The cost of living in UAE varies by emirate, living style, your accommodation, food style, and transportation. Average monthly expenses for one person are approximately AED 3,500-4,500 (approximately INR 92,000-1.18L) per month, while those of a family of four are roughly AED 12,300-14,500 (approximately INR 3.23L-3.80L) per month excluding rent.
Housing costs are generally higher in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and other options may be available in other areas like Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah, depending on the area and type of property. Students can keep their expenses well controlled by sharing a home, preparing their own meals, and utilizing public transportation.
In this article, you will learn about the average cost of living in UAE, accommodation cost, food cost, transportation cost, utility expense, city-wise expenses, one-time moving cost, and a comparison of the cost of living in UAE vs India, followed by some tips on how you can plan and cut down on your monthly budget.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in UAE
The cost of living in UAE per month includes several regular expenses apart from rent. The following figures give an indicative range for common monthly categories:
Expense
Approximate Monthly Cost (AED/Approximately in INR)
Accommodation
AED 2,200-12,500 (approximately INR 57,706-3.28L)
Food and groceries
AED 350-1,200 (approximately INR 9,181-31,476)
Transportation
AED 95-350 (approximately INR 2,492-9,181)
Utilities
AED 450-1,300 (approximately INR 11,804-34,099)
Internet and mobile
AED 100-450 (approximately INR 2,623-11,804)
Personal expenses
AED 100-600 (approximately INR 2,623-15,738)
Entertainment
AED 45-600 (approximately INR 1,180-15,738)
These are indicative ranges rather than a fixed monthly budget. Accommodation creates the biggest difference, particularly between central and outer areas and between emirates.
If you’re looking for the best courses in UAE then read:
One of the major parts of the cost of living in UAE per month is accommodation. The rents differ considerably according to the emirate, neighbourhood, relation of the apartment to the city centre, apartment size, and sharing of the apartment.
The following table shows the wider rent ranges provided for apartments in and outside city centres:
Accommodation Type
Approximate Monthly Cost (AED/Approximately in INR)
House rent varies from one UAE to another. Students and working professionals can help contain housing costs by living in a shared apartment, or even in a property slightly outside of the city centre.
Food and Grocery Costs in UAE
Another consistent component of the cost of living in UAE for Indians and other international residents is food. The cost of groceries relies on what you have cooked at home, your product choices, and how frequently you dine out.
The table below shows common grocery prices from the provided UAE data:
When meals out at restaurants, delivery, and coffee become frequent, this can be one of the expenses that adds to the cost of living in UAE. The prices differ significantly depending on the type of restaurant and its area.
The following table shows common restaurant and beverage prices:
The cost of living in UAE involves a lot of expenses associated with transport, particularly for students and employees who commute between their workplaces and their respective schools or universities. The cost will vary from emirate to emirate and from door to door.
The following table shows common transportation costs:
It's possible to cut university travel expenses by walking or taking public transit for students who live near their university. If rides by taxi/ride-hailing are a regular occurrence, the monthly budget can be inflated.
Utilities and Internet Costs in UAE
Air conditioning bills can be a high cost, particularly for utilities when you have a high reliance on it. Your electricity, water, cooling, internet, and mobile services need to be taken into account when planning your budget.
The following are common utility and communication costs:
Electricity, water, cooling, and gas consumption, as well as the size of the apartment, are factors that can alter utility bills, as can the specific service providers. When renting an apartment, sharing living quarters can also help split up some parts of household expenses.
Other Living Expenses in UAE
Apart from rent, food, and transportation, the average cost of living in UAE includes spending money on personal/recreational care, clothes, fitness, entertainment, and other expenses. These costs vary significantly according to individual spending.
The following table gives an idea of some additional expenses:
Not every one of these costs is on a monthly basis. To keep track of clothing and school fees, as well as some recreation expenses, keep them on a separate spending line, and make the purchase of these items a specific goal to work for rather than regular monthly purchases.
There are some extra costs to consider when moving to UAE in addition to your normal cost of living in UAE per month. These are costs you should plan for before coming to Canada, so you won't have any unwelcome spending pressure on your initial budget.
