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Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi for Bachelors & Family in 2025

Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, which attracts inhabitants from all over the world. The cost of living, including a 0% income tax, excellent security, and decent quality of life, are the key reasons for the emirate's rising popularity.

This emirate is a popular choice for foreigners settling in the UAE. Are you considering shifting to this city? Here is a summary of monthly costs in Abu Dhabi to help you prepare accordingly.

This article offers helpful information, such as factors determining the cost of living in Abu Dhabi, tips on reducing the cost of living, and more.

Team Digit

Average Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
Factors Determining the Cost of Living
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi vs Other Metro Cities
Important Things to Know
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi provides all the amenities required for a pleasant existence. See the table below for additional information on Abu Dhabi's average cost of living for bachelors, students, couples, and families:

Area of Expense	Cost
Rent	AED 17,000 - 29, 000
Groceries	AED 150 - 1,090
Basic utilities	AED 136 - 410
Transport	AED 100 - 1,500
Shopping	AED 80 - 2,000
Schooling of children	AED 600 - 26,300

Cost of Living in Dubai for Bachelors

The cost of living in Dubai for bachelors includes rent, utilities, transport, etc. Check out the table below for more specific numbers:

Area Of Expenses	Bachelors
Accommodation	AED 25,00 - 4,000
Groceries	AED 1,025
Transport	AED 400 - 1,500
Utilities	AED 1,000
Entertainment	AED 440 - 600
Wifi	AED 30 - 80
Bus Pass / Metro Pass	AED 22 - 44
Miscellaneous	AED 100 - 200

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi for Students

If you are a student residing in Abu Dhabi, then defining a budget for the living expenses in Abu Dhabi is necessary. The table below outlines some of the significant expenses:

Area of Expense	Students
Rent (shared apartment)	AED 11,305 - 32,403
Rent (single room PG)	AED 2,000 - 3,000
Food (monthly)	AED 5,000 - 10,000
Transportation (monthly)	AED 750 - 1,181
Utilities (monthly)	AED 1,000 - 2,500
Household expenses	AED 1,000 - 3,500
Miscellaneous	AED 400 - 900
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	AED 500 - 900

Cost of Living in Dubai for a Family

Family expenses include accommodation, transport, groceries, schooling and more. Take a look below for an approximate monthly expenses for a family:

Area of Expense	Families
Accommodation	AED 5,900 - 12,000
Groceries & Food	AED 4,000 - 6,000
Transport	AED 2,000 - 3,000
Utilities	AED 2,760
Entertainment & Shopping	AED 500 - 800
Education & Daycare	AED 6,000 - 12,000
Housemaid	AED 88 - 150
WiFi	AED 20 - 40
Miscellaneous	AED 40 - 80

Cost of Living in Dubai for Couples

The cost of living for a couple in Dubai typically includes accommodation, entertainment, dining out, etc. Look at the table below for detailed information:

Area of Expense	Couples
1 BHK apartment for rent	AED 5,000 - 9,000
2 BHK apartment for rent	AED 8,000 - 12,000
Electricity bill	AED 88 - 100
Bus pass	AED 22 - 30
Wi-Fi	AED 20 - 40
Groceries	AED 350 - 500
Meal for two	AED 100 - 300
Housemaid	AED 80 - 150
Miscellaneous	AED 50 - 80

Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

There are many factors on which the average cost of living in Abu Dhabi depends. Take a look below for detailed information:

1. Accommodation

The table below shows the price range of renting a living space in Abu Dhabi.

Classification of Rentals	Price Range
1 BHK	AED 85,000/year
2 BHK	AED 115,000/year
3 BHK	AED 160,000/year

Posh Areas of Abu Dhabi

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs of renting in some of the most affordable and posh areas of Abu Dhabi:

Area	1BHK	2BHK
AI Reem Island	AED 59,000	AED 88,000
Khalifa City	AED 41,000	AED 62,000
AI Muroor	AED 39,000	AED 53,000
AI Reef	AED 48,000	AED 60,000

Affordable Areas Of Abu Dhabi

Area	1BHK	2BHK
MBZ City	AED 35,000	AED 50,000
Hydra Village	AED 40,000	AED 48,000
AI Shamkha	AED 30,000	AED 45,000
Mussafah	AED 45,000	AED 60,000

2. Transportation

Transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are moderate. Here are some estimates; please see the chart below:

Category	Approximate Cost
One-way ticket (public transport)	AED 2 - 3
Monthly pass (public transport)	AED 87
Taxi Start	AED 12
Taxi 1 Hour	AED 30 - 50
Gasoline	AED 2.75 - 3.50

3. Groceries

For someone living independently, the cost of groceries plays a crucial role in deciding the average cost of living in Abu Dhabi.

Grocery	Price
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	AED 4- 10
Fresh Bread (500g)	AED 3- 13
Rice (white), (1kg)	AED 4- 17
Eggs (regular) (1 dozen)	AED 6- 22
Local Cheese (1kg)	AED 19 - 80
Chicken 1 kg (boneless)	AED 15 - 45
Apples (1kg)	AED 4- 10
Banana (1kg)	AED 5- 10
Oranges (1kg)	AED 3- 12
Tomato (1kg)	AED 2- 10
Potato (1kg)	AED 2- 6
Onion (1kg)	AED 2- 8
Lettuce (1 head)	AED 3- 10

4. Utilities

Monthly utility bills typically cover essential services such as electricity, water, mobile bills, and internet access. Check out the table below:

Monthly Utilities	Price
Basic (heating, cooling, electricity, water) for a house	AED 350 – 1000
Prepaid mobile bill	AED 100 – 300
Internet for cable, ADSL, unlimited data	AED 300 – 450

5. Entertainment

Dining out and other recreational activities also contribute to the cost of living. Here are some expenses you can check in the table below:

Area of Expense	Approximate Cost
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	AED 15 - 100
Meal for 2 People	AED 160 -425
Water	AED 1 - 3
Cappuccino	AED 11 -35
Coke / Pepsi	AED 3 - 8
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant	AED 180 - 500
McMeal at McDonald's	AED 30 - 40

6. Childcare

Apart from all the factors, the cost of living in Abu Dhabi also depends on childcare.

