Cost of Living in UAE for Single Person & Family

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its vibrant cities, luxurious lifestyle, and diverse job opportunities, making it a popular destination for expatriates worldwide. 

 

However, before moving there, understanding the average cost of living in the UAE is crucial for effective financial planning. In 2024, the cost of living in the UAE varies significantly across its seven emirates, influenced by factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, and healthcare. 

This guide provides detailed information on the expenses you can expect to incur, helping you make informed decisions about your move or stay in the UAE.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various online sources as of September 10th, 2024, with sources listed below.

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Average Cost of Living in UAE for International Students

Living in the UAE as a student can be affordable if you plan and budget wisely. While tuition fees can vary depending on the university, students must consider other expenses, including accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment. Here's a breakdown of the living costs for students in the UAE:

Area of expense Cost Range (per month)
Accommodation AED 1,500 – AED 5,000
Transportation AED 500 – AED 1,000
Food AED 200 – AED 500
Study Materials AED 200 – AED 500 (per semester)
Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal expenses) AED 500 – AED 1,000
Healthcare (insurance) AED 600 – AED 1,500 (annually)

Average Cost of Living in UAE for Singles, Couples & Families

For individuals, couples, and families, the cost of living in the UAE varies depending on the location and lifestyle. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical living costs for bachelors, couples, and families in the UAE:

Area of expense Bachelors Couples Families
Accommodation AED 2,000 – AED 6,000 (shared apartment or studio) AED 3,500 – AED 9,000 (1 BHK apartment)

 

AED 6,000 – AED 15,000 (2-3 BHK apartments or villas)

 
Food and Groceries AED 200 – AED 500 (public transport or carpooling) AED 500 – AED 1,200 (public transport or shared car)

 

AED 1,000 – AED 2,500 (car ownership or public transport)

 
Transportation AED 600 – AED 1,500 AED 1,200 – AED 2,500 AED 2,500 – AED 5,000
Utilities AED 300 – AED 600 AED 500 – AED 800 AED 700 – AED 1,200
Entertainment AED 500 – AED 1,200 AED 500 – AED 1,500 (annually) AED 2,000 – AED 5,000 (per child)
Personal Expenses AED 1,000 – AED 2,000 AED 2,000 – AED 4,500 AED 5,000 – AED 8,000

Cost of Living in Major Cities in UAE

The cost of living in the UAE can vary greatly depending on the city. 

This table offers a detailed look into the cost of living for different groups in the UAE, helping individuals and families budget effectively based on their circumstances.

 

Cost of Living in Dubai

The average cost of living in Dubai is as follows:

Expense Category Cost Range (per month)
Accommodation AED 4,000 – AED 12,000 (studio to 2 BHK)
Transportation AED 300 – AED 800 (public transport or car)
Food AED 1,000 – AED 3,000
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) AED 500 – AED 1,200
Entertainment & Miscellaneous ED 800 – AED 2,000

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

The average cost of living in Abu Dhabi is as follows:

Expense Category Cost Range (per month)
Accommodation AED 3,500 – AED 10,000 (studio to 2 BHK)
Transportation AED 300 – AED 700 (public transport or car)
Food AED 1,000 – AED 2,500
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) AED 500 – AED 1,100
Entertainment & Miscellaneous AED 700 – AED 1,800

Cost of Living in Sharjah

The average cost of living in Sharjah is as follows:

Expense Category Cost Range (per month)
Accommodation AED 2,000 – AED 7,000 (studio to 2 BHK)
Transportation AED 200 – AED 600 (public transport or car)
Food AED 800 – AED 2,000
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) AED 400 – AED 1,000
Entertainment & Miscellaneous AED 500 – AED 1,500

Cost of Living in Al Ain

The average cost of living in Al Ain is as follows:

Expense Category Cost Range (per month)
Accommodation AED 2,500 – AED 8,000 (studio to 2 BHK)
Transportation AED 200 – AED 600 (public transport or car)|
Food AED 900 – AED 2,000
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) AED 400 – AED 1,000
Entertainment & Miscellaneous AED 500 – AED 1,200

Cost of Living in Ras Al Khaimah

The average cost of living in Ras Al Khaimah is as follows:

Expense Category Cost Range (per month)
Accommodation AED 2,202 - AED 3,670 (studio to 2 BHK)
Transportation AED 110 - AED 220 (public transport or car)|
Food AED 551 - AED 1,101
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) AED 257 - AED 440
Entertainment & Miscellaneous AED 500 – AED 1,200

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in UAE

Several factors can influence the cost of living in the UAE:

Housing

Rent or property prices are a major factor, with costs varying significantly between cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Luxury and prime locations can be much more expensive.