One-time or initial costs that are common to include are:
Deposit for renting accommodation: Typically the amount of money that is needed to verify that a tenant can afford to rent a property and will pay the rent in the future.
Property agent/rental agency or broker fee: Fees charged to a property agent, rental agency or broker (may apply when using a property agent).
Electricity, water or service deposits: May be asked if you are opening a service.
First rental: You may be required to pay a rental deposit, if required by the rental policy.
Visa-related costs: Allow for any visa and residence processing fees that may occur.
Document attestation: It is necessary to have educational or personal documents attested, depending on their purpose.
Furniture and house-constituent objects: Especially applicable where a rental property is unfurnished.
Mobile connection and plan: You may need an initial mobile connection/plan.
Moves and local transport: Some additional costs for the airport transfers and transferring goods.
Keeping a separate amount for these expenses is useful because they can come before your regular monthly budget becomes predictable.
Cost of Living in Major Cities and Emirates in UAE
The cost of living is also different from emirate to emirate in UAE. Most hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also more costly, whereas certain areas may offer choices on rentals and daily life for expatriates.
The following ranges provide an overall monthly estimate for a single person:
Emirate/City
Approximate Monthly Cost (AED/Approximately in INR)
Dubai
AED 5,000-8,000 (INR 1.31L-2.10L)
Abu Dhabi
AED 4,500-7,500 (INR 1.18L-1.97L)
Sharjah
AED 3,500-5,500 (INR 91,805-1.44L)
Ajman
AED 3,000-5,000 (INR 78,690-1.31L)
Al Ain
AED 3,000-5,000 (INR 78,690-1.31L)
Ras Al Khaimah
AED 2,800-4,800 (INR 73,444-1.26L)
The highest overall cost of all these is Dubai, followed by Sharjah and Al Ain, Ajman, and possibly Ras Al Khaimah (but at a higher monthly budget). Accommodation and lifestyle will be the main factor determining expenditure.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the best places for foreign students and expatriates. When planning your budget, check the housing and city, food and drink, transport and utilities prices in each city if you're not sure how much you want to spend.
Expense
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
1-bedroom city-centre rent
AED 6,500-14,000 (INR 1.70L-3.67L)
AED 5,000-10,000 (INR 1.31L-2.62L)
1-bedroom outside centre
AED 4,500-7,000 (INR 1.18L-1.84L)
AED 3,000-6,500 (INR 78,690-1.70L)
Monthly public transport
AED 200-400 (INR 5,246-10,492)
Varies by route and pass
Utilities
AED 540.91-1,500 (INR 14,189-39,345)
Varies by property and usage
Mobile plan
AED 100-300 (INR 2,623-7,869)
AED 100-300 (INR 2,623-7,869)
On average, Dubai is more expensive to live in, especially in the center. However, while Abu Dhabi can be costly, it depends on the area, place to stay, and lifestyle of a person.
Cost of Living in UAE vs India
The cost of living in UAE is different from that in India, especially related to accommodation, dealing with transportation and utility expenses, and dining out. The following comparison is made using data for UAE and similar categories:
Expense
UAE
India
1-bedroom city-centre rent
AED 5,683.88 (INR 1.49L)
AED 521.45 (INR 13,677)
1-bedroom outside centre
AED 4,045.16 (INR 1.06L)
AED 328.60 (INR 8,619)
Inexpensive meal
AED 35 (INR 918)
AED 7.65 (INR 201)
Monthly public transport
AED 175 (INR 4,589)
AED 30.61 (INR 803)
Basic utilities
AED 715.03 (INR 18,751)
AED 136.59 (INR 3,582)
Mobile phone plan
AED 193.23 (INR 5,068)
AED 12.88 (INR 338)
Multiple regular costs are more expensive in UAE than in India. But there is a personal element too: living within an individual's means, housing arrangements, where and how.
How to Plan a Monthly Budget in UAE?
When you break down your monthly budget into fixed or variable costs, it will be easier to plan the cost of living in UAE per month. Include housing, then food, transport/utility costs, personal costs, and emergency savings.
Acknowledge and calculate the rent: The benefit of shared housing is that relatively low-priced accommodation is provided.
Make a guess on Food and Groceries: Assuming how much groceries you would be eating would be approximately the amount of dues you would be having to pay.
