Cost Of Living in Abu Dhabi 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Abu Dhabi
Whether you're living in Abu Dhabi or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: AED
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: AED
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: AED
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: AED
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: AED
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Abu Dhabi is 9,900 AED. Expenses can range from 1,400 AED at the minimum level to 66,000 AED at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Abu Dhabi is 16,000 AED. Expenditure can range from 5,500 AED to 88,000 AED per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Abu Dhabi is 22,000 AED per month. Families spend anywhere from 7,700 AED to 140,000 AED.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Abu Dhabi is 7,100 AED. Students spend from 1,100 AED to 47,000 AED per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Abu Dhabi
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 36,000 AED | 72,000 AED | 96,000 AED |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
| 220 AED | 740 AED | 4,800 AED |
Utility Bill - Family
| 380 AED | 1,100 AED | 7,100 AED |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 1,300 AED | 1,900 AED | 5,100 AED |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1,900 AED | 3,100 AED | 7,700 AED |
2-bedroom apartment
| 2,600 AED | 3,800 AED | 10,000 AED |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 260,000 AED | 380,000 AED | 770,000 AED |
| $70,000 | $100,000 | $210,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 310,000 AED | 510,000 AED | 1.9M AED |
| $84,000 | $140,000 | $520,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 510,000 AED | 1.5M AED | 3.1M AED |
| $140,000 | $420,000 | $840,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 1,400 AED | 1,800 AED | 2,400 AED |
Double Bed
| 960 AED | 1,400 AED | 1,800 AED |
Single Bed
| 840 AED | 1,100 AED | 1,400 AED |
Living Room
| 1,600 AED | 2,000 AED | 7,200 AED |
Dining Table
| 720 AED | 960 AED | 1,800 AED |
Sofa or Couch
| 960 AED | 1,300 AED | 2,900 AED |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 960 AED | 1,400 AED | 2,900 AED |
Fridge or Freezer
| 840 AED | 1,300 AED | 1,800 AED |
Washing Machine
| 1,100 AED | 1,600 AED | 2,900 AED |
Stove or Cooker
| 1,000 AED | 1,300 AED | 1,800 AED |
Mobile Phone
| 1,200 AED | 1,400 AED | 2,000 AED |
Laptop or Computer
| 1,300 AED | 1,600 AED | 2,900 AED |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Abu Dhabi
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
85%
77% to 95%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 5% |
| 50% - 60% | 10% |
| 60% - 70% | 17% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 17% |
| 90% - 100% | 10% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Abu Dhabi is 85%
This means that on average, people spend around 85% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
86%
Couple
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
91%
Family
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
100%
How do people spend their money in Abu Dhabi?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure25%
25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)
| LOW | $90 330 AED |
| AVERAGE | $1,200 4,300 AED |
| HIGH | $12,000 43,000 AED |
| Per Month |
People living in Abu Dhabi typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 4,300 AED with expenditure ranging from 330 AED to 43,000 AED. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $15 55 AED |
| AVERAGE | $190 710 AED |
| HIGH | $1,900 7,100 AED |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Abu Dhabi ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 710 AED with 55 AED and 7,100 AED being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $30 110 AED |
| AVERAGE | $390 1,400 AED |
| HIGH | $3,900 14,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 110 AED to 14,000 AED on commuting with 1,400 AED being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $75 270 AED |
| AVERAGE | $970 3,600 AED |
| HIGH | $9,700 36,000 AED |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Abu Dhabi is 3,600 AED. The cost of groceries can range between 270 AED to 36,000 AED. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $21 77 AED |
| AVERAGE | $270 1,000 AED |
| HIGH | $2,700 10,000 AED |
| Per Month |
People in Abu Dhabi allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 77 AED to 10,000 AED with 1,000 AED being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $12 44 AED |
| AVERAGE | $160 570 AED |
| HIGH | $1,600 5,700 AED |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 44 AED to 5,700 AED with 570 AED being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $18 66 AED |
| AVERAGE | $230 860 AED |
| HIGH | $2,300 8,600 AED |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 860 AED per month with 66 AED being the minimum spent amount and 8,600 AED being the maximum.
Other Expenses13%
13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $39 140 AED |
| AVERAGE | $510 1,900 AED |
| HIGH | $5,100 19,000 AED |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Abu Dhabi every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Abu Dhabi manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 70% of the surveyed people in Abu Dhabi said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 30% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Abu Dhabi
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 73% | 27% |
| Couples | 68% | 33% |
| Families | 62% | 38% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
440 AED
$120 | 5,700 AED
$1,600 | 57,000 AED
$16,000 |
For most people, 10% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 17% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 5,700 AED on average with savings ranging from 440 AED to 57,000 AED.
73% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 68% of couples said the same. 62% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Abu Dhabi?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
440 AED
$120 | 3,900 AED
$1,100 | 26,000 AED
$7,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 30% |
| 10% - 20% | 24% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 13% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 22% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,900 AED with 440 AED and 26,000 AED being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
2,200 AED
$600 | 6,600 AED
$1,800 | 35,000 AED
$9,600 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 10% |
| 40% - 50% | 8% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 11% to 32% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 6,600 AED with 2,200 AED and 35,000 AED being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
3,100 AED
$840 | 8,800 AED
$2,400 | 57,000 AED
$16,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 29% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 5% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Abu Dhabi can save anywhere between 9.2% to 29% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 8,800 AED with 3,100 AED and 57,000 AED being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Abu Dhabi
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Abu Dhabi. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 16% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 19% |
| Inflation | 12% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Abu Dhabi
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 11% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 18% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 5% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Abu Dhabi
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Abu Dhabi?
Around 78% of surveyed residents think that living in Abu Dhabi is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Abu Dhabi
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options64%
Few low-cost options36%
Based on the survey, 64% of the people living in Abu Dhabi have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 36% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Abu Dhabi whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes77%
No23%
Based on the survey, 23% of the people living in Abu Dhabi said that they don't have an emergency fund while 77% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in United Arab Emirates
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy71%
We asked residents of United Arab Emirates whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 29% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 71% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of United Arab Emirates have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 23% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 77% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance23%
Easily manages finances77%
Financial goals of people in Abu Dhabi
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Abu Dhabi, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 37% |
| Retirement Savings | 9% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 9% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 11% |
| Financial Independence | 7% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Abu Dhabi
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Abu Dhabi and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in United Arab Emirates is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Abu Dhabi:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 40,000 AED |
| 30 | 80,000 AED |
| 35 | 140,000 AED |
| 40 | 200,000 AED |
| 45 | 300,000 AED |
| 50 | 420,000 AED |
| 55 | 500,000 AED |
| 60 | 620,000 AED |
| 65 | 740,000 AED |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Abu Dhabi about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 12% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Abu Dhabi 790 AED
$220 | 7,100 AED
$1,900 | 47,000 AED
$13,000 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Abu Dhabi
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 25% of the people in Abu Dhabi have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Abu Dhabi
Debt to income ratio
29%
21% to 39%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of the people's monthly income in Abu Dhabi goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 14% |
| 40% - 50% | 13% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 20% - 30% | 13% |
| 10% - 20% | 16% |
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Abu Dhabi pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Abu Dhabi
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 11% |
| Auto Loan | 19% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 27% |
| Personal Loan | 39% |
11% of debtors in Abu Dhabi confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Abu Dhabi.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Abu Dhabi
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Abu Dhabi how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 53% |
| Once a year | 23% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Abu Dhabi
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Abu Dhabi
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,300 AED | 1,900 AED | 5,100 AED |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,900 AED | 3,100 AED | 7,700 AED |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,600 AED | 3,800 AED | 10,000 AED |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 3,100 AED | 5,100 AED | 14,000 AED |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 6,200 AED | 15,000 AED | 31,000 AED |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 5,100 AED | 7,700 AED | 22,000 AED |
House monthly rent cost
| 6,200 AED | 15,000 AED | 31,000 AED |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 7,700 AED | 19,000 AED | 31,000 AED |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Abu Dhabi ranges between 1,300 AED and 5,100 AED, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,900 AED to 7,700 AED. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,600 AED and 10,000 AED per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,100 AED to 14,000 AED. The average rent of a townhouse in Abu Dhabi is around 7,700 AED while house rental costs can be as high as 15,000 AED per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,700 AED to 31,000 AED per month.
Apartment and house prices in Abu Dhabi
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 260,000 AED | 380,000 AED | 770,000 AED |
| $70,000 | $100,000 | $210,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 310,000 AED | 510,000 AED | 1.9M AED |
| $84,000 | $140,000 | $520,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 510,000 AED | 1.5M AED | 3.1M AED |
| $140,000 | $420,000 | $840,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 1.7M AED | 2.6M AED | 7.7M AED |
Townhouse price
| 2.2M AED | 5.1M AED | 19M AED |
House price
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Abu Dhabi can range from 260,000 AED to 770,000 AED depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 310,000 AED to 1.9M AED. A villa can cost you 17M AED on average with prices ranging from 3.1M AED to 26M AED.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Abu Dhabi will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 41 | x119 monthly income | 215 |