Utilities

The cost of electricity, water, and cooling is substantial, particularly in the hotter months when air conditioning usage is high.

Food and Dining

Grocery prices and dining out costs can be high, especially for imported goods and dining in upscale restaurants.

Transportation

Costs can vary based on whether you use public transport or own a car. Fuel prices in the UAE are relatively low compared to other countries, but owning a vehicle involves additional expenses like insurance and maintenance.

Healthcare

While healthcare is generally of high quality, it can be expensive. Many residents have health insurance, which can also impact living costs.

Education

For families with children, private school fees can be a significant expense, as public schools are typically reserved for UAE nationals.

What is the Average Income in UAE?

The average income in the UAE varies significantly depending on the industry, occupation, location, and individual qualifications. However, here’s an overview of the typical income levels in 2024:

  • Student: Students don’t typically earn an income, but they can support their living expenses through part-time work or family support.
  • Single Individual: To live comfortably, a single individual might need an income of around AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 per month. This range covers rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other expenses.
  • Couple: A couple would generally need a combined monthly income of approximately AED 18,000 to AED 25,000 to cover living comfortably, including rent, utilities, and lifestyle expenses.
  • Family: For a family of four, a monthly income of around AED 30,000 to AED 40,000 is typically required to comfortably cover living expenses, including housing, schooling, healthcare, and other necessities.

The following table provides a breakdown of the average monthly income in the UAE by industry, emirate, experience level, and job type:

Industry Average Monthly Salary (AED)
IT and Technology AED 15,000 – AED 25,000
Engineering AED 12,000 – AED 25,000
Healthcare AED 10,000 – AED 30,000
Banking & Finance AED 15,000 – AED 40,000
Teaching and Education AED 8,000 – AED 20,000
Construction AED 10,000 – AED 25,000
Hospitality AED 5,000 – AED 15,000
Sales and Marketing AED 10,000 – AED 30,000
Administration and HR AED 8,000 – AED 20,000

How Expensive is the UAE Compared to Other Countries?

The cost of living in the UAE to other countries falls somewhere between more affordable destinations and highly expensive regions. Here’s a breakdown of how expensive the UAE is compared to other popular countries:

Here’s the comparison table for accommodation, transportation, meals for two, and miscellaneous expenses between the UAE and other countries:

City Accommodation (1BHK) (Monthly) Transportation (Monthly) Meal for 2 People (3 course) Others (Miscellaneous Expenses)
Dubai AED 5000-8000 AED 300-600 AED 150-300 AED 200-500
New York Starting $2,960 Starting $132 $130 Starting $200 (per month)
London Starting £1,100 Starting £177 £80 £200 - £300 (per month)
Singapore S$2,000 - S$4,000 S$1,000 - S$1,500 S$92.50 S$200 - S$400 (per month)
Tokyo ¥150,000 - ¥200,000 ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 ¥7,125 ¥10,000 - ¥15,000 (per month)
Berlin €800 - €1,200 €80 to €90 €70 €100 - €200 (per month)
Shanghai Starting CNY 3,785 Starting CNY 250 CNY 200 CNY440 (per month)

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in UAE

Living in the UAE can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce your overall cost of living without compromising quality. Here are some practical tips to help you save:

  • Opt for affordable rent areas, such as Al Nahda in Dubai or Muwailih in Sharjah, instead of premium locations like Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah.
  • The UAE’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable. Using buses, the Dubai Metro or carpooling can save you significantly compared to owning and maintaining a private vehicle.
  • Shop at budget-friendly supermarkets such as Lulu, Carrefour, and Union Coop, and look for promotions or sales to reduce grocery expenses.
  • Eating at restaurants frequently can add up quickly. Cooking at home or choosing street food options and local eateries can help cut food costs.
  • Take advantage of the numerous free or low-cost events, beaches, parks, and community activities across the UAE to enjoy life without breaking the bank.
  • Renting a room in a shared apartment or villa can greatly reduce housing costs if you're single or don't mind sharing.
  • Save on utility bills by being mindful of energy consumption. Use energy-efficient appliances, switch off lights and electronics when not in use, and maintain moderate air conditioning.

By adopting these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the UAE while keeping your expenses in check. The UAE is generally affordable compared to many Western European countries. Whether you are a student, single, couple, or family, understanding the cost of living will assist you in planning adequately for your experiences in UAE. 

This article provides all the information on the cost of living in UAE, from the monetary aspect to food and other necessities so that you can make the best out of your time and money in UAE.

FAQs on Cost of Living in UAE