Schools and Childcare	Price
Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, monthly for 1 Child	AED 1500 – 4822
Primary schools	AED 25000 – 80, 000
International primary school, yearly for 1 child	AED 30, 000 – 90, 000

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

Reducing the cost of living in Abu Dhabi can be challenging, but with some strategic adjustments, it is possible to manage expenses more effectively. Here are some tips:

Renting a shared apartment or house can significantly lower your rent and utility bills.
Abu Dhabi has a well-connected public transport system. Buses and taxis can be more economical than owning a car, primarily if you don't commute frequently.
Preparing meals at home can save you a substantial amount. Look for fresh products at local markets and grocery stores.
Many restaurants and supermarkets offer promotions and discounts. Keep an eye out for these deals.
Abu Dhabi offers many accessible or affordable attractions, such as parks, beaches, and cultural sites. Go there when you want a break.
Track your income and expenses to see where your money is going and identify areas for reduction.

By making these few lifestyle changes and being mindful of your spending, you can effectively reduce your cost of living in Abu Dhabi.

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi vs Other Metro Cities

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have higher living costs than others. Sharjah and Kuwait have moderate and affordable living costs. Dubai has the highest overall prices, while Sharjah is the most affordable of the four cities.

Check out the table below for more details:

Area of Expense	Abu Dhabi (AED)	Dubai (AED)	Kuwait (AED)	Sharjah (AED)
Accommodation	AED 1,200 - 1,800	AED 700 - 2,500	AED 500 - 1,500	AED 600 - 1,000
Utilities	AED 150 - 250	AED 130 - 200	AED 100 - 150	AED 100 - 200
Groceries	AED 200 - 600	AED 200 - 600	AED 150 - 400	AED 100 - 300
Transportation	AED 50 - 80	AED 90 - 180	AED 40 - 80	AED 40 - 100
Dining Out	AED 120 - 300	AED 150 - 350	AED 100 - 300	AED 100 - 200
Entertainment	AED 100 - 200	AED 100 - 400	AED 100 - 200	AED 100 - 250
Education	AED 200 - 600	AED 200 - 1000	AED 100 - 800	AED 100 - 500
Healthcare	AED 300 - 500	AED 300 - 900	AED 200 - 500	AED 200 - 600
Overall Cost	AED 1600 - 4,000	AED 2000 - 5,000	AED 1100 - 2,500	AED 1050 - 2,000
Overall Verdict	High	Very High	Moderate	Moderate

Important Things to Know Before Moving to Abu Dhabi

Here are some essential things to keep in mind before making the move to Abu Dhabi:

Visa

Ensure you have a valid work visa, which your employer typically sponsors. Family members can be sponsored under specific conditions, such as meeting income and accommodation requirements.

Housing

Housing costs vary by location and type of accommodation. Consider the area carefully, as rent can be significantly higher in certain neighbourhoods.

Local Laws and Customs

Abu Dhabi has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, public behaviour, and dress codes, especially in public spaces. Be mindful of these rules to avoid legal issues.

Cultural Sensitivity

As a Muslim country, Abu Dhabi's Islamic traditions are central to life. Respect for religious practices, such as prayer times and Ramadan, is very important.

Weather

Abu Dhabi experiences extremely hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. So, prepare yourself to adjust to the heat, especially if you are moving from a cooler climate.

Healthcare

Abu Dhabi has excellent healthcare facilities, but health insurance is essential, as medical care can be expensive without it.

Taxes

There is no personal income tax in the UAE, which can be a financial benefit. However, value-added tax (VAT) is applied to goods and services.

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FAQs about the Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

All

Is it costly to live in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi is 45.8% less expensive than New York, excluding rent. The average cost of a family living in Abu Dhabi is around AED 12,301.

How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Abu Dhabi?

AED 15,000 to 20,000 is a sufficient salary for a single person to live comfortably. Moreover, for a family of four, AED 25,000 to 35,000.

Is AED 30,000 a good salary for Abu Dhabi?

Yes, AED 30,000 (monthly) is an excellent salary for living comfortably in Abu Dhabi.

What things are cheap in Abu Dhabi?

Some of the cheap things in Abu Dhabi include carpets, perfumes, jewels, crockery, and cooking utensils. Gold items are also affordable in Abu Dhabi. Aside from these, you can get good deals on Afghan shawls in Abu Dhabi.

How easy/hard is obtaining a driving license in Abu Dhabi?

Obtaining a driving license in Abu Dhabi isn’t a tough job. If you have the required driving skills and follow the rules, you can get your license on the first try.

Is salary tax-free in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, salaries are tax-free in Abu Dhabi. At present, there is no personal income tax in the UAE. So, you are under no obligation to register or report individual taxes.

How can travel insurance mitigate the financial risks associated with high living costs in cities like Abu Dhabi?

In cities where the cost of living is already high, unplanned expenses, like a delayed flight, lost luggage, or sudden medical visits, can add pressure to your budget. While it's important to manage your everyday expenses smartly, having travel insurance for these unexpected incidents helps you stay on track financially without feeling overwhelmed.