Cost Of Living For a Single Person in United Arab Emirates 2025

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in United Arab Emirates

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: AED
1,400 9,600 64,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $2,600 $18,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in United Arab Emirates

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in United Arab Emirates?

A single person in United Arab Emirates spends around 9,600 AED per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,400 AED or as high as 64,000 AED. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in United Arab Emirates


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in United Arab Emirates

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

15 AED 30 AED 50 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $8.2 $14

Restaurant meal for one

50 AED 75 AED 150 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $20 $41

Fine dining meal for one

100 AED 150 AED 600 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $41 $160

Cappuccino or latte

13 AED 20 AED 30 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.4 $8.2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

10 AED 12 AED 15 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.3 $4.1

12 eggs

7.5 AED 10 AED 15 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $4.1

Fresh whole chicken

17 AED 22 AED 31 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6 $8.5

Pack of beef

20 AED 30 AED 60 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $8.2 $16

Medium bag of rice

8.1 AED 11 AED 16 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $4.3

Bag of tomatos

3 AED 4 AED 7.5 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.1 $2

Bag of apples

5.4 AED 7 AED 12 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.9 $3.1
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in United Arab Emirates


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

13 AED 15 AED 30 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.1 $8.2

Average car full tank

75 AED 100 AED 200 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $54

Average car 1-day rental

75 AED 100 AED 150 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $41

Average car price

38,000 AED 75,000 AED 100,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10,000 $20,000 $27,000

Bus ticket one way

2.5 AED 3.8 AED 7.5 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.68 $1 $2

Car Service

100 AED 150 AED 300 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $41 $82
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in United Arab Emirates


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

82 AED 580 AED 3,900 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $160 $1,100

Internet and cable

75 AED 150 AED 200 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $41 $54

Mobile phone charges

60 AED 100 AED 300 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $27 $82

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

38 AED 50 AED 75 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $20

One month gym membership

120 AED 150 AED 300 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $41 $82
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in United Arab Emirates


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

88 AED 130 AED 190 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $34 $51

Woman dress

83 AED 120 AED 380 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $31 $100

Woman shoes

79 AED 110 AED 250 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $29 $68

Men's shoes

68 AED 83 AED 170 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $23 $45

Men suit

75 AED 94 AED 500 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $140

Regular t-shirt

38 AED 50 AED 150 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $41
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in United Arab Emirates


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

1,300 AED 1,900 AED 5,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $1,400

1-bedroom apartment

1,900 AED 3,000 AED 7,500 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $820 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment

2,500 AED 3,800 AED 10,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680 $1,000 $2,700

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

250,000 AED 380,000 AED 750,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68,000 $100,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment

300,000 AED 500,000 AED 1.9M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $140,000 $510,000

2-bedroom apartment

500,000 AED 1.5M AED 3M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $410,000 $820,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in United Arab Emirates


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

1,500 AED 1,900 AED 2,500 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $510 $680

Double Bed

1,000 AED 1,500 AED 1,900 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $410 $510

Single Bed

880 AED 1,200 AED 1,500 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $310 $410

Living Room

1,700 AED 2,100 AED 7,500 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $580 $2,000

Dining Table

750 AED 1,000 AED 1,900 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $270 $510

Sofa or Couch

1,000 AED 1,400 AED 3,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $370 $820
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in United Arab Emirates


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

1,000 AED 1,500 AED 3,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $410 $820

Fridge or Freezer

880 AED 1,400 AED 1,900 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $370 $510

Washing Machine

1,200 AED 1,700 AED 3,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $450 $820

Stove or Cooker

1,100 AED 1,400 AED 1,900 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $370 $510

Mobile Phone

1,300 AED 1,500 AED 2,100 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $410 $580

Laptop or Computer

1,400 AED 1,700 AED 3,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $450 $820
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in United Arab Emirates

Single person expenditure to income ratio in United Arab Emirates

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in United Arab Emirates

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. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

