Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates. Located on an island in the Persian Gulf, it is the main financial and cultural center in the Gulf region and therefore attracts people from all over the world.
Abu Dhabi offers a calm way of life and a great place to raise a family. It stands out as a perfect spot to settle in the emirates if you want to escape Dubai’s busy and chaotic city vibe. However, the cost of living in Abu Dhabi plays a big role when deciding whether to move or not to this Emirate.
Here in this article, we will explain to you in detail about the average cost of living in Abu Dhabi, depending on how you want to stay whether with family, as a couple or as a single. So, if you are curious to know about the cost of living in Abu Dhabi, read our detailed guide for more information.
Monthly Costs Overview
Living costs will vary based on lifestyle. A family of four in Abu Dhabi will need to think about school fees, bigger homes, groceries, and family healthcare. However, a single person living there will have to deal with much lower daily and monthly costs.
Couples, depending on their lifestyle choices, might find an easier balance with expenses, though they still need to budget for outings, meals, and shared costs.
Let’s break down these lifestyles further to see the exact expenses or cost of living in Abu Dhabi, and how they may shape your financial plan.
1. Typical Expenses to Support Families
A family of four residing in Abu Dhabi spends approximately AED 12,301 on a monthly basis. Living here costs 45.8% less than in New York when you exclude rent. School fees, which we discussed earlier under the Education Costs for Families section, are a separate expense. Apart from that, families will have to bear monthly expenses ranging from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000. These amounts depend on factors like housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation.
Monthly rent for a two to three-bedroom apartment or villa costs between AED 5,000 and AED 12,000. Utility bills may add another AED 600 to AED 1,200 to the expenses. Families should also set aside AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 more each month to cover healthcare, dining, and entertainment costs.
2. Typical Costs to Live as a Couple
By 2025, couples in Abu Dhabi should plan to spend around AED 18,000 to AED 25,000 each month. Living in a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between AED 6,000 and AED 12,000 for rent. Electricity, water, and internet together add up to about AED 648.
Groceries often amount to about AED 1,500, though the final cost depends on what people buy. Having dinner or lunch at restaurants might cost couples an extra amount of AED 1,000 to AED 2,000. In total, monthly living costs or costs of living in Abu Dhabi for two people would fall from AED 18,000 to AED 25,000.
3. Typical Living Costs for One Person
Monthly spending costs for a single person can add up to AED 3,500 to AED 4,000, excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom flat often costs between AED 5,000 and AED 8,000. Utility bills, including electricity, water, and internet, run from AED 1,000 to AED 1,500. Shopping cost for grocery items anywhere would range from AED 1,500 to AED 2,500.
Going out to eat can add another AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 and around costs about AED 1,000 to AED 2,500. Depending on lifestyle choices, overall spending stays close to this range.
Common Jobs and Expected Salaries in Abu Dhabi: Key Insights
Abu Dhabi’s strong economy creates many kinds of job openings. Competing for jobs as a foreigner may be a challenge but landing one is far from impossible. Jobs are abundant in sectors like tourism, finance, and technology. Your chances of getting hired often rely on your skills, work history, and personal connections.
Plenty of expats arrange their jobs before moving by checking sites such as LinkedIn, GulfTalent, or Bayt. Securing a work visa sponsored by the hiring company is necessary. While the process of obtaining this visa can sometimes feel complicated, the UAE prioritizes bringing in international talent giving foreigners access to quality career opportunities.
Leading Industries for Jobs in Abu Dhabi by 2025
Abu Dhabi provides a range of employment opportunities across various sectors. The main industries are:
- Oil and Gas
- Banking and Finance
- Healthcare
- Tourism and Hotels
- Engineering and Construction
- Teaching and Education
- Arts and Creative Work
What Should You Know About Salaries?
CEO Magazine reports that the UAE had the highest average salary in the GCC in 2024 sitting at AED 13,450 (US$3,663). Mercer, a global consulting company, expects salaries to rise by 4% in 2025.
Abu Dhabi offers good pay, though not every employer has the same perks. To live well, make sure to aim for job offers that include these benefits:
- A tax-free income
- Housing support
- Yearly tickets to visit home
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Schooling support for kids
- Final settlement benefits
Salaries in Abu Dhabi are good, but expenses can also add up. You should think and negotiate your job contract to ensure your pay covers the kind of lifestyle you want.
Ways to Cut Down Living Expenses in Abu Dhabi
Lowering living costs in Abu Dhabi can be tough, but small changes can help manage your budget better. Here are a few ideas:
- Sharing a rental space like an apartment or house can help cut down on rent and utilities.
- Abu Dhabi’s public transport network is reliable. Using buses or taxis might cost less than owning a car if you don’t travel.
- Cooking your own meals saves money. Shop for fresh items at local markets or grocery stores to keep costs low.
- Watch out for discounts and special offers at restaurants and supermarkets to save even more money.
- Abu Dhabi has plenty of attractions that won’t cost much, like parks, beaches, and cultural spots. Visit if you need a break from work.
- Keep track of what you earn and spend to understand where your money goes and spot areas to cut back.
- By modifying certain habits and remaining conscious of your expenditures, you can reduce the cost of living in Abu Dhabi.
Living Expenses in Abu Dhabi Compared to Other Cities
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are more expensive places to live compared to the others. Sharjah and Kuwait are known to be more budget friendly. Dubai stands out as the priciest overall, while Sharjah is the cheapest among the four places.
See the table below to learn more details:
| Area of Expense | Abu Dhabi (AED) | Dubai (AED) | Kuwait (AED) | Sharjah (AED) |
| Accommodatio | AED 1,200 – 1,800 | AED 700 – 2,500 | AED 500 – 1,500 | AED 600 – 1,000 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Key Points to Know Before You Move to Abu Dhabi
Think about these key details when planning to move to Abu Dhabi:
Visa: Get a valid work visa. Most employers arrange this for you. If you want to bring up your family, you must meet certain rules like earning a certain amount of money and having proper housing.
Housing: Rent prices change depending on where you live and what kind of place you choose. Some areas are way more expensive, so pick a location to fit your budget.
Local Laws and Customs: Abu Dhabi enforces strict rules on alcohol use in public places, and inappropriate clothing in public places. Learn and follow these laws to avoid trouble.
Cultural Sensitivity: Abu Dhabi being a Muslim country, places Islamic traditions at the heart of everyday life. People must respect religious practices like daily prayers and observances during Ramadan.
Healthcare: Medical facilities in Abu Dhabi are top-notch. However, health insurance is crucial because medical treatments can cost a lot without it.
Final Note
Planning a budget-friendly and easy life in Abu Dhabi means understanding what you need regarding money and expenses. Moving to a new place needs careful planning so think about the cost of rent, bills, travel, medical care, and schooling before deciding. Be clear about what fits your budget and make choices based on that.
