United Arab Emirates : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in United Arab Emirates
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Abu Dhabi?
Thinking about all the beauties and stunning skyscrapers that can be seen in Abu Dhabi, people consider it a very expensive place to live.
It is true that rental and property prices here are high and will be the greatest expense if you decide to settle there, but on the other hand petrol, food and clothing will be more affordable here than in many other countries in the world.
So, the price of everyday commodities combined with the pretty high salaries can make your living here a joyful experience.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Abu Dhabi
RESTAURANTS
If you are a restaurant lover, it is possible to eat out often in Abu Dhabi but only if you avoid five star restaurants.
So as not to make a hole in your wallet you should choose dining options that can suit lower budgets.
Do not get shocked by the price of alcohol, as it would definitely be much more expensive than in your home country.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $8.17 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $10.89 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.46 |
MARKETS
Even though eating out can be a joyful experience, preparing your meals at home can be a huge benefit for your budget.
There are several international food brands that can be found in Abu Dhabi’s supermarkets, but bear in mind that they can be expensive.
You might need to change your eating habits and buy good quality fruit and vegetables produced there.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.68 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.30 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.61 |
TRANSPORTATION
Abu Dhabi has several modes of public transport which connect some of the further areas of the city with the city center.
Gasoline is cheap here, and driving might not be such a great expense as it is in some other countries.
If you make use of the public transport for commuting, you will see how inexpensive it actually is.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $0.54 |
| Monthly Pass | $21.78 |
| Gasoline | $0.65 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Due to the very hot climate conditions, the usage of air-condition can result in significantly higher utility bills during summer, especially from May to August.
Otherwise, the basic services costs are lower than in Dubai, while the Internet access is also too expensive.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $116.18 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.12 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $106.93 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
In general, those who like spending quality leisure time would devote as much money as needed to that.
This is the reason why, no matter if the prices are high, Abu Dhabi residents spend more than 7% of their monthly budget on entertainment.
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $83.02 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $29.20 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $10.89 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
When compared with Dubai, Abu Dhabi is less expensive in terms of designer clothing items.
However, the amount of money spent on clothing is almost the same, only 2%.
The prices are high due to the great number of tourists visiting the city.
Low cost clothing is available and more affordable than branded items.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $57.48 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $45.78 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $82.11 |
RENT PER MONTH
Just as it is the case anywhere else in the world, rents in Abu Dhabi will vary significantly depending on the area you decide to live in, size of the place and the quality of it.
You cannot find accommodation at the price lower than $1000 and coming with a family will make these costs even higher.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $1420.08 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $1110.59 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $2877.46 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Abu Dhabi?
Based on data the amount spent on transportation and utilities is almost equal in Abu Dhabi, as those two costs are not so high here.
Pretty higher amount is given for sports and leisure activities than elsewhere even though the prices are not cheap, but probably because Abu Dhabi residents invest a lot in their health and fitness, as well as entertainment.
Food shopping will be quite an expense, and it is higher here than in other cities in the United Arab Emirates.
Average Costs Breakdown
Abu Dhabi: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Before deciding to settle in Abu Dhabi, foreigners can use all the given information to compare the cost of living here against that of their home cities and make a plan of their future expenses.
They might expect the high salaries, due to the great standard of living, but it is advisable to negotiate your future income with your employer, as the salary below the average would not be enough to cover all your expenses, considering the fact that you, as a newcomer, would need to pay the rent.
Abu Dhabi Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Abu Dhabi Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | LOW |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
Cost of Living by City in United Arab Emirates
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Dubai |
53.32 |
| Sharjah |
53.45 |
It sounds like Abu Dhabi has a fun mix of perks and splurges! High living costs might make the wallet cry a little, but at least you can fuel up your car and grab a bite without breaking the bank. Gotta love a city that balances out!
It’s interesting to hear how living in Abu Dhabi can be a mix of high rents and lower everyday costs. But honestly, is anyone really going to feel joyful about their bank account balance when the rent takes up half their paycheck? I guess it’s a trade-off, but it sounds like a bit of a balancing act to me.