75%

68% to 84%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in United Arab Emirates spend around 75% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 68% of their income while some as high as 84%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in United Arab Emirates

How do individuals spend their money in United Arab Emirates?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


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 and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$130   490 AED
AVERAGE$950   3,500 AED
HIGH$6,300   23,000 AED
Per Month

Individuals in United Arab Emirates typically spend from 21% to 45% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 33% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 3,500 AED with expenditure ranging from 490 AED to 23,000 AED. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$22   82 AED
AVERAGE$160   580 AED
HIGH$1,100   3,900 AED
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in United Arab Emirates ranges from 3% to 12% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 580 AED with 82 AED and 3,900 AED being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$30   110 AED
AVERAGE$210   770 AED
HIGH$1,400   5,100 AED
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 110 AED to 5,100 AED in a month on commuting with 770 AED being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$60   220 AED
AVERAGE$420   1,500 AED
HIGH$2,800   10,000 AED
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in United Arab Emirates is 1,500 AED. The cost of groceries can range between 220 AED to 10,000 AED. Individuals spend on average about 18% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 23% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$34   120 AED
AVERAGE$240   870 AED
HIGH$1,600   5,800 AED
Per Month

Individuals in United Arab Emirates allocate 5% to 15% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 120 AED to 5,800 AED with 870 AED being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$19   69 AED
AVERAGE$130   480 AED
HIGH$880   3,200 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 69 AED to 3,200 AED with 480 AED being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$7.5   27 AED
AVERAGE$53   190 AED
HIGH$350   1,300 AED
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 190 AED per month with 27 AED being the minimum spent amount and 1,300 AED being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$67   250 AED
AVERAGE$470   1,700 AED
HIGH$3,200   12,000 AED
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in United Arab Emirates

What percentage of individuals in United Arab Emirates are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
71%
Not Saving
29%

Almost 71% of surveyed individuals in United Arab Emirates said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 29% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in United Arab Emirates

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.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

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.

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

430 AED
$120
3,900 AED
$1,000
26,000 AED
$7,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 13% to 32% of their monthly income to their savings, with 21% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 3,900 AED with 430 AED and 26,000 AED being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in United Arab Emirates

Saving Challenges in United Arab Emirates

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in United Arab Emirates. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the individuals 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. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% 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. 9% of individuals 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. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% 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. 11% 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.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in United Arab Emirates

Typical saving choices for individuals in United Arab Emirates

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

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.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in United Arab Emirates

Affordable living in United Arab Emirates

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in United Arab Emirates?


Yes
76%
No
24%

Around 76% of surveyed individuals think that living in United Arab Emirates is affordable with proper budgeting while 24% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in United Arab Emirates

Low-cost alternatives in United Arab Emirates

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 individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options62%

Few low-cost options38%


Based on the survey, 62% of the individuals living in United Arab Emirates have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

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 individuals of United Arab Emirates whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes75%

No25%


Based on the survey, 25% of the individuals living in United Arab Emirates said that they don't have an emergency fund while 75% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in United Arab Emirates

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 individuals in 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 single people 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 and targets of single people living in United Arab Emirates

Financial goals of individuals in United Arab Emirates

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in United Arab Emirates, 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 Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% 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. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in United Arab Emirates

Debt, loans, and mortgages in United Arab Emirates


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the individuals in United Arab Emirates have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in United Arab Emirates

Debt-to-income ratio in United Arab Emirates

Debt to income ratio

28%

20% to 38%

( 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 28% of a single person's monthly income in United Arab Emirates goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%12%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%18%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in United Arab Emirates pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in United Arab Emirates

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan22%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan37%

13% of debtors in United Arab Emirates confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in United Arab Emirates.


