information is from Numbeo, (Most updated statistics: August 2024)

Accommodation

A one-bedroom apartment in Abu Dhabi’s city centre costs between AED 3,700 to 8,000 per month. In more suburban areas, rents can drop to AED 2,800 to 5,134 per month  for similar accommodations. 

Transportation

Public Transport

Public transport in Abu Dhabi is efficient, with a monthly pass, with the Hafilat card, costing around AED 80 per month. Taxis are also an option, with fares starting at approximately AED 12 and increasing based on distance.

Car Ownership

If you decide to own a car, costs are similar to those in Dubai, with monthly expenses for fuel, insurance, and maintenance. On average, 1 litre of gasoline costs AED 2.95 (gas prices vary every month), and a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car) costs AED 80,252.1.

Utilities and internet

Utilities in Abu Dhabi for a 85m2 apartment can be around AED 610.4 per month. Internet services are comparable, with basic packages averaging AED 387.32 per month. Mobile monthly plans with calls and 10GB+ data costs on average AED 202 per month.

Groceries and dining

Grocery Prices

The cost of groceries in Abu Dhabi can vary based on lifestyle and dietary preferences. 
Here is the average cost of some basic grocery items

• Milk 1 Litre (regular), AED 6.37 
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) AED 4.85
• Rice (white), (1kg) AED 7.09 
• Eggs (regular) (12) AED 10.37 
• Local Cheese (1kg) AED 35.85  
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) AED 27.59 
• Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) AED 43.33 
• Apples (1kg) AED 7.70 
• Banana (1kg) AED 6.40 
• Oranges (1kg) AED 6.58 
• Tomato (1kg) AED 5.22 
• Potato (1kg) AED 3.74
• Onion (1kg) 4.24 AED
• Lettuce (1 head) 6.03 AED
• Water (1.5 litre bottle) 1.96 AED

Dining Prices

Dining out is slightly cheaper than Dubai, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing between AED 150 to 425. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant varies greatly from AED 15 to 100.

Education

The cost of education and healthcare is similar to that in Dubai. Private school tuition fees for full-day preschool or kindergarten can range from AED 1,500 to 5,000 per month, depending on the institution. International primary schools for one child yearly cost approximately between AED 25,000 to 75,000 per year.

Sports and leisure

Once again, the costs in Abu Dhabi are comparable to those of Dubai. The cost of a fitness club per month for an adult can range between AED 120 to 500. The average cost of a movie ticket for an internationally released film is between AED 40 to 75. The cost of a tennis court rental for an hour on the weekend is between AED 60 to 200.

In-depth cost of living in Sharjah

Below Information is from Numbeo, (Most updated statistics: August 2024)

Accommodation

Sharjah is known for its more affordable housing options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost between AED 2500 to 5000 per month, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce living expenses while still being close to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is AED 3,071.77 per month. 

Transportation

Public Transport

Public transport costs are more expensive in Sharjah than in Abu Dhabi, with many Sharjah residents commuting to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for work. A monthly pass, using the Sayer card, costs around AED 225 and includes unlimited trips during one month. Taxis are also an option, with fares starting at approximately AED 14 and increasing based on distance.

Car Ownership

If you decide to own a car, costs are similar to those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with monthly expenses for fuel, insurance, and maintenance. On average, 1 litre of gasoline costs AED 3.01 (gas prices vary every month), and a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car)  costs AED 80,607.69.

Utilities and internet

Utilities costs in Sharjah are on par with Abu Dhabi, with monthly costs for a 85m2 apartment being around AED 632.48 per month. Internet services are comparable, with basic packages averaging AED 356 per month. Mobile monthly plans with calls and 10GB+ data costs on average AED 244.09 per month.

Groceries and dining

Grocery Prices

Here is the average cost of some basic grocery items:

• Milk 1 Litre (regular), AED 6.64 
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) AED 4.68
• Rice (white), (1kg) AED 6.00 
• Eggs (regular) (12) AED 8.91 
• Local Cheese (1kg) AED 31.88 
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) AED 22.92 
• Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) AED 30.58 
• Apples (1kg) AED 6.47 
• Banana (1kg) AED 5.56 
• Oranges (1kg) AED 5.64 
• Tomato (1kg) AED 4.16 
• Potato (1kg) AED 3.28 
• Onion (1kg) AED 3.01 
• Lettuce (1 head) AED 4.42 
• Water (1.5 litre bottle) AED 2.00

Dining Prices

Dining out is slightly more affordable than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs between AED 70 and 250, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant varies from AED 15 to 40. 

Education

Education and healthcare is more affordable in Sharjah compared to than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Private school tuition fees for full-day preschool or kindergarten can range from AED 800 to 1,800 per month, depending on the institution. International primary schools for one child yearly cost approximately between AED 7,800 to 40,000 per year.

Sports and leisure

The costs for sports and leisure in Sharjah are lower than those in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The cost of a fitness club per month for an adult can range between AED 120 to 300. The average cost of a movie ticket for an internationally released film is between AED 35 to 50. The cost of a tennis court rental for an hour on the weekend is between AED 50 to 200.

Comparative analysis: Average costs Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi vs. Sharjah

Accommodation

Above Information is from Numbeo, (Most updated statistics: August 2024)

Transportation

Above Information is from Numbeo, (Most updated statistics: August 2024)

Overall Monthly Living Expenses (Without Rent)

Above Information is from Numbeo, (Most updated statistics: August 2024)

Cost of Living in the UAE

The cost of living in the UAE varies significantly across its major cities. Choosing the right city to live in depends on individual priorities, including budget, proximity to work, and lifestyle preferences. While Dubai offers a dynamic and luxurious lifestyle, Sharjah presents a more affordable option, especially for families. Abu Dhabi strikes a balance between the two, offering a blend of luxury and affordability. 

Thinking of moving to Dubai for business? If you want to learn more, download our free 'Dubai Business Setup Guide’ to learn everything you need to know about moving and setting up in the right free zone.