Transportation: Public transport, Taxi, transportation to/from work, fuel, etc.
Personal Spending: Keep extra money for clothing, entertainment, gym, dining out, and other personal items such as clothing.
Establish an Emergency Fund: Save some money that you could use for medical or emergency travel or repair expenses.
Personal Spending: Save something extra for clothes, entertainment, gym, meals out, and other personal items like clothes.
Establish an Emergency Fund: Save some money that you could use for medical or emergency travel or repair expenses.
Making lifestyle changes is not a must when trying to lower the cost of living in UAE. The right type of housing, sightseeing and food for your stay, and the right way to get around and entertain yourself can be a significant factor.
Shared Accommodation: Pay for it as two people share the house; rent and utilities can be cheaper each month.
Live Near Work/University is available: A bit more rent is well worth it to cut down on your commute for the day.
Use public transit: Metro, buses, and public transport in general can be cheaper than using the taxi service as often.
Cook at Home: Eating at home can help to cut down on the average restaurant or delivery bill.
Seek out the Cheapest Grocery Prices: Know grocery prices at various stores before purchasing everyday items.
This is not mandatory to make a lifestyle change when it comes to reducing expenses in UAE. The appropriate accommodation for your time, sightseeing, and food can make a big difference, as can the appropriate mode of transportation and means of entertaining yourself on your trip.
Conclusion
Housing, the cost of food, travel costs, utilities, and lifestyle costs are a key part of the cost of living in UAE. The average monthly cost (excluding rent) per person is AED 3,508.3 (approximately INR 92,023) and per family of 4 is AED 12,318 (approximately INR 3.23L).
Students may share a housing unit, have meals at home, use public transportation, and keep track of their usual costs to ensure a decent budget. The cost of living in UAE vs India comparison can also help a lot to Indian students and professionals to understand the difference before planning their move.
What is the average cost of living in UAE per month?
The cost of living in Dubai is, on average, approximately AED 3,508.3 (or INR 92,023) excluding accommodation per month. The real expenditure varies according to area and living expenses.
What is the cost of living in UAE for international students?
International students will need funds for accommodation, food, transportation/car hire, utilities, cell phone covers, and other necessities. Spending more money on monthly bills for pets and meals can save you some money.
How much does a student need to live in UAE?
Generally, a student's monthly allowance is dependent on housing and the way that the student lives. When establishing the monthly budget, various costs associated with shared accommodation, groceries, public transport, and personal expenses should be taken separately into account.
Is UAE expensive for Indian students?
Indian students can face high costs when it comes to buying their own homes and/or paying their regular bills in UAE. To control expenses: share accommodations, cook together, use public transportation, and keep an eye on expenses.
What is the cost of living in Dubai for students?
One of the largest expenses of living in Dubai for students is accommodation. Reducing housing costs by sharing can be a way of saving some money, whereas eating out often, frequent taxi trips, and renting an apartment in the center can lead to higher bills.
Is Dubai more expensive than Abu Dhabi?
The rentals in Dubai must be higher than usual in general, particularly in the center of the city. Real expenditure, however, will vary with the type of neighbourhood, type of accommodation, forms of transport, the type of food, and personal habits in both cities.
What is the cheapest emirate to live in UAE?
Several factors exist in favor of accommodation in Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain over Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Rates are, however, subject to local variation, the type of property, and availability.
How much does accommodation cost in UAE?
Accommodation packages are widely spread out across UAE. The rates of a one-bedroom apartment vary from AED 2,200-12,500 (approximately INR 5,7706-3.28L), depending on the location and the type of property.
How much does food cost in UAE per month?
The cost of food is based on the types of food you eat and how often you're out. Whether at the supermarket or restaurant, it is easy to find food at a few dirhams per unit, and meals will be considerably more expensive at establishments that serve food.
Can international students work part-time in UAE?
International students can work in compliance with UAE's employment laws. UAE regulations allow students to be trained and employed with their student permits and part-time work permits (with appropriate requirements).
How can students reduce their living costs in UAE?
To minimise costs, students may share living space, prepare meals at home, make use of public transport, do the weekly grocery shopping in bulk, avoid eating in and ordering out, or carefully monitor their weekly expenditure.
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