About credit score and debt management

Managing 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 United Arab Emirates

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of United Arab Emirates 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
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in United Arab Emirates

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in United Arab Emirates

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in United Arab Emirates

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 AED 1,900 AED 5,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $1,400

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,900 AED 3,000 AED 7,500 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $820 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,500 AED 3,800 AED 10,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680 $1,000 $2,700

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,000 AED 5,000 AED 14,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,400 $3,700

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

6,000 AED 15,000 AED 30,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,100 $8,200

Townhouse monthly rent cost

5,000 AED 7,500 AED 21,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $2,000 $5,800

House monthly rent cost

6,000 AED 15,000 AED 30,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,100 $8,200

Villa monthly rent cost

7,500 AED 19,000 AED 30,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $5,100 $8,200

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in United Arab Emirates ranges between 1,300 AED and 5,000 AED, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,900 AED to 7,500 AED. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,500 AED and 10,000 AED per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,000 AED to 14,000 AED. The average rent of a townhouse in United Arab Emirates is around 7,500 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 7,500 AED to 30,000 AED per month.



Apartment and house prices in United Arab Emirates

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

250,000 AED 380,000 AED 750,000 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68,000 $100,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment price

300,000 AED 500,000 AED 1.9M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $140,000 $510,000

2-bedroom apartment price

500,000 AED 1.5M AED 3M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $410,000 $820,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1.7M AED 2.5M AED 7.5M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450,000 $680,000 $2M

Townhouse price

2.1M AED 5M AED 19M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$580,000 $1.4M $5.1M

House price

2.5M AED 15M AED 21M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680,000 $4.1M $5.8M

Villa price

3M AED 17M AED 25M AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820,000 $4.5M $6.8M

The average price of a studio apartment in United Arab Emirates can range from 250,000 AED to 750,000 AED depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 300,000 AED to 1.9M AED. A villa can cost you 17M AED on average with prices ranging from 3M AED to 25M AED.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in United Arab Emirates 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


40 x116 monthly income 210
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in United Arab Emirates can be x116 to x210 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x116 multiples of the average monthly salary in United Arab Emirates.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in United Arab Emirates is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% 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.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

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.


21 AED 280 AED 2,800 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 United Arab Emirates

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in United Arab Emirates

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

82 AED 580 AED 3,900 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $160 $1,100

Internet and cable cost

75 AED 150 AED 200 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $41 $54

Mobile phone bill and charges

60 AED 100 AED 300 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $27 $82

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 energy and water consumption of individuals is around 580 AED. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 75 AED to 200 AED with 150 AED being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 100 AED but can range between 60 AED and 300 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


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in United Arab Emirates is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in United Arab Emirates

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in United Arab Emirates

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

15 AED 30 AED 50 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $8.2 $14

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in United Arab Emirates is approximatly 30 AED with meal cost ranging from 15 AED to 50 AED. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

50 AED 75 AED 150 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $20 $41

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 75 AED being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in United Arab Emirates.

Fine dining meal for one price

100 AED 150 AED 600 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $41 $160

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 100 AED to 600 AED with the average cost being 150 AED for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in United Arab Emirates.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

13 AED 20 AED 30 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.4 $8.2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in United Arab Emirates is around 20 AED. Price ranges between 13 AED and 30 AED depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

10 AED 12 AED 15 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.3 $4.1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in United Arab Emirates is 12 AED. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 15 AED and the minimum being 10 AED depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

7.5 AED 10 AED 15 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $4.1

A dozen eggs costs around 10 AED on average with 7.5 AED and 15 AED being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

17 AED 22 AED 31 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6 $8.5

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in United Arab Emirates is between 17 AED and 31 AED depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 22 AED.

Pack of beef price

20 AED 30 AED 60 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $8.2 $16

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 30 AED. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

8.1 AED 11 AED 16 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $4.3

A bag of rice in United Arab Emirates costs around 11 AED on average with prices rangeing between 8.1 AED and 16 AED depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

3 AED 4 AED 7.5 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.1 $2

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 3 AED to 7.5 AED. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

5.4 AED 7 AED 12 AED
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.9 $3.1

A bag of apples costs 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


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in United Arab Emirates is around 26%. This means that individuals spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 220 AED to 10,000 AED with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

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