Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE
A single person can expect to spend around AED 4,000 per month on living expenses, excluding rent.
A family of four can expect to spend around AED 12,500 per month on living expenses, excluding rent.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and offers a high standard of living. The cost of living can vary based on factors like housing, transportation, and lifestyle. Overall, Abu Dhabi is a relatively expensive city, but it's possible to live comfortably on a budget.
Housing Costs
Rental costs in Abu Dhabi can be relatively high, especially for expatriates. It's essential to budget for accommodation. Popular areas for expats include Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, and Saadiyat Island. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in these areas is around AED 5,500 per month. In the UAE, the rent is usually paid by cheques which you should pay in advance. Make sure you have a chequebook prior to renting your house. Depending on the building, you can pay anywhere between 1 to 6 cheques.
Transportation
Public transportation options are available, including buses and taxis. Owning a car is common, but it comes with expenses like fuel and maintenance. To book a taxi in Abu Dhabi, just use the Abu Dhabi Taxi app. Taxis are relatively affordable and very convenient, cheaper and more available than in Dubai. There is also not too much traffic in Abu Dhabi, so you can get around the city quickly.
Food and Dining
Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of dining options, from local eateries to upscale restaurants. Your dining choices can significantly impact your monthly expenses. An example would be a meal at Bonna Annee, a popular restaurant in Abu Dhabi. A meal for two people costs around AED 100. Whereas a meal at Butcher's Still easily goes to 1000 AED.
Looking for a job in Abu Dhabi? Check out our Abu Dhabi Job Board.
Utilities
Utilities like electricity, water, and gas are relatively affordable in Abu Dhabi. The average cost of utilities for a one-bedroom apartment is around AED 450 per month. This includes the house tax which is 5% of your rent. Internet is quite expensive in the UAE. You can expect to pay 200 AED per month for a 5G home internet connection. But the most common plan is the one including TV and telephone. The main brands are Du and Etisalat. Mobile plans are also quite expensive with Virgin Mobile being the cheapest option.
Examples of Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
Here are some examples of the cost of living in Abu Dhabi:
- Single person with rent: AED 9,000 per month
- Family of four with rent: AED 20,500 per month