Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Sharjah — comprehensive monthly cost breakdown.
| Category | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment / month | AED 8,000–12,000 | AED 6,000–9,000 | AED 2,500–4,000 |
| 2BR Apartment / month | AED 12,000–18,000 | AED 9,000–14,000 | AED 4,000–7,000 |
| Groceries (family) / month | AED 2,000–3,000 | AED 2,000–3,000 | AED 1,500–2,500 |
| School fees (private) / year | AED 35,000–80,000 | AED 30,000–70,000 | AED 20,000–50,000 |
| Utilities (DEWA/ADDC/SEWA) / month | AED 400–800 | AED 300–600 | AED 300–600 |
| Petrol per litre (Special 95) | ~AED 3.07 | ~AED 3.07 | ~AED 3.07 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal (2 people) | AED 120–200 | AED 100–180 | AED 80–140 |
| Gym membership / month | AED 200–500 | AED 150–450 | AED 100–300 |
| Taxi / ride-hail per km | AED 1.96 (base + meter) | AED 1.82 + base | AED 1.70 approx. |
| Comfortable monthly lifestyle total | AED 18,000–35,000 | AED 15,000–28,000 | AED 10,000–18,000 |
Estimated total setup cost (Dubai)
AED 29,170 – AED 64,070
Includes visa, housing deposit, DEWA/ADDC, movers, and basic furniture
| Emirate | Lifestyle | Min. Salary Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Single professional | AED 12,000 | Shared accommodation, basic lifestyle |
| Dubai | Couple (no kids) | AED 20,000 | 1BR apartment, dining out occasionally |
| Dubai | Family with 2 kids | AED 35,000+ | Includes school fees, 2BR+, car |
| Abu Dhabi | Single professional | AED 10,000 | Shared/studio, comfortable |
| Abu Dhabi | Family with 2 kids | AED 28,000+ | 2BR, private school, car |
| Sharjah | Single professional | AED 7,000 | Very affordable; commute to Dubai adds cost |
| Sharjah | Family with 2 kids | AED 18,000+ | 2BR, school, comfortable lifestyle |