Property prices in Abu Dhabi can be x119 to x215 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x119 multiples of the average monthly salary in Abu Dhabi.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Abu Dhabi is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 43% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
30% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Abu Dhabi
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Abu Dhabi
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 220 AED | 740 AED | 4,800 AED |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 380 AED | 1,100 AED | 7,100 AED |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Abu Dhabi ranges between 84 AED and 4,000 AED with average being 590 AED, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 740 AED with 220 AED and 4,800 AED being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 1,100 AED. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 72 AED to 190 AED with 140 AED being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 96 AED but can range between 57 AED and 290 AED depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Abu Dhabi is around 5.1%. This means that people pay 5.1% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.1% to 9.2% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Abu Dhabi
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Abu Dhabi
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Abu Dhabi is approximatly 29 AED with meal cost ranging from 14 AED to 48 AED. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 50 AED and 150 AED with 74 AED being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 99 AED to 590 AED with the average cost being 150 AED for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Abu Dhabi.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Abu Dhabi is around 19 AED. Price ranges between 12 AED and 29 AED depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Abu Dhabi is 11 AED. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 14 AED and the minimum being 9.6 AED depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 9.6 AED on average with 7.2 AED and 14 AED being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Abu Dhabi is between 16 AED and 30 AED depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 21 AED.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 29 AED. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Abu Dhabi costs around 11 AED on average with prices rangeing between 7.7 AED and 15 AED depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.9 AED to 7.2 AED. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 6.7 AED on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Abu Dhabi is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 1,600 AED per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 230 AED and 11,000 AED depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 2,300 AED per month. That number can be get as low as 770 AED or a high as 12,000 AED. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 1,400 AED to 26,000 AED with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Abu Dhabi
Housing cost for a single person31%
31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)
| LOW | $140 510 AED |
| AVERAGE | $970 3,600 AED |
| HIGH | $6,500 24,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $23 84 AED |
| AVERAGE | $160 590 AED |
| HIGH | $1,100 4,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $31 110 AED |
| AVERAGE | $220 790 AED |
| HIGH | $1,400 5,300 AED |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $61 230 AED |
| AVERAGE | $430 1,600 AED |
| HIGH | $2,900 11,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)
| LOW | $34 130 AED |
| AVERAGE | $240 890 AED |
| HIGH | $1,600 5,900 AED |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%
3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)
| LOW | $19 70 AED |
| AVERAGE | $130 490 AED |
| HIGH | $900 3,300 AED |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $7.7 28 AED |
| AVERAGE | $54 200 AED |
| HIGH | $360 1,300 AED |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $69 250 AED |
| AVERAGE | $480 1,800 AED |
| HIGH | $3,200 12,000 AED |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Abu Dhabi
Housing cost for a couple28%
28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)
| LOW | $510 1,900 AED |
| AVERAGE | $1,500 5,600 AED |
| HIGH | $8,100 30,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $60 220 AED |
| AVERAGE | $200 740 AED |
| HIGH | $1,300 4,800 AED |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)
| LOW | $180 660 AED |
| AVERAGE | $540 2,000 AED |
| HIGH | $2,900 11,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)
| LOW | $210 770 AED |
| AVERAGE | $630 2,300 AED |
| HIGH | $3,400 12,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $160 600 AED |
| AVERAGE | $490 1,800 AED |
| HIGH | $2,600 9,700 AED |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $90 330 AED |
| AVERAGE | $270 990 AED |
| HIGH | $1,400 5,300 AED |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $30 110 AED |
| AVERAGE | $90 330 AED |
| HIGH | $480 1,800 AED |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $250 930 AED |
| AVERAGE | $760 2,800 AED |
| HIGH | $4,100 15,000 AED |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Abu Dhabi
Housing cost for a family27%
27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)
| LOW | $670 2,500 AED |
| AVERAGE | $1,900 7,000 AED |
| HIGH | $12,000 46,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | $100 380 AED |
| AVERAGE | $300 1,100 AED |
| HIGH | $1,900 7,100 AED |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)
| LOW | $210 770 AED |
| AVERAGE | $600 2,200 AED |
| HIGH | $3,900 14,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)
| LOW | $380 1,400 AED |
| AVERAGE | $1,100 4,000 AED |
| HIGH | $7,000 26,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses10%
10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)
| LOW | $190 690 AED |
| AVERAGE | $600 2,200 AED |
| HIGH | $3,100 11,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $100 380 AED |
| AVERAGE | $300 1,100 AED |
| HIGH | $1,900 7,100 AED |
| Per Month |
Education Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | $290 1,100 AED |
| AVERAGE | $840 3,100 AED |
| HIGH | $5,400 20,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses15%
15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $170 620 AED |
| AVERAGE | $480 1,800 AED |
| HIGH | $3,100 11,000 AED |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Abu Dhabi
Housing costs for Student19%
19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $72 260 AED |
| AVERAGE | $470 1,700 AED |
| HIGH | $3,100 11,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $12 44 AED |
| AVERAGE | $78 280 AED |
| HIGH | $520 1,900 AED |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $21 77 AED |
| AVERAGE | $140 500 AED |
| HIGH | $910 3,300 AED |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $60 220 AED |
| AVERAGE | $390 1,400 AED |
| HIGH | $2,600 9,500 AED |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $18 66 AED |
| AVERAGE | $120 430 AED |
| HIGH | $780 2,800 AED |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $15 55 AED |
| AVERAGE | $97 360 AED |
| HIGH | $650 2,400 AED |
| Per Month |
Education Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $57 210 AED |
| AVERAGE | $370 1,400 AED |
| HIGH | $2,500 9,000 AED |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $45 160 AED |
| AVERAGE | $290 1,100 AED |
| HIGH | $1,900 7,100 AED |
| Per Month |
